More and more homeowners are keeping renewable energy at the forefront their mind, tempted by the prospect of generating free, clean energy.
Most discussions about self-generating power focus on solar panels and air and ground source heat pumps, but homeowners may want consider wind turbines on their property too.
From reduced utility bills to no greenhouse gas emissions, there are many benefits to investing in this renewable energy source. However, with capital costs reaching as high as £30,000, it's important to be aware of both the pros and cons of wind turbines before you jump in.
Pros of wind turbines
1. Clean energy
The most obvious benefit of wind turbines is that wind power is a clean and renewable energy source that produces no air pollutants or greenhouse gas emissions during operation.
It significantly reduces our carbon footprint and helps combat climate change by lessening our reliance on fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas, which release harmful pollutants when burned.
2. Energy independence
"By investing in a wind turbine for your project you can play a small part in the bigger challenge to reduce our dependence on finite and imported fossil fuels, enhancing energy security and reducing vulnerability to geopolitical tensions and price fluctuations associated with oil and gas markets. This could help the UK to achieve greater energy independence and stability," says Ed Whitworth, Head of Energy Performance at Bionic.
3. Can produce more energy than solar
Depending on the site, small wind turbines can provide more energy than solar and can be a great choice for UK home builds, according to Iain Munro, Strategy & Growth Director at Ryse Energy.
He says, "One of the big advantages of small wind in the UK is how consistent it can be. Wind also tends to be much stronger in winter, which is generally when household energy use is highest. In the right locations (which are typically coastal, upland or exposed rural sites), a well-sited small wind turbine can produce more energy over the long term than just solar.
"Unlike solar, it can generate electricity day and night which helps make household energy use more predictable. Small wind also works really well alongside solar, which is something homebuilders can plan for from the outset. Using the two technologies together will increase overall power generation and reduce the need for oversized batteries or reliance on the grid."
4. Cost savings
Ed Whitworth says that once a wind turbine is installed, the ongoing operational costs are relatively low, mainly involving maintenance and occasional repairs.
Iain adds, "A good-quality small wind turbine is an investment. Properly installed, it can operate for 20 to 25 years with relatively low running costs, no fuel and minimal maintenance. For self-builds in rural locations, it can help reduce exposure to grid constraints or expensive connections.
"In suitable locations, payback is usually around five to seven years, and after that, the electricity generated is effectively free. When completing a self-build or even a renovation project, small wind can be a great option, especially if it’s planned into the energy strategy early and grid access is limited or expensive."
Ed has a background in maths and economics, along with more than a decade's experience in the B2B sector. He also knows his way around market uncertainty, having managed the UK's largest food and drink wholesaler through unforeseen Brexit inflation before overseeing the uncertainty of the pandemic and unprecedented energy market inflation in three short years at Bionic.
Iain Munro is Strategy & Growth Director at Ryse Energy, the UK's leading small wind and distributed renewables company. A former Accenture Energy Strategy Consultant, Iain has over a decade of experience delivering off-grid and hybrid power systems across all seven continents. He also serves on the Board of the Alliance for Rural Electrification and is actively driving sustainable energy deployment across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
Cons of wind turbines
1. High initial costs
"Installing wind turbines and all the associated infrastructure often involve high upfront costs," explains Ed Whitworth. "While the cost of wind energy has decreased over the years, the initial investment can still be a barrier, especially for smaller-scale projects with limited financial resources.”
Smaller turbines generating around 2,000 kWh per year can cost between £2,000-£6,000 while installing a larger unit can see prices upwards of £20,000. Larger models do generate more power – around 9,000 kWh per year, which is the equivalent of powering a factory for a year."
2. Location dependency
Wind energy generation is highly dependent on the weather and works best on days with high wind speeds. Not all areas of the country have suitable wind resources for efficient and cost-effective energy production – they won’t work for properties in city centres, for example. This means wind power isn’t a renewable option for all projects.
Iain adds, "Not every plot has usable wind, even in parts of the UK that are generally quite windy. Turbulence caused by nearby buildings, trees, or changes in terrain can significantly reduce performance, which is why proper assessment at the design stage is essential."
3. Noise and visual impact
Wind turbines can generate noise, especially near residential areas. While technology is improving to produce units with lower noise, there are still concerns about the potential impact on human health and quality of life.
Iain says, "Planning permission can also influence viability. Small turbines are often approved in rural areas, but local planning policies need to be considered early, as these can affect overall feasibility.""
Before you decide to go ahead with this eco-friendly power source, it's worth understanding how a wind turbine works.
However, if you discover your property is unsuitable for wind turbines, but you still wish to harness the benefits of renewable energy, you may want to consider solar thermal panels for powering your hot water.
EDITOR’S NOTE: An earlier version of this article included a quote from a purported expert whose credentials we have not been able to verify. The quote has been removed. We regret this lapse in our verification process and have updated our internal protocols to reduce the risk of recurrence.
