The independent consultancy Encraft recently published a report on the performance of micro wind turbines. They looked at 26 case studies and within those 26, some sites were producing really poor energy outputs.

Of course, the press has pounced on this, stating that micro wind turbines are ineffective. The study included four rural turbines ten suburban and ten urban turbines. If you put a wind turbine where there the wind speed is low or the wind is very turbulent, i.e. anywhere near houses and trees, it won’t create much electricity at all. Yes, micro wind turbines can be ineffective… IF YOU PUT THEM IN THE WRONG PLACE. What you need to do is to apply is a bit of common sense – you wouldn’t install a hydro generator if you didn’t have a stream so why would you install a wind turbine if you don’t have any wind?

We think Encraft’s report is doing a good job because it is helping to educate people that wind turbines will only work well in windy places. What classes as ‘windy’ I hear you ask? Well if you are looking at installing a large scale wind turbine you want your wind speed to be at least 6 metres per second (m/s).  You can look for tell tale signs in nature – trees and hedges that a lopsided growth from continual impact from the wind – take a picture of a tree at right angles to the wind and use a ruler to draw a right angle on the tree if the tree moves away from the wind then you have a reasonable wind speed!   To install a micro wind turbine you want your wind speed to be at least 4.5 m/s. Again look to nature – you may not see a permanent wind pattern in trees and vegetation at that speed, but should be able to tell through experience and checking there are no obstructions in the way of the prevailing wind to your site. 

You can get an indication of what the wind speed in your area might be by visiting this sight:

http://www.berr.gov.uk/whatwedo/energy/sources/renewables/explained/wind/windspeed-database/page27326.html

The website Reduce Renew Recycle has reliable independent data from actual generators shows that the same turbine can perform in dramatically different ways depending on your site.

Make sure your installer specialises strong wind, not hot air.

So, how do you go the right way about getting a wind turbine installed? Well, we think we’ve got a good method on the Good Energy Shop. We supply microgeneration products that have a proven track record – we know this because some of our HomeGen customers have been generating energy with them for more than five years. We work with accredited installers that are committed to renewables and to providing solutions to climate change and would no sooner miss-sell a wind turbine than shoot a polar bear.

Ultimately it all boils down to how windy and how suitable your site is. You can find this out by completing Good Energy Shop Microgeneration Survey and we will evaluate your site for you so you make an informed choice on whether Micro wind is right for you.  

Hugo House

Good Energy Generation Team