25
GET FREE ELECTRICITY
FROM THE AIR
Wind turbines generating electricity have been in use for decades as a primary source of
power or to supplement diesel power generation in remote and isolated locations.
However, wind power generation worldwide has heavy structural stresses. This can be enough to
increased five-fold since 2000, and the past few damage both the turbine and the roof, and reduce its
years have seen the technology leap ahead in terms efficiency (to 0.5 kW at best) and lifetime (normally 20-
of generation capacity, efficiency and affordability. 25 years) drastically.
And as with any developing technology, gains have Wind turbines can work well in cities but make
been made in the area of miniaturization, to the point sure you speak to an unbiased specialist before
where installing a small rooftop turbine in an urban proceeding. The suitability of a location has to be
setting has become a possibility. David Cameron, assessed, since the “wind footprint” of buildings can
among other politicians, has reportedly installed a vary considerably, depending on local topography and
small turbine on the roof of his Notting Hill home. obstructions.
Such a system costs £1,500-5,000, theoretically has If you have a suitable location outside town in an
a capacity of 1 kW, and is able to provide about 25 open area with strong prevailing winds (preferably
percent of the annual power consumption of a on a hilltop), you could consider a more powerful
typical home. system, such as a 6 kW turbine costing in the £10-
20,000 range. This price includes the turbine, mast,
However, some firms selling home wind turbine inverter (for converting DC to AC current), batteries
generation systems make exaggerated claims about and installation. A turbine of this size could power an
the potential of rooftop turbines in urban areas. office or small manufacturing installation completely,
Blowing around heavily built-up areas, wind becomes potentially with surplus.
turbulent, subjecting the turbine and your roof to
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