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Domestic Wind Turbines

While we are able to offer a full range of PV Solar, Optimisers, Batteries and EV Charging options, there are currently limitations with MWT’s (Micro Wind Turbines) or DWT’s (Domestic Wind Turbines) .

Domestic Wind Turbines fall into two categories (HAWT) Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines and (VAWT) Vertical Axis Wind Turbines, two connectivity options, off-grid or grid-tied and typically range from 500w to 5kW output.

In order to fulfil our clients requirements we need to know:

  1. Do you want HAWT or VAWT?
  2. Do you want Off-Grid or Grid Tied?
  3. What output do you require?
  4. Where do you want your MWT installed?
  5. What is your budget?
 

Based on these factors, we can advise if it is possible to fulfil your requirements. We have provided a guide below that highlights the considerations that need to be taken into account when investing in a wind turbine system.

Simplr are happy to discuss any of the factors covered and work with you to provide a system that completely meets your energy needs.

2 wind turbines in a rural area

Types of Domestic Wind Turbines

In recent years, wind turbine technology has been continuously evolving, and both HAWTs and VAWTs have seen improvements in their performance, making them more effective and efficient at harnessing wind energy.

Both types of wind turbines have their advantages and disadvantages. HAWTs are more commonly used for large-scale electricity generation due to their higher efficiency and power output. On the other hand, VAWTs are sometimes preferred for specific applications, such as urban environments or decentralised power generation, where wind conditions are less predictable, and space is limited.

Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines (HAWT)

horizontal axis domestic wind turbine

  • Design

    HAWTs are the most common type of domestic wind turbine used for wind power generation. They have a horizontal rotor shaft, with blades attached to the shaft, and the entire assembly faces into the wind.

  • Efficiency

    HAWTs are generally more efficient than VAWTs, especially at higher wind speeds. This is because they can take advantage of the full force of the wind by facing directly into it and aligning with the prevailing wind direction.

  • Size

    HAWTs are typically larger in size and have higher power output compared to VAWTs. They are often used in utility-scale wind farms and can produce significant amounts of electricity for the grid.

  • Noise & Vibrations

    HAWTs may produce some noise and vibrations due to their size and rotational motion. However, their noise levels are usually well within acceptable limits and are not considered a major issue.

Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWT)

vertical axis domestic wind turbine

  • Design

    VAWTs have a vertical rotor shaft, and the blades radiate out from the center in a configuration that resembles an eggbeater or Darrieus-style design. They can capture wind from any direction without the need for a yaw mechanism to turn the turbine into the wind.

  • Efficiency

    VAWTs generally have a lower efficiency compared to HAWTs, especially at higher wind speeds. The drag-based design and complex aerodynamics can limit their ability to capture as much energy from the wind.

  • Size

    VAWTs are often smaller in size compared to HAWTs and are suitable for both residential and small-scale commercial applications. They are sometimes used in urban areas where the wind direction is more turbulent and unpredictable.

  • Noise & Vibrations

    VAWTs tend to produce less noise and vibrations compared to HAWTs due to their simpler design and slower rotational speed.

Grid Tied or Off-Grid?

AdVantages

  • Direct Power Supply

    Grid-tied wind turbines are connected to the local electrical grid, which allows them to directly supply electricity to the grid. This means that any excess power generated can be fed back into the grid, earning the turbine owner credits or payments from the utility company (net metering).

  • Lower upfront costs

    Grid-tied wind systems can be more cost-effective compared to off-grid setups since there is no need to invest in expensive batteries or backup power systems.

Grid Tied

drawbacks

  • Grid dependency

    Grid-tied turbines rely on the availability and stability of the electrical grid. If there's a grid outage, the turbine will not produce electricity, even if there's enough wind.

  • Grid regulations and interconnection costs

    Connecting a wind turbine to the grid may involve certain regulations and interconnection costs that could add complexity and expense to the installation process.

AdVantages

  • Energy Independence

    Off-grid wind turbines provide complete energy autonomy, allowing users to generate and store their own electricity without relying on the grid. This can be advantageous in remote or rural areas where grid access is limited or unreliable.

  • No Grid-related costs

    Off-grid systems avoid any interconnection costs or ongoing fees associated with grid-tied setups.

Off Grid

drawbacks

  • System complexity

    Off-grid systems are generally more complex to design and install, requiring careful planning and management of energy storage and consumption.

  • Energy storage requirements

    Off-grid wind turbines need energy storage solutions like batteries to store excess energy for use during low-wind periods. Batteries can add costs to the system and require maintenance.

