The UK is one of Europe’s windiest countries, making it ideal for the development of home wind power. The technology is already out there, so if you live in a suitable location you could be generating your own clean home wind power and saving money – you could even sell excess energy to energy companies.
Why choose home wind power?
- the UK is one of Europe’s windiest countries, with 40 per cent of the continent’s total wind resource
- installing home wind turbines means you’ll reduce your energy bills
- sell excess energy back to the energy companies
- store energy for a windless day if you’re not connected to the National Grid
- create clean, green power and reduce your carbon footprint
Is home wind power for me?
Home wind power is a superb option if you’re in the right location. These are some things to consider before installing a home wind turbine:
- you need to be in a windy location for home wind power to be feasible, with an average windspeed of no less than 5 metres per second – find out if you’re in a suitable area
- home wind turbines need to be in exposed locations to work best, away from other buildings, or obstacles like hills or trees – a typical city centre home is too hemmed-in for wind power to be effective
- think about planning permission as home wind turbines normally need permission from your local council before installing
- home wind power is especially practical for homes that are in remote locations and not connected to the National Grid
Designed for use on board coastal and long distance cruising sail boats. They are also ideal for providing power for off grid homes. The Rutland 913 has an amazing low wind speed start up of just 5 knots. The 12 volt system generates 3.5amps @ 15 knots, 6amps @ 20 knots.
Types of home wind power turbines
Home wind power is generated by small wind turbines, sometimes called ‘microwind’ turbines, capable of producing enough power for a home’s lights and electrical appliances. Of course the stronger the wind, the more electricity is produced. There are two main types of micro wind turbines:
- roof mounted turbines, installed on the roof of a house where there is enough wind around. Can generate around 1kW to 2kW
- mast mounted turbines – free standing in open locations. Usually around 2.5kW to 6kW
At home the Rutland 504 is suitable to provide safe low voltage lighting to a shed or garage, or to run a garden fountain. It has, however, been designed for the weekend yachtsman and is well suited to motorhome owners. The Rutland 504 is lightweight, portable and easy to handle.
The costs and savings of home wind power
A 2.5kW mast mounted turbine system will cost around £15,000, including installation. This includes the mast, turbine, battery and inverters. Costs are dependent on the location and type of system.
Small roof mounted micro turbines are cheaper, and could come in at around £2,000 including installation. Studies from the Energy Saving Trust show that an efficient 6kW turbine could generate more than £3,000 in income and savings a year. It’ll also save around 5.5 tonnes of CO2 a year.
Making money from your excess energy
If you make more energy than you use and are connected to the National Grid, you can even sell your excess energy to electricity supply companies using the government’s Feed-in Tariff scheme.
If you’re not connected to the National Grid, excess energy can be stored in batteries to be used when the wind isn’t blowing.
Maintaining your turbine system
Home wind turbines can last for more than 20 years but will need maintenance every few years to make sure they’re in tip-top condition. Batteries typically last for between six and ten years.
Space saving, vertical axis wind turbine that can be used attached to small buidings, boats or caravans. It’s more suitable for areas where the wind direction changes as it does not need to facing the wind direction to work. Telescopic design means you can fold the generator to half its length when not in use or when there are high wind speeds.Buy from Maplin >>