How much will it cost and what will I save?
There are several benefits to having a domestic wind turbine at your property. These include a reduction in your electricity bill, a return on your investment within three to five years using a feed-in tariff scheme and access to low cost, environmentally friendly source of sustainable energy. Some local areas offer a grant towards your investment in a wind turbine.
Do I need planning permission?
Before deciding on installing a wind turbine at your property, you need to have a site survey carried out to access if your property is suitable and to obtain an estimate of the wind speed. You will also need to contact your local planning authority to find out if planning permission is required. It should not be required if your turbine is only going to be temporary but permission is required for a permanent one. Following the introduction of National Planning Policy Statement 22 your local authority should be encouraging renewable energy resources.
To encourage your local council to grant permission the impact of your turbine on the environment should be kept to a minimum. You should therefore consider any noise, electrical interference or visual impact that it may cause. You may be asked for plans and drawings to help them make their decision and even if you don’t require planning permission there will still be building regulations that you will need to comply with. This will be particularly relevant if you have the turbine attached to the house as it will be necessary to ensure that it is safe and will cause no damage to the property. If you choose a mast turbine building regulations will only cover the electrics.
How much will it cost and what will I save?
To have a mast mounted turbine fitted will cost somewhere between £15,000 and £24,000 pounds while a microwind system fitted to the roof of your property will cost around £2,000.
It has been shown in recent monitoring that small domestic wind turbines, if they are well situated, can produce savings of approximately £3,200 when the Feed In Tariff is used.
What is involved?
When installing the turbine it is best to have it mounted on a high tower but with easy access for maintenance. It should also be clear of obstructions so that it has good access to the prevailing winds. It is necessary to have maintenance checks carried out on your turbine regularly and this should help it last over 20 years.
Gives information regarding the need for planning permission together with the costs and benefits involved.
