Lib-Dem Councillor for Bramcote

David Watts

Wind Turbine

We installed a wind turbine on our house towards the end of 2006. This has continued to attract attention, with the BBC coming to film it on five occasions so far! I have appeared on BBC TV’s Inside Out programme discussing alternative energy, and even Barney, our cat, got a walk on part.

 

Why Install A Wind Turbine?

We wanted to do something to contribute towards green energy. Our house faces due east/west, and so is the worst possible orientation for solar panels. Wind power is still very much an emerging technology, and so we decided to invest in that to help create the market.

 

Isn’t that a financial risk?

To an extent yes, but we decided to put our money where our mouths were. Wind power will only improve if people are willing to invest in it. We are willing, so we did.

 

How easy is it to find information?

Nearly impossible, which is why I’ve created this page to help other people thinking of doing the same.

 

Is it noisy?

No. We installed a model called a Stealthgen, which is designed to work exceptionally quietly. You really can’t hear it.

 

Do you need planning permission?

Yes. You will need to apply to the local council and pay a fee for this. It’s worth looking at the prospects of getting planning permission before you take any other steps. If your local authority say that they won’t grant planning permission then there’s no point buying the system.

 

Is house location important?

It’s crucial. What we’ve discovered is that the turbine works best when it receives a steady flow of air, rather than gusts. The presence of other houses round about creates the sort of gusty conditions that work against the turbine being effective, so they really aren’t the best option to install in the middle of towns or built up areas. However in a location like ours, with a field behind and no obstructions to the prevailing wind, then they can be effective.

 

Do they generate enough electricity?

Not enough to power your house on it’s own, no, but they do generate enough to make a significant contribution to overall electrical use. There is a trade off between noise and levels of electricity produced. A smaller wind turbine is quieter, and therefore causes less disruption to either the householder or those living around. However the smaller it is, the less electricity it produces.

 

Are there any other steps to take first?

Wind turbines are for the committed. However there are some basic steps that anyone can, and everyone should, take to help reduce global warming:

A) Switch TV’s off at the set, not on the remote control. A TV on standby still uses 70% of the electricity it does when operating.

B) Install low energy light bulbs throughout your house. These are more expensive in the first place, but pay for themselves many times over during their lifetimes.

C) Make sure that your loft is properly insulated. Stopping heat getting out of the house will save you a fortune.

 

Are there grants available?

Some—contact the Governments Low Carbon Buildings Programme  for further details. Their web site is at www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk. In general the smaller (and therefore quieter) the turbine is the less likely it is to attract a grant.

 

Does it take any skill to operate?

No—once professionally installed the system runs itself and automatically switches between mains and home produced electricity.

 

Is it worth it?

This depends on your aim. If you want to save money then yes, although I don’t deny that other systems may be cheaper. If you’re wanting to become self sufficient in electricity then no, these small wind turbines will never achieve that. If however you are wanting to invest in the future of the planet by helping to create a market for wind turbines then, yes, I believe it’s worth it.

 

If you want to know more about my experience of owning a wind turbine feel free to contact me.

Cllr David Watts

6 Edingale Court

Bramcote

Nottingham

NG9 3LY

 

To contact me:

Phone: 0115 854 4031

Fax: 0115 854 4032

E-mail: d.k.watts@ntlworld.com

The wind turbine on the side of our house.