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Wind Power
A wind turbine creates electricity by using the wind's lift which forces to rotate aerodynamic blades that turns a rotor. Only a fraction of our electricity comes from this source despite the UK having over 40% of Europe's total wind energy.

How does it work?
Most small wind turbines available on the market generate direct current (DC) electricity. Systems not connected to the national grid require battery storage and an inverter to convert DC electricity to AC (alternating current - mains electricity)..

Wind systems can also be connected to the national electricity grid. A special inverter and controller converts DC electricity to AC. No battery storage is required. The local electricity company may buy unused or excess electricity or it may even be exported to the National Grid.

There are two types of wind turbines:

• Mast mounted – these are located near property that will use the electricity and are free
• standing.

• Roof mounted – these are installed on roofs of house and other buildings.

Benefits
Wind power is a clean, renewable source of energy which produces no carbon dioxide emissions or waste products.

Is it suitable for my home?
Turbines vary in power output and size from a few hundred watts to two or three megawatts (a system for a typical house would be 1 - 6 kilowatts).

If you are thinking about installing a turbine, you should consider the following -

• The higher the mast or roof, the stronger the winds are which means the turbine will produce •more energy.

• The perfect spot for a turbine would be an elevated position with clear exposure and not
• near any large trees, houses or other buildings that may cause obstruction.

• Off grid locations are particularly suitable for wind power.

Small-scale building-integrated wind turbines suitable for urban locations are also available to install in homes and other buildings. However, due to urban obstructions, such as other buildings, lack of wind speed these systems are quite ineffective.

You can visit the BERR website to find out the average wind speed in your area. Please also note that planning permission is usually required from your local authority.

Costs and savings

Roof mounted
These systems cost from £1,500. Factors such as location, obstructions and average wind speed will determine the amount of energy produced and at the moment there isn’t enough available data to provides cost and carbon savings.

Mast mounted
Systems that produce in the region of 2.5kW to 6kW normally cost between £10,000 - £25,000 installed. These costs are inclusive installation, the mast, the turbine, inverters, and any necessary battery storage.

20 years is the average life span of a turbine. They do require service checks to ensure maximum efficiency and for systems that require battery storage, batteries normally have to be replace between every 6 – 10 years.

Where can I find out more about installation?
You can also find details of installers in our UK directory by clicking the button below. They will also be able to inform you of any available grants.

source: Energy Savings Trust


		Home > Energy Advice > Renewables > Wind Power Wind Power A wind turbine creates electricity by using the wind's lift which forces to rotate aerodynamic blades that turns a rotor. Only a fraction of our electricity comes from this source despite the UK having over 40% of Europe's total wind energy. How does it work? Most small wind turbines available on the market generate direct current (DC) electricity. Systems not connected to the national grid require battery storage and an inverter to convert DC electricity to AC (alternating current - mains electricity).. Wind systems can also be connected to the national electricity grid. A special inverter and controller converts DC electricity to AC. No battery storage is required. The local electricity company may buy unused or excess electricity or it may even be exported to the National Grid. There are two types of wind turbines: • Mast mounted – these are located near property that will use the electricity and are free • standing. • Roof mounted – these are installed on roofs of house and other buildings. Benefits Wind power is a clean, renewable source of energy which produces no carbon dioxide emissions or waste products. Is it suitable for my home? Turbines vary in power output and size from a few hundred watts to two or three megawatts (a system for a typical house would be 1 - 6 kilowatts). If you are thinking about installing a turbine, you should consider the following - • The higher the mast or roof, the stronger the winds are which means the turbine will produce •more energy. • The perfect spot for a turbine would be an elevated position with clear exposure and not • near any large trees, houses or other buildings that may cause obstruction. • Off grid locations are particularly suitable for wind power. Small-scale building-integrated wind turbines suitable for urban locations are also available to install in homes and other buildings. However, due to urban obstructions, such as other buildings, lack of wind speed these systems are quite ineffective. You can visit the BERR website to find out the average wind speed in your area. Please also note that planning permission is usually required from your local authority. Costs and savings Roof mounted These systems cost from £1,500. Factors such as location, obstructions and average wind speed will determine the amount of energy produced and at the moment there isn’t enough available data to provides cost and carbon savings. Mast mounted Systems that produce in the region of 2.5kW to 6kW normally cost between £10,000 - £25,000 installed. These costs are inclusive installation, the mast, the turbine, inverters, and any necessary battery storage. 20 years is the average life span of a turbine. They do require service checks to ensure maximum efficiency and for systems that require battery storage, batteries normally have to be replace between every 6 – 10 years. Where can I find out more about installation? You can also find details of installers in our UK directory by clicking the button below. They will also be able to inform you of any available grants. source: Energy Savings Trust
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