Wind turbines capture the winds kinetic energy and transform it into usable electricity. The rotation of the turbine drives an alternator which generates electrical power. This power then either runs in parallel with the national grid (and powers the house as normal) OR charges a bank of batteries (for off-grid properties).

Wind turbines are more difficult to install than PV’s but they do generate more power in the winter when it is most usually needed, and are also far more cost effective in terms of payback. However wind energy is generally less reliable during late summer months - for this reason off-grid systems often use a WIND/PV hybrid system, with the wind turbine providing most of the winter power (and PV providing summer power).

Photo: 6KW 'Proven' turbine on 15m tower on a farm in Carmarthen.

Although they have moving parts, Wind Turbines are more reliable than ever in terms of wear, with easily available and replaceable spares: Maintenance is minimal (and easily possible as DIY). Planning approval will almost always be required for domestic turbines (>100W).

Approx. grid-connected prices: Proven Engineering turbines (Scottish made - toughest in the world):

3.2KW ----- £13,500 }

6 KW ------ £21,500 } + VAT @ 5% & delivery

Payback period tends to be between 3-10 years depending on the site, and the design life of the turbines is 20+ years.

Sustainergy are the Welsh distributors for Proven turbines - the Proven 11 (6KW) is a simple and extremely tough Scottish made turbine, initially designed for extreme wind sites in the Outer Hebrides.

There have been thousands installed all over the world since it came on the market in 1998, and demand for this product is increasing so rapidly that Proven have had to do some serious factory expansion.

For further information see Proven 11.

Sustainergy are now the Welsh installers for the EOLTEC 6KW Scirocco turbine - this is an impressive sleek French design which has been around for several years now and uses very modern technology.

There are now many installed in the UK and this number will grow over the next year as the Scirocco becomes a competitor to the Proven 6KW. In the Orkneys (severe wind) there is a Proven 11 and an EOLTEC Scirocco installed very close together, and energy yield figures are being compared... The build qualityof the Scirocco is excellent, with precise engineering based on large scale wind farm turbines.

For further information see Scirroco

SUSTAINERGY are MCS / Low Carbon Buildings fully accredited installers