Wind Turbine for Home Power | A Simple Guide to Saving ENERGY & MONEY!

Generating Electricity At Home: Wind Turbines

With electricity prices threatening to rise as much as 20% by 2020 and government initiatives in place to help cover the cost of installation, there has never been a better time to invest in alternative methods of energy generation. Wind turbines are just one of the options available for domestic electricity generation.

How do wind turbines work?

Wind turbines catch wind in large blades that are then forced to turn when the wind blows. This movement generates electricity. Wind turbines have been adapted for domestic use and can be free standing or mounted on your roof to produce electricity. As with larger wind turbines, the stronger the wind, the more energy produced.

What are the advantages of wind electricity?

Installing a wind turbine is a great way of harnessing a free, renewable source of energy for use in your home. You can reduce your carbon footprint as wind turbines have no carbon emissions and in doing so you will cut the costs of your electricity bills. Wind turbines are particularly efficient because energy can be stored in batteries from windy days to be used on calmer days. Furthermore any excess electricity that you produce can be sold back to the National Grid – so no energy is wasted.

Is my property suitable for wind turbine installation?

Wind turbines certainly aren’t for everyone and there are several factors to consider when looking at whether wind electricity is suitable for your home. Wind turbines work best in particularly windy areas in positions that are unsheltered by other buildings or trees. The Energy Savings Trust has conducted a comprehensive survey of the UK that allows you to search the potential of wind-turbine electricity generation in your area based on postcode. You should also remember that even small domestic wind systems will usually require planning permission so you should check with your local authority to see whether or not you are allowed to build a wind turbine on your property.

How much does a wind turbine cost?

The cost of wind turbines varies depending on the size and system. A small roof mounted wind turbine costs around £2,000 while a larger system could cost as much as £15,000 to £24,000. Obviously the larger the installation, the greater the potential for electricity generation and the return on your investment. As well as saving money on your electricity bills you should also remember that excess electricity you generate can be sold back to the National Grid.

Installing a wind turbine in your home requires planning and careful consideration. If suitable you would be helping the environment and saving yourself money on your electricity and energy bills. More importantly, even a small wind turbine could produce up to 10,000kWh per year, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 5.5 tonnes and therefore greatly improving your carbon footprint.