Small Wind Turbines and Their Advantages

How can small wind turbines help you?

It’s a fact that energy is at a premium today. Many householders are looking at alternative ways to power their homes and electricity generated by small wind turbines is one of the simplest solutions available on the market. Wind turbines can reduce your utility bills and ensure that you have some power which you are solely responsible for. With so many options available to the average home owner, it can seem a bit of a minefield when first looking at what the right choice is for any given situation. There are some considerations to take into account before choosing a turbine for your home and it is worth considering them carefully before committing.

Small wind turbines need wind

It may seem like a silly observation to make...of course small wind turbines need wind! The question is how much wind does your property encounter on a regular basis? If you live high on a hill in a remote area, then the chances are that you will have plenty of wind to power a wind turbine, but if your home is surrounded by tall buildings or by other natural landscape anomalies such as trees or hills, then you may not be in the path of enough wind to generate a decent amount of power. Take a look at your situation and consider using an online wind speed predictor to get some idea of how suitable your property is for small wind turbines. By entering your postcode in the predictor, you can find out quickly what the average wind speeds are in your area. A speed of more than 5k/m is necessary in order to truly benefit from a turbine. Masts can help in some situations by raising the turbine above roof height it is sometimes possible to maximise the amount of wind which your turbine receives.

Do you live in a listed building?

Listed buildings are usually heavily protected by laws which prevent the addition of structures which may alter the appearance of the building from the inside and the outside. Similarly, some areas are subject to orders which prevent home owners from making any additions to their buildings which could possibly compromise the general view of the area. If in doubt, contact your local authority for clarification. Another and important point to remember, especially if your home is an older building, is that your roof should be in excellent repair before any structures are added to it. Turbines do produce some vibration and so roof tiles need to be secure. Wind turbines need little maintenance once installed, a regular check two or three times a year should suffice.

Can small wind turbines reduce costs?

This is an important question for most people, small wind turbines can indeed help to make your utility bills smaller. A well chosen site combined with a household which takes advantage of the Feed in Tariff can save in excess of £3,000 per annum...no small sum!

In a nutshell

• Small wind turbines can be a great option if you live in a suitable area.
• Check with your local authority before you make any purchases
• Test your wind speed