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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.

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Can A Home Wind Turbine Completely Replace My Need For Grid Electricity?

The idea of using a home wind turbine to completely cut ties with the grid and achieve energy independence is an appealing one for many. However, whether this is feasible for you will depend on several factors

  • Your energy consumption
  • The wind resource in your area
  • Your capacity for energy storage

The potential to go entirely off-grid with a wind turbine does exist, but it requires careful planning and consideration of your specific circumstances.

Firstly, it's important that you understand your home's energy needs. The average household's energy consumption varies widely, and so does the ability of a wind turbine to meet these needs. Wind turbines come in various sizes, and their electricity output is highly dependent on local wind speeds. In areas of the UK with consistent and strong winds, a suitably sized turbine could generate a significant portion of, or even all, your household's electricity needs. However, wind speed can be variable, and there will be times when it's not sufficient to power your home. This is where energy storage systems, such as batteries, come into play. They can store excess energy generated on windy days for use during calm periods, but the capacity needed to cover extended low-wind periods can be substantial and costly.

Moreover, the transition to being completely off-grid is not just about generating enough electricity. It's also about managing your energy use efficiently. This might involve changing how and when you use electricity, investing in energy-efficient appliances, and possibly even altering your lifestyle to some extent. Additionally, there are practical considerations, such as the initial investment for the turbine and storage system, maintenance costs, and planning permissions. While technology and storage solutions are continually improving, making the dream of going off-grid more attainable, it's a complex process that requires a significant commitment.

In conclusion, while it's technically possible for a home wind turbine to replace the need for grid electricity, achieving complete independence is challenging. It requires a combination of favourable conditions, including a good wind resource, a significant initial investment in equipment and storage, and a commitment to energy efficiency. For those considering this path, it's advisable to start with a detailed assessment of your energy needs and local wind conditions, possibly with the help of an expert. Going off-grid is a big step, but with the right preparation, it can be a rewarding journey towards sustainability and independence.

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Domestic Wind Turbine Installation FAQs

Can I install wind turbine on my property?

Can I install wind turbine on my property? The wind turbine must adhere to the MCS planning standards. The installation must not be sited on safeguarded land. One turbine is considered permitted development and the property must not have an Air Source Heat Pump installed already. Otherwise you need to ask for planning permission.

What is better solar panels or wind turbines?

What is better solar panels or wind turbines? Wind is a more efficient power source than solar. Compared to solar panels, wind turbines release less CO2 to the atmosphere, consume less energy, and produce more energy overall. In fact, one wind turbine can generate the same amount of electricity per kWh as about 48,704 solar panels.

What is the smallest wind turbine available for home use?

What is the smallest wind turbine available for home use? Small wind turbines used in residential applications typically range in size from 400 watts to 20 kilowatts, depending on the amount of electricity you want to generate.

Do wind turbines actually save money?

Do wind turbines actually save money? Wind energy does reduce electricity costs for you by displacing more expensive forms of energy, but this occurs only because wind has no fuel costs.

How big of a wind turbine do you need to power a house?

How big of a wind turbine do you need to power a house? A typical home uses approximately 877 kilowatt-hours of energy per month, in order to accommodate this, a wind turbine in the range of 5 to 15 kilowatts is required to make any sort of significant contribution to the home's energy usage. 13 Nov 2022

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