Using a wind powered turbine to generate domestic electricity can help to counter climate change. The Energy Saving Trust estimate that by 2050, small scale wind turbines could be generating 30- 40% of all UK electricity needs. A number of different types of domestic wind turbine are now on the market, making urban wind power more of viability. Financial feasibility for using these technologies is largely dependent on having an appropriately windy site, although grants are available to help with costs.
Different types of technology
Domestic wind turbines can either be large free standing units or smaller building integrated designs. Different styles of turbine (see images below) allow for either the horizontal wind typical of hill tops (horizontal axis) or the more turbulent and often vertical wind conditions found in urban areas (vertical axis). These systems can generate energy ranging from a few kWh per year to over 15,000kWh per year. As a guide, the average household uses about 3600kWh per year. There is therefore certainly the potential for a household to generate all it's electricity from wind power, providing the site is suitably windy and has an appropriate space/ strong wall on which to install the turbine.
Cost Effectiveness
The cost effectiveness of a domestic wind generator depends on factors such as the site, type of turbine and electricity markets. In terms of site, a constant wind speed of at least 4.5m/s or above is needed, with best performance at over 5-6m/s. See ‘further information' box for a link to the DTI's wind speed database to find out wind speeds at any location in the UK. Unobstructed hill tops are certainly preferable to valley locations. The site should be clear of obstructions between the turbine and the prevailing wind direction (usually south westerly). The location and size of site and the amount of energy required dictates the type of turbine to be purchased. Larger turbines will pay for themselves more quickly than smaller ones. Ensure the effectiveness of a turbine is maximised by making use of any excess energy generated during particularly windy periods. Grid connected systems are recommended, pumping excess energy into the national grid and earning cash back from your electricity supplier. Alternatively, use electric immersion heating elements in a tank to store the energy as heat. The electricity market effects the payback period of a wind turbine connected to the national grid. Current UK electricity companies pay about 3.5-4.5p per kWh for electricity generated by small turbines, yet can charge 8-11p per kWh of electricity from the national grid. Net metering arrangements are possible, but this is quite a complex area. You should seek advice from your installer about the best deals available. Currently the best offers appear to be from Scottish and Southern, Juice, Good Energy or Ecotricity, but the way they arrange their offers varies considerably.
Grants
Grants of up to 30% of the costs are available from the Low Carbon Buildings Programme. This can make using small scale wind power much more of a viable option and can make a big difference to the amount of time it takes for the turbine to pay for itself in reduced electricity bills.
For more information, call 0800 915 7722 or visit www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk.
Useful Contacts:Please note that this list is not exhaustive. The companies listed are offered as a starting point for your enquiries but with no implied recommendation as to their qualities of service to the public.
Windsave Ltd
0141 420 7400 www.windsave.com
Quiet Revolution
020 7014 3399 www.quietrevolution.co.uk/
Renewable Devices Energy Solutions Ltd
0131 535 3403 www.renewabledevices.com
AMPAIR Boost Energy Systems Ltd
01344 303 313 www.ampair.com
Iskra
08457 8385883 www.iskrawind.com
Britsh Wind Energy Association
DTI Wind speed database
www.dti.gov.uk/renewables/technologies/windspeed/online.html
Centre for Alternative Technology
European Wind Energy Association
