There’s a strong chance that wind is already powering your home here in the UK, at least some of the time. In 2020, wind turbines generated more than half of our electricity1. After all, we are the windiest country in Europe2 – which won’t surprise you if you’ve ever taken a windswept walk along the British coastline!
But what if you want to cut out the middleman, and install a wind turbine of your very own at home?
Domestic wind turbines are on the rise. They can help cut down on bills, and they make guilt-free green energy . Plus, they’re often stunning to look at.
However, they’re also expensive, and need a lot of unobstructed space to generate energy (which means they won’t work in the average back garden). This is why Solar Panels remain the more popular choice for homeowners who want to go green.
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01. What is a domestic wind turbine?
A domestic, or home wind turbine, is a device that can turn wind energy into clean electricity for your home.
It’s like a miniature version of the much bigger wind turbines you’ve likely seen around the UK, in fields, or just off the coast. The basic science is the same, but home wind turbines are more compact.
02. How does a home wind turbine work?
Like bigger wind turbines, home turbines harness the energy of the breeze to turn it into electricity.
When the wind blows, it pushes the blades of the turbine and makes them spin. This spinning turns a shaft inside the turbine, which powers a generator, which turns the kinetic energy of the spinning motion into electricity.
Regular wind turbines are usually very tall, and have gigantic blades, to catch as much wind power as possible. Obviously, when you have one in your back garden, you can’t have it built to the same scale, so you won’t capture nearly as much energy. That’s why domestic wind turbines are only recommended for people who live in rural, extra-blustery areas. Find out more about the ideal spot for a home wind turbine below.
03.Types of home wind turbine
Generally, you could have 2 main types of wind turbine installed at home.
Roof-mounted wind turbines
These small wind turbines sit on top of your roof, just like solar panels would. Putting them on the roof gives them the best height to take advantage of the wind blowing over your house.
They’re usually cheaper to install than standalone turbines. But since they’re not as big, they tend to be less powerful, usually generating 1-2kW.
Standalone or pole-mounted wind turbines
Free-standing wind turbines are likely to be more powerful than those that fit on a roof – but only if you put them in the right place. They work best if they’re in a big, open space where there’s nothing to slow down the wind: think in a massive field – or even better, on top of a hill.
Unless you have this kind of land available around your home, a standalone turbine might not work for you. They’re also usually more expensive. But if you do have the space and the money for one, the good news is that you have a better chance of powering your entire house with it than with a roof-mounted system.
04. What are the benefits of powering your home with wind energy?
Advantages of home wind turbines
- Wind is plentiful in the UK: did you know that 40% of the wind energy in Europe blows over our little island? It’s one of our greatest natural resources.
- Wind turbines are low-carbon: they’re a green, renewable source of energy, and don’t release any carbon emissions, which fuel the climate crisis
- They can save you money: by generating your own electricity, you can cut back on your energy bills.
- They look cool, too!: if you’re prepared to splash out, there are lots of architecturally innovative wind turbine designs out there. Why not go the extra mile and make your home look as futuristic as its energy?
Disadvantages of home wind turbines
- The upfront cost is high: a pole-mounted system that generates about 6kW could set you back between £23,000 and £34,000. Read more about pricing below.
- They’re not suitable for every home: home wind turbines just don’t work for everyone. You need to have the right wind speed to power them, which means you need lots of unobstructed space – which is usually only the case in rural homes.
Wind energy is green, clean, and sustainable. But it’s not the cheapest or easiest option, especially for urban homes. That’s why many home-owning eco-warriors opt for solar panels instead. These can be fitted on your roof, so they don’t take up extra space, and they’ll work anywhere (not just on top of a hill!).