Wind Energy and Wind-powered Electricity, in a nutshell, is natural Energy created by the force and speed of the wind, which is then in turn converted into actual electricity that can be used to power everyday appliances around your home. Finding an alternative form of energy for your home is something we could all do, finding the most accessible one for you is the only obstacle you face. The following article examines the benefits and potential issues you could face when thinking of moving over to Wind power

“How do I use Wind energy?”

This works by installing Microwind Wind Turbines atop, around, or nearby your home, which then uses the winds force and power to rotate Aerodynamic Blades, which then rotates a rotor from within, thus generating Electricity.

As wind is a completely natural source of Renewable Energy, no Greenhouse Gasses or Carbon Emissions are released into the atmosphere, making this one of the safest forms of electricity going, second best to the Solar Energy, Photovoltaic Systems (PV).

Now, unlike Solar Energy and the PV Systems, Wind Energy and the Microwind Wind Turbines haven’t received enough information back at this precise moment on exactly how much Energy, money, and Carbon is saved for installing these Systems, as it all depends on a few basic things that are currently being investigated in a nationwide study. As we’re sure you can guess, it all depends on the actual size of the Turbines installed, the position in which you install it, the location of your home, any objects, large trees, buildings or hilltops nearby that may effect the wind speed, and of course the wind speed and force in that particular area, and on that particular day. All these factors need to be taken into account in order to generate wind-powered electricity, and right now ‘The Energy Saving Trust’ has set up and is currently monitoring and undergoing a study on 100 different up and running Microwind Wind Turbines around the UK. Once these studies have been completed, it will provide more vital information and factual result for people looking to install Wind Turbines for their homes.

“But isn’t Windpower very expensive to set up?”

There are two types of Wind Turbines that you can purchase and install for your home; Roof Mounted Turbines and Mast Mounted Turbines. Roof Mounted Turbines are obviously mounted on the roof of your house and cost around about £1,000 to install. Like we mention previously, all the above factors need to be taken into account in order for it to run properly and effectively. Mast Mounted Turbines are larger freestanding Systems that are installed near to your home on a Mast, not on the roof. These consist of the Turbine itself, the Mast, Inverters, Battery Storage (more in this shortly), and of course the Installation. All this is inclusive and costs anything from £15,000-£30,000. Again, the same factors apply.

Both types of Turbines produce a Direct Current of electricity (DC) to the National Grid in order to work and power your home, however Systems that are not connected the National Grid will have to have a Battery Storage and an Inverter like we mention previously. This converts DC electricity to an Alternate Current (AC) in order for your System to still run effectively. To successfully run an average size home with a Domestic Turbine System, you’ll need to produce anything from one – six Kilowatts (kW).

If you’re thinking of installing a Wind Turbine for powering your home or building, then you must take into account of the following points:

The Wind Speed, power and force. These are much greater at a higher point; therefore installing the Turbine on a Mast or up high on a hill is most effective.
To run the Turbine successfully, make sure that there are no obstructions blocking the wind i.e. large buildings, other hilltops, or trees etc.
You need to take into account the wind speed in your area and the direction in which the wind is going. A Turbine will be ineffective if the wind speed is less 6 m/s.
For an average house your Turbine must produce around 1-6 Kilowatts (kW).

“Are There Any Problems I Should Know About?”

Before thinking of installing a Microwind Wind Turbine you may want ask for Qualified Professional help to Assess and work out your local Wind Speed in your area for the entire year to in turn see if it will be effective all year round. This may be time consuming and rather expensive but it’s by far the most efficient thing to do before actually spending money on the Turbine. You will also require permission from Local Authorities if you want to install the System, as both visual impact of the Turbine and noise are also a huge factor.

Wind Turbines have a life expectancy of about 25 years; and if you’re using Battery Storage, then these have a life expectancy of 10 years. Finally, if you’re thinking about this brilliant investment, then regular maintenance checks every couple of years are required in order to make sure that everything is working smoothly and running effectively.