Utility Saving ExpertEnergyGuidesDomestic Wind Turbines

Harness the power of the wind with green wind turbines

Domestic wind turbines: Are they worth installing?

More than 10,000 wind turbines are now running onshore and offshore around the UK, and by 2030, the government expects to be generating one-third of its energy from wind.

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How wind energy works

Wind is the movement of air, caused by air pressure changes in the atmosphere. As the sun heats parts of the earth, it causes hot air to rise, leaving cool air to move from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure. This is otherwise known as wind.

Because the sun shines, the wind blows. This means that we’ll always have wind, as long as the sun shines, and even though we harness the power of the wind for energy, it won’t run out. Energy sources that replenish naturally by themselves are known as renewables.

The wind has been a power source since ancient travellers captured the wind in their sails to propel ships across the seas. Windmills have also been used by farmers to pump water and to grind grains.

More recently, we have used wind energy to generate electricity using turbines. Gusts of wind force the turbine’s blades to spin, which connects to a generator to produce electricity.

Using the power of the wind to generate your household or business electricity will allow you to run your appliances on renewable energy. What’s more, if you generate more electricity than you need, you can sell excess energy back to the grid through the feed-in tariff scheme.

Choosing renewable energy for your home

It’s important to think realistically about what is appropriate for your home, as renewable energy technologies aren’t well suited for every household.

Some wind turbines can be as tall as a 20-story building with three 60-meter blades, but smaller turbines can be installed on your land or attached to your building to produce electricity for your home or to help you power a small business.

However, you do still need adequate outdoor space and enough wind for your turbine to work effectively. Domestic wind power is most appropriate for rural and exposed homes in the UK.

Setting up your domestic wind turbine also requires an upfront investment. Energy Saving Trust reports that a typical 6kW wind turbine costs between £23,000 to £34,000.

Types of domestic wind turbines

The benefits of domestic wind turbines

  1. You can do your part for the environment

    Wind power turbines are an attractive option for generating environmentally friendly energy for your home.

    Wind is an unlimited resource that replenishes naturally and does not damage the environment. Therefore, you are guaranteed that electricity created through your wind turbines won’t produce any waste, pollutants or carbon emissions, making it entirely clean energy.

    Houses with wind turbines are thought to save almost 5 tonnes of carbon emissions compared to houses without them, each year. This makes wind turbine installation a good choice for energy-conscious individuals who are committed to reducing their impact on the environment.

  2. You can lower your energy bills

    Wind is free and you can harness as much of it as possible. Once you’ve made your investment by installing your turbine, you will have much lower energy bills. Some households won’t need to pay anything else for electricity, providing their wind turbine is in an exposed location.

    If you produce more energy than you need, you could even generate another stream of income through the UK Government’s feed-in tariffs. Through the feed-in tariff scheme, you will be eligible to export any excess green electricity you produce back to the grid, and you’ll be paid to do so.

    According to Energy Saving Trust, a well-sited 6kW pole-mounted turbine could save you around £250 a year on electricity bills and earn about £440 per year in payments.

Are domestic wind turbines cost-effective?

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