FAQs – Wind Power
The following frequently asked questions refer primarily to small wind turbines (ie. microwind turbines and small wind power units up to 11KW). For questions regarding the larger turbines in our portfolio, please contact us>>
Why use wind power?
Wind power has the greatest return on investment potential and is the most efficient of all types of renewable energy. Power is generated with virtually zero CO2 emissions.
What is a microwind turbine?
These are at the smaller end of our turbine range and can produce enough electricity for lighting and electrical appliances in a typical home. They are often referred to as small wind power systems.
Do I need planning permission?
Even for small wind turbines, there is a need to consider planning issues on a case by case basis. Local authority planning teams should be contacted for specific advice about your property.
Will I qualify for any grants or incentive payments?
The Government no longer offers grants for renewable energy systems, though it is always worth checking with your local authority about local initiatives or bulk buying possibilities through local green groups.
Feed-In Tariff payments were introduced to pay for renewable electricity generated by house holders using micro wind turbines. They offer a good return against the capital cost of the installation.
Find out more>>
Can I mount my micro wind turbine on the roof of one of my buildings?
Mosscliff Environmental Ltd are able to install roof-mounted wind turbines, but find that most small wind power requirements are best suited to a tower-mounted system.
The industry tends not to recommend a small wind generator in an urban environment for a number of reasons: increased turbulence, resulting in higher stresses on the turbine and lower energy capture for any given wind speed; increased margins of safety required when more people are living and working near the turbine; additional measures possibly required to limit the transmission of vibrations into the structure of the building; lower average wind speeds in a city environment reduce the annual energy capture.
How much energy could I expect to generate?
This depends on the nature of the turbine. A 1KW wind turbine will deliver 1KW of power in a constant wind of 12.5m/s. A site with good average wind conditions might deliver about 20% of this: enough over a day to boil a kettle non-stop for about an hour (est. 3KW).
We have put together a number of examples based on different property sizes to show predicted energy consumption / production, cost savings and potential return on investment. See examples>>
What happens if there is little or no wind?
Micro wind turbines can be selected for good low wind speed performance, so that even on less breezy days, electricity can be generated. Excess energy on windier days can be fed back into the National Grid or stored in a battery bank and called upon when required.
How does it connect to the National Grid?
Wind turbines generate power by rotating a permanent magnet generator. This generates three phase alternating current (AC) at the frequency of the turbine's rotation. The AC power from the generator is not only the wrong voltage to be connected to the local power grid, but also, as the wind speed changes so does the rotational speed of the turbine, and therefore the frequency of the power generated.
The power from the generator is converted to DC, and then fed into a special electronic device called an inverter to ensure that it is always at the correct frequency and voltage for the local grid.
Power generated is first used by your own property; any excess energy generated by the turbine is "spilled" to the grid and your electricity supplier pays you for it through the Government FIT system>>
A bi-directional electricity meter installed at your property measures how much energy your property is buying in (import) and selling (export). An inverter also controls the power output from the turbine, switches off the current automatically if the grid connection should fail. This means that should the grid connection fail, the inverters will switch off their output and there is therefore no danger to any maintenance engineers fixing the fault. This does however mean that the wind turbine will produce no power to the property if the mains connection fails.
What is ‘flicker’ and will it be a problem?
Flicker is the term used to refer to the potential reflection from the turbine blades, or the shadow from the blades in the rising and setting sun, which causes a flickering effect.
Problems are minimised through the design and special coatings used on the turbine blades; at the time of a site survey the potential of the site for shadow flickering will be considered and is usually avoidable.
Do I need to own a field to have a wind turbine?
Microwind turbines work best in exposed locations without turbulence caused by obstacles such as buildings and trees. The ideal location for a wind turbine is at the top of a gentle slope and the worst location is just to the downwind side of a large building. Tower-mounted turbines are the best solution and open locations such as fields are ideal.
What is the best tower type and height for me?
Mosscliff Environmental Ltd will propose the most appropriate wind turbine solution for your site and energy needs through a thorough site survey. Factors such as planning and any limitations to foundations may also dictate the type and maximum tower height to be considered.
In general, the higher the tower, the higher the average wind speed that the turbine will experience. A taller tower should generate sufficient extra energy to justify any additional cost, especially if there is turbulence created by nearby trees or buildings to avoid.
Are they noisy?
The noise level is one of the critera we use to make our selection of turbines. Our most popular models have been designed to be very quiet indeed. The rotor design and low rotor tip speed, coupled with the gearbox-free drive system all ensure quiet operation. The wind generator will also create a small amount of noise.
The nearest neighbouring residents to the wind turbine should be more than 100m away from the wind turbine base. Planning authorities vary in their requirements and it is therefore important that you talk to your local planning authorities about their own interpretation of the rules.
Will the turbine have an impact on local TV and radio reception?
The materials used to make the turbines are unlikely to create electromagnetic interference (EMI) by "chopping up" a signal.
Any problems should be identified in the planning process and Mosscliff Environmental Ltd will ensure that appropriate advice is given as to the best possible location for your turbine.
Will the turbine impact wildlife?
Livestock are able to graze in the same field as a turbine undisturbed by its presence - see our case study>> Similarly there is no evidence to suggest damage to other wildlife.
Mosscliff Environmental Ltd and the relevant planning authority aim to ensure that all turbines are appropriately sited.
What about bird-strike?
Bird-strike is not likely to be a problem. There are several websites, including RSPB which provide additional background on this matter. More>>
How much will it cost?
All small wind power systems provided by Mosscliff Environmental Ltd are bespoke - designed, supplied and installed to maximise energy efficiency. System suitability and cost are dictated by the nature of each property and the requirements for energy to be generated. Find out more about costs and saving opportunities >>
What level of VAT do I have to pay on the installation?
A reduced level of VAT - currently only 5% - is applicable to renewable energy systems for domestic properties.
What is the warranty period?
Samll wind turbines systems usually enjoy a minimum 5 year manufacturer’s warranty.
What is the design life of a renewable energy system?
Systems with moving parts such as turbines have a design life of 20 years if serviced regularly.
What regular servicing is required?
Wind turbine systems should be serviced once a year by a qualified technician.
Are technical product details available of the different systems and equipment?
Our technical team are on hand to discuss any detailed questions you may have and the site survey is an excellent opportunity to explore your options. Contact us>>
Technical product specifications are available for download on some units through the wind turbine product pages on this website. Wind power>>