Wind Turbine FAQs
THE MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What size of wind turbine do I need?
2. How much electricity do wind turbines produce?
3. Does the system store extra electricity?
4. Do wind turbines require any maintenance?
5. Will I need planning permission?
6. Can I see any near where I live?
WHAT SIZE OF WIND TURBINE DO I NEED?
If you are sizing to meet your needs, a 6kW turbine is usually appropriate for a family home and a 15 or 20kW turbine is suitable for a larger home, small farm, etc. Larger machines of 80kW and 250 kW are available for premises with heavier electricity usage such as larger farms, leisure centres, industrial sites, rural hotels, etc. It is possible to install any size of turbine as an investment providing the electrical supply to your property can cope with the extra generation at your site. In many cases this can be upgraded to meet the requirements of your turbine.
HOW MUCH ELECTRICITY DO WIND TURBINES PRODUCE?
The output from your turbine will depend largely on the average wind speed in your area, the size of turbine installed and the height of the mast. Elevated and coastal areas usually offer best output. Historical wind speed maps should give an indication of your average wind speed however this cannot reflect the factors on your site so should be taken as an indication only. We will advise on the likely output based on our survey and the wind speed data available. We can also provide wind speed studies to determine your wind speed more accurately.
DOES THE WIND TURBINE SYSTEM STORE EXTRA ELECTRICITY?
Grid connected systems do not store any electricity as excess electricity is sold back to the grid. This avoids the higher purchase cost, maintenance and replacement of batteries.
DO WIND TURBINES REQUIRE ANY MAINTENANCE?
Smaller turbines require an annual maintenance session. Larger turbines usually require two sessions a year. These will be carried out by our trained installers to maintain the validity of your warranties.
WILL I NEED PLANNING PERMISSION TO ERECT A WIND TURBINE?
Yes you will. We will advise you on your application. Smaller turbines take 4-8 months, larger turbines can take over a year depending on the site. We will help with all aspects of your planning application.
CAN I SEE ANY NEAR TO WHERE I LIVE?
We hope to have someone in your area you can talk to, however we try to protect the privacy of our customers as much as possible (a fact you may well appreciate if you do decide to have a system installed yourself), so please be patient if it takes a while to organise.
