Wind turbines harness the power of the wind and use it to generate electricity. Around 40% of all the wind-energy in Europe blows across Britain, providing free energy for small domestic turbines. These turbines catch the energy from the wind with blades, which drive a turbine which in turn generates electricity. Greater wind strengths produce more electricity.

Alva Northern can advise you about government grants for renewable energy sources such as wind generated energy. Save energy and money by using renewable energy sources

Domestic wind turbines can be mounted either on a roof (generating an output of around 1.5KW) or on a mast in a position exposed to the prevailing winds, (average output around 4KW). Costs range from £1,500 for a small microwind system up to £20,000 for a large mast system - including installation. Turbines should last around 20 years, and could save an average of £380 pa on electricity bills, with a saving of 2.6 tonnes of CO2 pa too.



You may even be able to get paid for the electricity you produce. You can sign up to a buy-back scheme with one of the energy suppliers.
There are two main tariffs available to do this:

* Export Tariffs: You are only paid for the electricity that is exported back to the electricity network (you are not paid for any electricity you use).

* Generation Tariffs: You are paid for all of the electricity that your system has generated even if you use it in your own home.

There are also some Set Price Tariffs available where a fixed amount is paid by the energy supplier based on the type or capacity of the installation. Obviously, the Generation Tarrif is one that provides an interesting revenue source!

Wind turbines and other wind powered energy systems will normally require planning permission from your local authority. Alva Surveyors can provide you with more information.