Installation Methods

The choice between roof-mounted and standalone domestic wind turbines depends on factors such as available space, wind conditions, energy needs, and the specific application. Roof-mounted domestic wind turbines are suitable for smaller-scale power generation in urban areas with limited space, while standalone turbines are designed for larger-scale power generation in open and windier environments. 

We outline these factors in more detail below. However here at Simplr, we can advise on your specific situation for a bespoke installation…

Roof Mounted

Roof-mounted domestic wind turbine
  • Location: These turbines are installed directly on the roof of a building. They take advantage of the wind flow at the elevated level of the building.
  • Size: Roof-mounted turbines are generally smaller in size compared to standalone turbines. Their smaller size is intended to fit within the limited space available on rooftops.
  • Installation: They are often easier to install compared to standalone turbines since they don’t require additional support structures or foundation work. However, installation may still involve structural assessments to ensure the roof can handle the added weight and vibrations.
  • Wind Patterns: Wind patterns on rooftops can be more turbulent and unpredictable compared to open areas. Tall buildings, nearby obstacles, and uneven airflow can affect the efficiency and performance of rooftop turbines.
  • Output: Due to the potentially less consistent wind conditions and limited space for larger blades, rooftop turbines tend to produce less power compared to standalone turbines.
  • Urban Applications: Roof-mounted turbines are commonly used in urban and suburban areas where available land space for larger standalone turbines is limited. They can contribute to on-site power generation and reduce electricity costs.

Pole Mounted or Standalone

Standalone domestic wind turbine
  • Location: These turbines are placed in open areas with ample wind flow. They can be found in various settings, including rural landscapes, farmlands, and dedicated wind farms.
  • Size: Standalone turbines are larger in size compared to roof-mounted turbines. They have taller towers and larger rotor diameters to capture higher-altitude and more consistent wind speeds.
  • Foundation: They require a more substantial foundation to support the larger structure. This often involves digging and constructing a concrete foundation to anchor the tower securely.
  • Wind Exposure: Standalone turbines benefit from relatively unobstructed wind patterns, which results in more consistent and higher-speed wind flow compared to the often turbulent wind conditions on rooftops.
  • Output: Due to their larger size and more favourable wind conditions, standalone turbines can generate significantly more electricity compared to roof-mounted turbines.
  • Rural Applications: Standalone turbines are commonly used in rural and remote areas with open land available. They are a primary choice for utility-scale wind energy projects.

PLANNING PERMISSION

Roof-mounted Turbines

  • Need to be detached house and be surrounded by other detached houses in the vicinity.
  • Must comply to the MCS planning standards.
  • One domestic wind turbine is considered permitted development and the property must not have an air source heat pump installed already. Otherwise you need to ask for planning permission.
  • Including the blades, no part of the domestic wind turbine should protrude more than 3 metres above the highest part of the chimney, and the overall height of the house + wind turbine should not exceed 15m.
  • The distance between the ground and the lowest part of the wind turbine needs to exceed 5m
  • A minimum of 5m needs to be between your turbine and the boundary of your property.
  • The swept area of a building mounted wind turbine cannot exceed 3.8m2.
  • A wind turbine cannot be sited on the roof of a building within the grounds of a listed building.
  • If you live in a conservation area/world heritage site, you are not allowed to position the turbine on a wall that would make it visible from a highway.
  • The wind turbine must be removed as soon as practically possible when no longer needed for Microgeneration
  • Be sited as far as practically possible to limit the impact on amenity of the local area.
  • The installation must not be sited on safeguarded land.

Standalone Turbines

  • The domestic wind turbine must adhere to the MCS planning standards.
  • The installation must not be sited on safeguarded land.
  • One turbine is considered permitted development and the property must not have an Air Source Heat Pump installed already. Otherwise you need to ask for planning permission.
  • The highest part of the wind turbine blade must not exceed 11.1 metres.
  • The distance between the ground and the lowest part of the wind turbine needs to exceed 5m.
  • The turbine’s height + 10% is the distance that the wind turbine needs to be from the boundary of your property.
  • The swept area of the wind turbine cannot exceed 3.8m2
  • If you live in a conservation area/world heritage site, the closest part of the wind turbine needs to be further away from any highways than the closest part of the house.
  • Permitted development rights are not applicable for an installation on a listed building or on a building in a conservation area/world heritage site.
  • The blades cannot be coated in a reflective material.
  • When no longer needed for Microgeneration, the wind turbines are removed as soon as practically possible.