Wind Energy FAQs

If your question is not listed below, please email Microgen@goodenergyshop.co.uk. Not only we help to answer your question, but we will also add it to the list for future visitors to our site.

How do wind turbines work?
Can a wind turbine supply my heating too?
What sizes do wind turbines come in?
How do I decide which size turbine to install?
How can I make sure I get the best performance from my wind turbine?
Why is the average wind speed of my site so important?
What is best location for a wind turbine?
Why do you not sell roof mounted wind turbines?
What maintenance do wind turbines require and what are the typical costs of this?
In the survey you ask me to confirm the "distance (in metres) between my chosen site and my house/electricity meter" - Why?
What grants are available for domestic customers wanting to install a wind turbine?
What grants are available for business customers wanting to install a wind turbine?
Can I sell the electricity I generate from my wind turbine?

How do wind turbines work?
Wind turbines harness the wind's energy to create electricity. The wind turns the blades and as they rotate they are used to drive the turbine of the generator. The turbine rotates a magnet around a stationary conductor and this creates an electrical current. For a more detailed explanation please click here. 
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Can a wind turbine supply my heating too?
Wind turbines generate electricity. Wind turbines can be used to produce an electrically powered heating system such as night storage heaters.
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What sizes do wind turbines come in?
The size of a wind turbine is rated by its potential output. Turbines range from a few hundred Watts to over 3MegaWatts. The smallest turbine in our current range is the Proven 2.5KW which costs approx £12,500 to install. The biggest in our range is the 10KW Fortis Alize Wind Turbine which costs approx £34,000 to install. If you require a turbine bigger than 10KW please let us know and our installers should still be able to accommodate you. For more information about our full wind turbine range please click here.
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How do I decide which size turbine to install?
If you are looking to meet your electricity demand with your own generation then you will want to choose a turbine that can produce a similar amount of electricity to the amount you use. You may want to produce significantly more electricity than you use so that you can benefit from the sale of exported electricity. If you are uncertain of the size turbine you want, complete our survey and, working with our installers, we can recommend the turbine that we believe will meet your needs best. 
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How can I make sure I get the best performance from my wind turbine?
Wind turbines will only perform well in locations with a good wind resource. High ground in westerly regions with no obstructions between the turbine and the prevailing wind are good locations for wind turbines.
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The stronger the wind resource the more electricity you will generate. The power available from the wind is a function of the cube of the wind speed. Therefore a doubling of the wind speed gives eight times the power output from the turbine. All other things being equal, a turbine at a site with an average wind speed of 5 meters per second (m/s) will produce nearly twice as much power as a turbine at a location where the wind averages 4 m/s. We recommend that your site should have a minimum wind speed of 5 meters/second at 10 meters above ground level to help ensure your wind project is viable. To find out the average wind speed of your chosen site click here.

The power curve below illustrates how electricity production increases with wind speed.

 

What is best location for a wind turbine?
Typically, a good location for a wind turbine is on high ground facing between west and south west with a gradual slope leading descending in front of the turbine. There should be no tall obstacles within 50m of the turbine. Obstacles such as trees and other buildings create turbulence which can affect the turbine's overall performance. Avoiding conservation areas also helps as obtaining planning permission in these areas can be a more complex process.
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Why do you not sell roof mounted wind turbines?
We are currently researching the market for roof mounted wind turbines. When we are confident that we have found a suitable product that we can recommend we will add it to our microgeneration range.
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What maintenance do wind turbines require and what are the typical costs of this?
Small scale wind turbines will require some maintenance to ensure they continue to perform well and for their expected life span. Proven wind turbines require an annual maintenance check up, which is why they are designed with a tilt up tower to enable this. Fortis wind turbines require less servicing. It is recommended they are serviced each five years. Our installers will recommend what maintenance activities you should undertake.
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In the survey you ask me to confirm the "distance (in metres) between my chosen site and my house/electricity meter" - Why?
The length of cabling required can affect the overall cost of the installation. It is useful to be aware of this from the very beginning so we can provide you with an accurate quote for the cost of your installation.
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What grants are available for domestic customers wanting to install a wind turbine?
The Low Carbon Buildings Programme (LCBP) offers a grant of £1000 per kw capacity for wind turbines for domestic customers (up to a maximum of £2500). So to give you an example, a 2.5kw Wind Turbine would be eligible for a grant of £2,500. Click here for more information on the Low Carbon Buildings Scheme.
You may also find that your local council also has a local authority scheme that you could apply for. Why not contact them and find out?
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What grants are available for business customers wanting to install a wind turbine?
STREAMS 2A and 2B of the Low Carbon Buildings Programme, which were set up to offer grant schemes for businesses and small to medium enterprises, have now closed for new applications. Final deadlines for applications were; 14th September 2007 for Steam 2B and 28th September for Stream 2A.
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Can I sell the electricity I generate from my wind turbine?

The Good Energy HomeGen scheme pays 15p per KW - even if you use all the generated electricity yourself. Click here for more information on Good Energy's Generation Schemes.
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