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Wind power

Wind turbines use the power of the wind to turn blades and a rotor to create electricity. Using a renewable resource, like the wind, to produce clean, green energy can help to reduce climate change effects and could even save you money.

Which technology is right for you?

Different green energy technologies are more suited to some types of homes than others. Find out whether wind power is right for you, or whether you should be considering another technology, like solar power or micro-combined heat and power. The Energy Saving Trust's energy generation selector can help you do this.

How wind turbines work

Small-scale wind power is particularly suitable for remote locations where conventional methods of electricity supply are expensive or impractical

Individual wind turbines vary in size and power output from a few hundred watts to two or three megawatts (one megawatt equals 1,000 kilowatts).A typical domestic system for a home would be 2.5 to 6 kilowatts (kW), depending on the location and size of the house.

Small-scale wind power is particularly suitable for remote locations where conventional methods of electricity supply are expensive or impractical.

Most small wind turbines generate direct current (DC) electricity and store it in a battery. The DC electricity needs to be converted to AC (alternating current) for mains electricity. You also need a controller to divert power to another useful source (such as space and/or water heaters) when the battery is fully charged.

Wind systems can be installed where there is already a connection to the national grid. A special inverter and controller converts DC electricity to AC. Any unused or excess electricity can be exported to the grid and sold to the local electricity supply company.

It's common to combine this system with a diesel generator for use during periods of low wind speeds. A combined wind and diesel system gives greater efficiency and flexibility than a diesel-only system.

You can install wind systems where there is already a connection to the national grid. A special inverter and controller converts DC electricity to AC.

Installing a wind turbine

It's best to have the turbine high on a mast or tower, as wind speed increases with height. The ideal site is a hill with a flat, clear exposure, free from strong turbulence and obstructions like large trees, houses or other buildings.

Small wind turbines suitable for urban locations are also available to install in homes and other buildings. These still rely heavily on the site having a good wind speed, free from obstructions.

Ideally, you should undertake a professional assessment of the local wind speed for a full year at the exact location where you plan to install a turbine before proceeding. This is because the electricity generated is highly dependent on the speed and direction of the wind. The Energy Saving Trust says you should only consider a wind turbine when:

  • the local annual average wind speed is 5 metres per second (m/s) or more - you can check this using the link below
  • there are no major obstacles nearby such as buildings, trees or hills that are likely to reduce the wind speed or increase turbulence

You also have to consider conservation and planning issues, such as the visual impact and noise. You normally need permission from the local authority to install a system.

What wind turbines cost

Costs would include the turbine, mast, inverters, battery storage (if needed) and installation. But it's important to remember that costs always vary depending on location and the size and type of system.

How a wind turbine can save you money

Producing your own energy could be cheaper than buying it from energy companies. In addition, if you generate electricity through a wind turbine, the Northern Ireland Renewables Obligation entitles you to claim Renewables Obligation Certificates (ROCs) for every megawatt hour of electricity you generate.

Maintenance

Wind turbines can have a life of up to 22.5 years but require service checks every few years to make sure they work efficiently. For battery storage systems, typical battery life is around six to ten years, depending on the type, so batteries may have to be replaced at some point in the system's life.

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