Key factors to take into consideration when assessing the potential installation of small wind turbines

Purchasers of small wind turbines (3kW to 50kW) should assess the suitability of their proposed site in considerable detail and calculate the exact potential energy output of the turbine before purchasing.

In a new guide to buying an Iskra R9000 wind turbine, Evance advises that while assessing the potential installation five key factors are taken into consideration:

1. How much energy the turbine will generate:
• Using wind calculation tools such as NOABL to assess the proposed site
• Reading manufacturers’ energy output tables to calculate annual energy output for turbine.
• Identifying the exact location for the proposed turbine using Government MAGIC map facility

2. Suitability of the proposed site:
• Identifying potential obstructions
• Calculating space required to site the turbine for optimum energy output
• Selecting the most suitable tower
• Structuring electrical connections – on and off-grid

3. Planning considerations, allowing for:
• Military installations
• Proximity to neighbours
• Designated areas – National Parks & Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
• Civil airports
• Neighbours

4. Funding and available grants:
• Feed–in tariff from 1st April 2010 – offering 23p for each 1kWh generated and 5p for each 1kWh sold back to the grid
• Domestic grants from Low Carbon Buildings Programme and Energy Savings Trust
• Schools, community and farmers schemes
• Need for a Microgeneration Certifications Scheme certified installer

5. Total costs of turbine and installation, including:
• Site preparation
• Turbine
• Tower
• Cable trench and laying
• Foundations
• Grid connection
• Commissioning
• VAT rates

Claus Jacobsen, Sales and Marketing Director, Evance says: “We are seeing a huge growth in demand for small wind turbines from residential, agricultural and public sector customers but buying a turbine is a significant investment and careful planning will ensure a successful installation and efficient usage over 20 years. The new feed-in tariff that comes in next April will also make a fundamental change to the economics of wind turbine ownership and speed-up ROI making turbines an even more attractive purchase.”

The guide also details the process of buying and installing a turbine including planning application, grid connection, grant funding applications and selling surplus power.

Related categories:  Wind power 

Print version | Email this article | View other articles