Generate electricity at home with small-scale wind turbines

Wind turbines harness the power of the wind and use it to generate electricity. Small systems known as "microwind" turbines can produce enough electricity for the lights and electrical appliances in a typical home.

Over 40% of all the wind energy in Europe blows over Ireland & the UK, making it ideal country for microwind turbines.

    * How do microwind turbines work?
    * The benefits of wind electricity
    * Is wind electricity suitable for my home?
    * Making the most of wind electricity
    * Costs and savings

How do wind turbines work?

Wind turbines use large blades to catch the wind. When the wind blows the blades are forced round, driving a turbine which generates electricity. The stronger the wind, the more electricity produced.

There are two types of domestic-sized microwind turbine:

* Mast mounted: these are free standing and are erected in a suitably exposed position.

    * Roof mounted: these are smaller than mast mounted systems and can be installed on the roof of a home.

If your microwind system is connected to the National Grid then you can make money by selling any generated electricity to an electricity supply company.

If the turbine is not connected to the electricity grid then unused electricity can be stored in a battery for use when there is no wind.

In Ireland & the UK & we have over 40% of Europe's total wind energy

The benefits of wind electricity

    * Harness a plentiful energy source: we have over 40% of Europe's total wind energy.
    * Cut your carbon footprint: wind electricity is green, renewable energy and doesn't release any harmful carbon
      dioxide or other pollutants.
    * Cut your electricity bills: wind is free, so once you've paid for the initial installation your electricity costs will be
      reduced.
    * Store electricity for a calm day: if your home isn't connected to the National Grid you can store excess electricity
      in batteries and use it when there is no wind.

Is wind electricity suitable for my home?

To tell if a microwind turbine is right for you, there are a few key questions to consider:

    * Are there any large obstacles like buildings, trees or hills near your home? Microwind turbines work best in
      exposed locations, without turbulence caused by these type of obstacles
    * Is your home is a windy area? To be effective you need an average windspeed of more than 6m/s.
    * Is your home located away from the National Grid? Microwind systems are particularly suitable for use in remote
      locations where mains electricity is unavailable.
    * Do you need planning permission? Microwind systems normally do require permission from your local authority
      so check before you install a system.

Ideally, you should undertake a professional assessment of the local windspeed for a full year at the exact location where you plan to install a turbine.

To make the electricity you produce go further:

    * invest in energy efficient appliances - find energy saving products
    * use energy when the wind is blowing - do your laundry on a windy day to take advantage of the free electricity
    * charge up your batteries whenever you have excess electricity

Costs and savings

Costs for a roof mounted microwind system start at about €2,000. Larger mast mounted systems cost between €12,000 and €25,000, including installation. These provide enough electricity for lighting and appliances in a typical home.