Wind Turbines
Small scale wind turbine installations generate clean and renewable energy with no harmful emissions and can help reduce a significant proportion of the UK's CO2 emissions. Payback times are, of course affected by wind speed.
Turbines can be roof-mounted or free standing. They need good wind conditions, and open, exposed sites are preferable. To determine site suitability, initial wind measurement is useful. Because wind power is intermittent, either a grid connection or battery is necessary for back-up. A structural survey should also be necessary for roof-mounted systems, and planning permission may be required, although this may vary from Local Authority to Local Authority Domestic wind turbines can attract grants from the Low Carbon Buildings Programme. |  |
British Wind Energy Association (BWEA)
The trade association of the UK wind industry. This site includes several fact sheets on British Wind Energy Association
http://www.bwea.com
BERR Low Carbon Buildings Programme (LCBP)
Find out about the LCBP grant programme for wind turbines. This site includes links to installers, products, manufacturers and grant application forms.
http://www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk/micro/wind/
BERR Wind Speed Database
Select your ordinance survey grid reference to find approximate wind speeds for your local area.
http://www.berr.gov.uk/energy/sources/renewables/explained/index.html
EST (Nov 2004) Installing small wind-powered electricity generating systems (CE72)
This guide provides system designers and installers with information to ensure that small wind energy systems comply with current UK standards and with industry Best Practice. 'Small' in this context means between about 500W and 25kW output, though most parts of this guide also apply to systems of other sizes.
www.est.org.uk/uploads/documents/housingbuildings/ce72.pdf
MCS 006 Micro and small wind scheme document
National House Building Council
The NHBC have produced two reports which review the opportunity for microgeneration and renewable technologies. The documents include guides to, technology overview, cost effectiveness and local impact.
http://www.nhbcfoundation.org/Portals/0/NF7%20-%20A%20Review http://www.nhbc.co.uk/NHBCpublications/LiteratureLibrary/
