Wood End Home Wind Turbine Installation
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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.
Our Wood End domestic wind turbine installers are waiting for your call
and are ready to answer any questions you may have about getting a new wind turbine installed
Can Installing A Home Wind Turbine Increase My Property Value
The installation of a home wind turbine is often seen as a step towards sustainability and energy independence. However, you might also be wondering whether your investment could also increase your property's market value. A wind turbine, by providing your home with a renewable energy source, can indeed make a property more attractive to potential buyers who value sustainability and are conscious of rising energy costs and therefore add value onto your home.
One of the key factors that contributes to the added value is the reduction in your electricity bills. A home that is equipped with a wind turbine is able to generate a significant portion of its own electricity requirements, thereby decreasing your reliance on grid-supplied power. This reduction in energy costs is a compelling selling point, as it promises future savings for prospective buyers. In addition to that, with the growing emphasis on green living, properties that offer renewable energy sources are becoming increasingly desirable. This trend is reflected in the willingness of buyers to pay a premium for homes that are seen as environmentally friendly and cost-efficient in the long run.
However, the extent to which a wind turbine increases your property's value can vary based on several factors, including:
- The location of your property
- The size and efficiency of the installed turbine
- The overall energy demand of your home
Properties that are in areas with higher wind speeds and more consistent wind patterns are likely to see a greater increase in value, as the turbines in these locations can produce more electricity and therefore, provide you with greater savings. It's also important for you to consider the aesthetics and the potential planning permissions that are associated with installing a wind turbine. These can impact both the feasibility of the installation and its reception on the market.
Understanding the Electricity Generation Capacity of Home Wind Turbines
The question of how much electricity does a home wind turbine generate is a common one among homeowners who are considering powering their home with renewable energy. The answer, however, is not as straightforward as you might hope. How much electricity that a home wind turbine can generate depends on a variety of factors including:
- The turbine's size
- The wind speed at your location
- how efficiently the turbine converts wind into electrical energy
Generally, residential wind turbines range in size from small 400-watt models, suitable for supplementing power usage, to larger 20-kilowatt systems capable of fully powering your home.
The Amount Of Energy A Wind Turbine Can Generate
The amount of power that your wind turbine can generate is directly related to the wind speed in your area. Wind turbines start generating electricity at wind speeds of approximately 3-4 metres per second. This is known as the 'cut-in speed'. Maximum output is achieved at a specific wind speed, beyond which the turbine will not increase its power output. This is known as the 'rated speed'. For example, a 5-kilowatt wind turbine, in an area with average wind speeds of about 6 metres per second, could generate approximately 8,000 to 9,000 kilowatt-hours per year. This is roughly enough to cover the electricity consumption of a typical UK household.
However, it is important for you to have realistic expectations and understand that the wind conditions can vary greatly, even within the same region. Before making a decision, it is advisable that you have a detailed assessment of your specific site's wind resource. After the assessment you will be provided with a comprehensive report that can help you to predict you wind turbine's performance more accurately. In addition if you integrate your wind turbine system with a battery storage solution, then that can maximise its efficiency even more by ensuring that any excess energy that is generated during windy periods does not go to waste.
Our Wood End domestic wind turbine installers are waiting for your call
and are ready to answer any questions you may have about getting a new wind turbine installed
Domestic Wind Turbine Installation FAQs
Why is wind power better than solar power?
Why is wind power better than solar power? The primary benefit of wind over solar power for your home is that wind turbines aren't dependent on sunlight. This means that they have the ability to generate power 24 hours a day, whereas solar panels only generate power during sunlight hours.
How close can a wind turbine be to a house UK?
How close can a wind turbine be to a house UK? England has no separation distance, although noise limits suggest a minimum separation distance of 350 metres for a typical wind turbine.
What can a 5kW wind turbine power?
What can a 5kW wind turbine power? A 5kW turbine (average residential size, 18ft. rotor diameter) produces around 10,000 kWh per year in 12mph average winds, which is about 100% of what an average British home requires.
Is a home wind turbine worth it UK?
Is a home wind turbine worth it UK? A well-sited 6kW turbine can generate around 9,000kWh a year, which could save you around £510 a year on your electricity bills*. The renewable energy generated could also save around 2,000kg of carbon dioxide a year. *Savings and SEG payments assume household occupants are out all day until 4pm.
Do wind turbines cost a lot to run?
Do wind turbines cost a lot to run? Operation and maintenance costs can be significant, but all of these machines are long-term investments continue to (hopefully) pay for themselves over time. A wind turbine study using German data showed that these costs can be 1-2 Eurocents per kilowatt hour (kWh) produced, on average.
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Our Wood End domestic wind turbine installers are waiting for your call
and are ready to answer any questions you may have about getting a new wind turbine installed