Home Wind Turbine Installation Offerton

Selling Excess Electricity Generated From Your Home Wind Turbine

One of the most appealing aspects of owning a home wind turbine is the potential to not only generate your own electricity but to also be able to sell any excess electricity back to the grid. This concept, often referred to as 'net metering' or 'feed-in tariffs', allows homeowners to become part of the energy solution, contributing to the national grid's renewable energy sources. But how does this process work, and what do you need to know to get started?

Firstly, it's important to understand that the ability for you to sell electricity back to the grid depends on the regulations in your area and the policies of your energy provider. In the UK, the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme has replaced the previous Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme. Under SEG, licensed electricity suppliers with a certain number of customers are obligated to offer a tariff and pay small-scale low-carbon generators, like home wind turbine owners, for the electricity they export back to the grid. The rate paid varies between suppliers, so it is worth shopping around to find the best deal. To qualify for the scheme your installation must meet certain criteria and be carried out by a certified installer. This ensures that it is safe and that it is capable of efficiently generating electricity.

Before you start, you will need to have a smart meter installed that can accurately measure the electricity you're exporting. This allows your energy provider to monitor how much power you're sending back and ensure you're compensated correctly. It's also a good idea to consider the size of your wind turbine and your household's energy consumption. If your turbine generates more electricity than you use, selling the surplus can be financially rewarding. However, if your consumption is high, the amount available to sell might be less, though still beneficial. Engaging with your energy provider early on can provide clarity on the process and help you understand the potential financial returns.

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Choosing the Right Size Wind Turbine for Your Home

Deciding on the appropriate size for a home wind turbine is a key step towards achieving energy self-sufficiency. It's not just about picking the biggest model or the one with the most appealing price tag. It is about finding a balance between your homes energy needs and the wind resource that is available where you live. The size of the wind turbine that you will need to install depends on several factors. These factors include:

• Your household's average energy consumption
• The wind speed in your area
• The amount of space available for installation.

Understanding your home's energy consumption

You can find what your homes average energy consumption is on your electricity bills. It is usually given in kilowatt-hours (kWh). This figure tells you how much power you use over a certain period. You can then use that figure to estimate the capacity of the wind turbine that you will need to meet your energy demands. For an average UK home, a wind turbine that is rated between 5 to 15 kilowatts may be sufficient, but this can vary widely depending on your specific energy usage and any efficiency measures that you have in place.

What is the wind speed in your area?

Assessing the wind speed at your property is crucial. The ideal is that you have a consistent wind speed of at least 5 to 6 metres per second, which is common in many parts of the UK. A professional assessment can give you a more accurate understanding of your site's wind resource.

Available Space

Larger turbines will produce more power but they require more room for installation and are also subject to stricter planning permissions. The smaller turbines, while they are less powerful, can be easier to install and may be more suitable for urban or residential areas that have limited space. It is also worth considering the wind turbine's height, as wind speed increases with altitude. A taller wind turbine will potentially capture more wind and therefore generate more electricity, but it will also be more visible and may require additional permissions to install.

Ultimately, the decision on what size of wind turbine you require should be made by having a detailed analysis of your energy needs, the wind speeds in your area, and the space available, possibly with the help of an expert in wind turbine installation.

What Is The Lifespan of Home Wind Turbines

One of the key thing that you need to consider before making an investment into a home wind turbine is understanding how long a home wind turbine would typically last. Generally, with proper maintenance and care, your home wind turbine can be expected to last between 20 to 25 years.

The lifespan of a wind turbine largely depends on the quality of its construction and the conditions it operates in.

• High-quality turbines that are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, including high winds, rain, and lightning, tend to have longer operational lives.
• The location of your turbine also plays a crucial role in its longevity. Turbines installed in areas with extreme weather conditions may require more frequent maintenance to keep them running efficiently.<.li>
• Regular maintenance checks are also essential to extend the life of your wind turbine. These checks can identify and rectify issues such as wear and tear on blades, electrical malfunctions, or lubrication needs before they become major problems.

Another factor that influences the lifespan of a home wind turbine is the technological advancements in turbine design and materials. Modern wind turbines are more efficient and durable than their predecessors, thanks to improvements in materials science and engineering. For instance, the use of stronger, lighter materials can reduce the stress on the turbine's components, thereby extending its operational life. As the technology evolves, you also have the option to upgrade certain parts of the turbine, such as the blades or the generator, to further enhance its efficiency and lifespan. This adaptability not only improves the turbine's performance over time but also contributes to a longer service life.

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Domestic Wind Turbine Installation Frequently Asked Questions

How big of a wind turbine is needed to power a house?

How big of a wind turbine is needed to power a house? A typical home uses approximately 10,649 kilowatt-hours (kWh), an average of 877 kWh per month. Depending on the average wind speed in the area, a wind turbine rated in the range of 5 to 15 kW would be required to make a significant contribution to this demand.

Can I have a small wind turbine at home in UK?

Can I have a small wind turbine at home in UK? You can install a roof-mounted wind turbine on your home in England as long as you meet these rules: Your installation meets Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) standards. You live in a detached home, surrounded by other detached homes. You only install a single turbine.

How long do small wind turbines last?

How long do small wind turbines last? Commercially available wind turbines range between 5 kW for small residential turbines and 5 MW for large scale utilities. Wind turbines are 20% to 40% efficient at converting wind into energy. The typical life span of a wind turbine is 20 years, with routine maintenance required every six months.

Is a garden wind turbine worth it?

Is a garden wind turbine worth it? This is almost 80% off electricity bills for the average three-bedroom house. Small roof-mounted wind turbines will save you a lot less. For example, a 1 kW roof-mounted wind turbine could save you around £177 a year on your electricity bills, or around 20% off the average home's electricity bills. 18 Jul 2023

Which is better solar panels or wind turbines?

Which is better solar panels or wind turbines? The most efficient residential solar panel on the market is able to convert 20% of energy harnessed from the sun. On the other hand, wind turbines can convert between 60% – 90% of the energy they harness from wind. So technically, wind energy is the front runner in efficiency when it comes to natural, clean energy.

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