Ask the Question

Paul R · Joined: 02 Apr 2006 Posts: 38 Location: Sunny England, UK

Not sure where to put this question, so feel free to tell me off if it's in the wrong place!
I'm thinking of getting a wind turbine for the back garden to try and start to reduce the cost of our electricity. The ones you can get from B&Q are about £1500 and it is estimated that they will provide up to 30% of your electricity.
Now, I realise that it's early days for these things so naturally I'm a bit wary. For a start, I thought the figures would be higher than 30%, but I live in a very windy area so hopefully the percentage will increase anyway. But like I said, I'm wary about jumping into something like this. Does anyone have any experience or advice?
Thanks in advance.

Dan · Site Admin Joined: 30 Jun 2002 Posts: 131 Location: UK

depends pn who you believe....

here's a few links:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2087-2136618,00.html

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,3604,1475034,00.html

http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/mortgages/article.html?in_article_id=405776&in_page_id=8

don't forget to get some money off the government to fund it !!!

thescruff · Moderator Joined: 03 May 2003 Posts: 4619 Location: Bath

Getting planning permission is the hardest part, but once that is out the way, there is no realistic reason for the turbine to supply the whole demand, and leave some left over to sell to the grid.

You need to disguss with an expert (not me) about the options, and the ground layout. Turbulance must be avoided at all costs, so you are looking to mount the turbine at an average 100 feet, more if trees and roof tops interfere with the wind direction.

Fixing them to chimneys, roof tops etc is not the best place, appart from the real risk of structural damage, you are in the most turbulant area possible.

I have several pages of stuff on the subject and will try and dig out the links, it may have to wait till next week though as I'm in Hospital this week. or at least part of.

Paul R · Joined: 02 Apr 2006 Posts: 38 Location: Sunny England, UK

Thanks for the advice. At the moment it seems that nobody really knows for sure. Might wait a while...!

gramps · Joined: 25 Jul 2006 Posts: 16 Location: midlands

dont quote me on this, but i am sure i have read that the law has been changed as regards to planning permission to try and get more people to go green. i dont think you need it in most cases except obviously listed buildings etc ? but like i say dont quote me lol