The energy in the wind turns the blades around the rotor. The rotor is connected to the main shaft, which spins a generator to create electricity.
A turbine should last for 25 years. Its life span is increased if regularly serviced.
Yes, planning consent for structures over 4m high is required. We have an in-house planning department with a 95% success rate on applications being granted first time round.
Send us your site postcode and we will let you know!
The UK Wind Speed Database provides the average wind speed for your area. By entering in your postcode it can tell you straightaway just how windy your site is. A site with an average wind speed of 4.8 upwards is sufficient enough to make a small wind turbine a worthwhile investment. Upon visiting a site, we will use our expert knowledge to establish where best a turbine would be placed on your site.
The sound of a wind turbine generating electricity is likely to be about the same level as the noise from a flowing stream about 50-100 metres away. Often the noise of the wind itself is louder.
The higher wind speed turbines that we install can be used in any wind. The design of the rotor automatically twists the blade as wind speed increases. This is so that the surface area of the blade reduces and limits the rotor speed, protecting itself.
A turbine will produce power down to a wind speed of 2.5 m/s. No power is generated below this. When connected to the grid you can draw power from the National Grid.
Turbines do not disturb livestock. Wind farming is very popular with farming because the land is continued to be used for growing crops or grazing livestock.
Full protection of electrical circuits is installed at manufacture. It may also be worth insuring the turbine against lightning damage.
Yes. These systems are the best way to run your house on wind power. It is a longer term investment which is directly interfaced with domestic wiring, using the National Grid as a battery feeding excess power into it through an export meter.
If the turbine produces more electricity than you are using, the surplus is sent into the grid and charged to your electricity supplier on your export meter. You will still receive FiTs as well as the export tariff for this electricity.
The wind turbines we install are grid connected. If there is a power cut your turbine is automatically switched off. This is a safety measure to stop electricity leaking on to the National Grid and to protect individuals working to restore the power supply.
The first stage is to obtain planning permission and apply for a new grid connection. It normally takes 15 weeks for this to be completed. From product order to commissioning, this can take a further 4 - 6 weeks. For larger turbines the manufacturer’s lead time is up to 4 months.
To reduce turbulence, it is better to site the turbine away from buildings and trees which would block the wind to the turbine. When installing and maintaining the turbine, the tower itself will need to be laid flat on the ground. A clear space equal to the height of the tower is adequate.
Our wind turbines are very reliable. Turbines should be checked annually to ensure they are in balance and the structural parts should be checked for damage. We have a maintenance team which ensures servicing is straightforward and completed when required.
Yes. Manufacturers' warranties cover the controls and wind turbine for 5 years.
For businesses, the standard rate of 20% applies. For domestic purchases, VAT of 5% is applied.
No – grants have been replaced with Feed-in Tariffs which came into effect in April 2010.
Have a look at our FiTs page (link) which gives details of what came into force in April 2010. We will keep you updated as and when announcements are made by the Government.