Wind Turbines FAQs
How Long does installation take?
This depends on the system you require installing and the amount of cabling and roofing work required. Generally between 1-5 days from arrival to commissioning your system.
Will I require planning permission for a Wind Turbine?
Yes, we will help liaise with your local planning authority to discuss the wind turbine as a planning application would normally be required. Typical reasons for rejection are:
- The physical appearance of the turbine,
- The vibrations or the noise associated with it's operation.
- It's location and it's fixing or mounting-type.
We will assist you with any planning issues you may have, although we will not be able to converse with the planning authority on your behalf.
How long will my system last?
The average lifetime of a wind turbine is in excess of 20 years. Different manufacturers of wind turbines have different warranty periods, and we’ll be happy to advise you on warranty terms.
What about Wind Turbine maintenance?
All Wind Turbine systems require servicing and an inspection annually. We carry out servicing on everything we install and will itemise the costs in any quotations.
Is there any assistance available in the form of grants?
The Department for Trade and Industry (DTi) can help with funding for your system under the Low Carbon Buildings Programme. This provides upto 50% of your installation costs or £2,500 whichever is lower. In order to obtain a grant, you must submit details of your project and a quotation from us. We will provide all the necessary information for your application and a decision typically takes 7 working days. Once the installation is complete, the DTi will refund the grant amount to you directly.
You must undertake a number of energy efficiency measures before you are eligible to apply for a Low Carbon Buildings Grant. These measures will ensure that you are minimising your energy requirements:
- Insulated the whole of the loft of the property to meet current building regulations e.g. 270mm of mineral wool loft insulation or suitable alternative
- Installed cavity wall insulation (if you have cavity walls)
- Fitted low energy light bulbs in all appropriate light fittings
- Installed basic controls for your heating system to include a room thermostat and a programmer or timer.
We recommend that you contact us as early as possible, it is sensible to incorporate much of this work at the same time or as part of an overall renewable energy installation as man hours can be saved, the duplication of work can be avoided and costs can be reduced.
Is my site windy enough for a Wind Turbine?
If the wind speed at a site is recorded over a year, it will be seen to vary about a mean wind speed value. This is the annual mean wind speed (AMWS) and is an indication of how much wind energy is available. In the UK, AMWS could be as low as 4 m/s (9.0 mph) for an inland site to around 8 m/s (13 mph) or higher on the most exposed sites.
In general, you need an AMWS of at least 4 m/s to be able to generate a reasonable amount of energy, ideally more than 4.5 m/s.
How high should the wind turbine tower be?
Our standard towers are 9, 12, 13, 15 and 18m metres high. In general, the higher the tower, the higher the average wind speed that the turbine will experience, but it may not always be the case. Our initial site survey will give you estimates of the expected energy output from the turbines at various tower heights and allow you to make an informed decision.
How much space do I need for a wind turbine?
Ideally, the turbine should be sited as far away as possible from buildings or trees, which may block the wind and cause turbulence. As a guide, the wind generator should be about twice the height of obstructions in front of it (for at least the prevailing wind direction).