Treeton Home Wind Turbine Installation
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Selling Excess Electricity Generated From Your Home Wind Turbine
One of the most appealing aspects of owning a home wind turbine is the potential to not only generate your own electricity but to also be able to sell any excess electricity back to the grid. This concept, often referred to as 'net metering' or 'feed-in tariffs', allows homeowners to become part of the energy solution, contributing to the national grid's renewable energy sources. But how does this process work, and what do you need to know to get started?
Firstly, it's important to understand that the ability for you to sell electricity back to the grid depends on the regulations in your area and the policies of your energy provider. In the UK, the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme has replaced the previous Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme. Under SEG, licensed electricity suppliers with a certain number of customers are obligated to offer a tariff and pay small-scale low-carbon generators, like home wind turbine owners, for the electricity they export back to the grid. The rate paid varies between suppliers, so it is worth shopping around to find the best deal. To qualify for the scheme your installation must meet certain criteria and be carried out by a certified installer. This ensures that it is safe and that it is capable of efficiently generating electricity.
Before you start, you will need to have a smart meter installed that can accurately measure the electricity you're exporting. This allows your energy provider to monitor how much power you're sending back and ensure you're compensated correctly. It's also a good idea to consider the size of your wind turbine and your household's energy consumption. If your turbine generates more electricity than you use, selling the surplus can be financially rewarding. However, if your consumption is high, the amount available to sell might be less, though still beneficial. Engaging with your energy provider early on can provide clarity on the process and help you understand the potential financial returns.
Our domestic wind turbine installers in Treeton are waiting for your call and are ready to answer any questions you may have about getting a new wind turbine installed
Comparing the Efficiency of Wind Turbines and Solar Panels
When it comes to choosing a renewable energy source for your home, wind turbines and solar panels are among the most popular options. Each has its own set of advantages and efficiency metrics, which can vary depending on several factors including location, climate, and the specific energy needs of your household. Understanding how the efficiency of wind turbines compares to solar panels is crucial for you if you are considering making an investment in renewable energy.
Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy in wind into electrical power. Their efficiency can be significantly influenced by the wind speed in the area, with higher speeds resulting in more power generation. In regions where wind speeds are consistently high, wind turbines can operate at an efficiency rate of 30-50%. This means that they are capable of converting up to half of the wind's kinetic energy into electricity. Solar panels, on the other hand, convert sunlight into electricity with an average efficiency rate of 15-20%. However, it's important to note that solar technology is rapidly advancing, and some high-efficiency panels now boast rates exceeding 22%. Solar panels tend to be more versatile than wind turbines, as they can generate electricity even on cloudy days, albeit at reduced efficiency.
One of the key differences between these two types of renewable energy sources is their dependency on environmental conditions. While solar panels require sunlight to generate power, their performance is relatively predictable and consistent throughout the year, especially in areas with a high number of sunny days. Wind turbines, however, can produce electricity 24 hours a day, provided there is enough wind. This makes them potentially more productive in areas with strong nocturnal winds or in locations where sunlight is less reliable. The choice between wind and solar power ultimately depends on specific local conditions as well as personal or household energy requirements.
Understanding the Electricity Generation Capacity of Home Wind Turbines
The question of how much electricity does a home wind turbine generate is a common one among homeowners who are considering powering their home with renewable energy. The answer, however, is not as straightforward as you might hope. How much electricity that a home wind turbine can generate depends on a variety of factors including:
- The turbine's size
- The wind speed at your location
- how efficiently the turbine converts wind into electrical energy
Generally, residential wind turbines range in size from small 400-watt models, suitable for supplementing power usage, to larger 20-kilowatt systems capable of fully powering your home.
The Amount Of Energy A Wind Turbine Can Generate
The amount of power that your wind turbine can generate is directly related to the wind speed in your area. Wind turbines start generating electricity at wind speeds of approximately 3-4 metres per second. This is known as the 'cut-in speed'. Maximum output is achieved at a specific wind speed, beyond which the turbine will not increase its power output. This is known as the 'rated speed'. For example, a 5-kilowatt wind turbine, in an area with average wind speeds of about 6 metres per second, could generate approximately 8,000 to 9,000 kilowatt-hours per year. This is roughly enough to cover the electricity consumption of a typical UK household.
However, it is important for you to have realistic expectations and understand that the wind conditions can vary greatly, even within the same region. Before making a decision, it is advisable that you have a detailed assessment of your specific site's wind resource. After the assessment you will be provided with a comprehensive report that can help you to predict you wind turbine's performance more accurately. In addition if you integrate your wind turbine system with a battery storage solution, then that can maximise its efficiency even more by ensuring that any excess energy that is generated during windy periods does not go to waste.
Our domestic wind turbine installers in Treeton are waiting for your call and are ready to answer any questions you may have about getting a new wind turbine installed
Home Wind Turbine Installation Frequently Asked Questions
What is cheaper solar panels or wind turbines?
At a large-scale, wind energy can be cheaper than solar. However, solar energy is more affordable for residential installations and smaller-scale consumers. Location also influences the cost. For example, solar power is likely cheaper per kWh and more efficient in an area with a lot of sunshine but little wind.
Can a 5kW wind turbine power a house?
A typical home uses approximately 10,649 kilowatt-hours (kWh), an average of 877 kWh per month. Depending on the average wind speed in the area, a wind turbine rated in the range of 5 to 15 kW would be required to make a significant contribution to this demand.
How much does a home wind turbine cost UK?
Small roof-mounted wind turbines usually aren't more than 0.5-1.5 kW, and cost around £2,000 to 3,000, including installation. Standalone (or pole-mounted) turbines can vary a lot in size and, therefore, in price. They can cost anywhere from £7,000 for a 1.5 kW system, to £70,000 for a 15 kW system.
Is a home wind turbine worth it UK?
Is a home wind turbine worth it UK? A well-sited 6kW turbine can generate around 9,000kWh a year, which could save you around £510 a year on your electricity bills*. The renewable energy generated could also save around 2,000kg of carbon dioxide a year. *Savings and SEG payments assume household occupants are out all day until 4pm.
Is a 2 or 3 blade wind turbine better?
Is a 2 or 3 blade wind turbine better? A two-blade turbine will be approximately 5% less efficient than a three-blade turbine, but will provide a higher return on investment due to lower costs.
What can a 5kW wind turbine power?
A 5kW turbine (average residential size, 18ft. rotor diameter) produces around 10,000 kWh per year in 12mph average winds, which is about 100% of what an average British home requires.