Wind:

Wind turns the blades of the wind turbine generator. The blades are attached to the hub which is attached to the gear shaft. When the wind blows, the blades and hub turn the shaft, which rotates inside the generator and produces electricity. The amount of power generated depends on the size of the blades and the swept area, the wind speed and wind availability. Wind power produces no pollutants or emissions during operation. Wind turbines are most often seen in modern wind farms, but can also be used on a small domestic scale both mounted on a roof and with ground foundations, it is ideal to have the rotor above any rooftops or trees. There are two types of these wind turbines, a horizontal axis turbine and a vertical axis turbine, horizontal being more common and more easily adaptable in size. Wind turbines are more efficient in exposed areas, and can produce useful power for 70-80% of the year.

Planning is required for erection of wind turbines, but small scale systems are supported nationally.

The cost of systems is still quite high, with a system up to 1kW costing around £3000, but systems from 1.5kW to 6kW are available and cost in the region of £4000 - £18000, these include installation costs. An annual check-up is required on a system, but the system should last for 20-25 years.

Before connecting your wind turbine to the electricity grid, you will need to meet the regulations of your local electricity distribution company. This varies with the installation size - if your wind turbine is rated at under 3.6kW for a single phase supply (or 11.2kW for a three phase supply) then you will only need to complete a G83 form that certifies that the system meets the applicable standards. These forms should be supplied by your installer or may be obtained from the local electricity distribution company. You should then have an automatic connection to the distribution network as long as you can comply with the terms set in G83. If your wind turbine is larger than this, you will need to contact your distribution company and negotiate directly for a connection.

You may also be eligible to earn additional payments for renewable electricity generated through the Government’s Renewables Obligation, by selling Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs). These ROCs are granted by the energy regulator, Ofgem, for every megawatt hour (MWh) of power generated from a renewable source. Each Certificate may be traded, and they currently have a value of around 3p per kWh, with the exact value dependent on the demand for, and availability of, renewable electricity. Some electricity companies, such as Good Energy, will aggregate renewable electricity production from their domestic customers, and pay you the value of the ROCs that they are able to sell on your behalf from this process on an annual basis. (A typical building-integrated renewable system will not generate enough electricity to earn a whole ROC in a year). There is normally a charge by the electricity company for acting as your agent in this aggregation process, and all small generators seeking ROCs must have a total generation meter approved by Ofgem. If your wind turbine system installed is very small, it may not prove economic to claim ROCs.