Wind turbines are now a common feature of our landscape. They have their advocates and their detractors but they’re here to stay. However, the domestic wind turbine has never really caught on and there are many possible reasons for this; one of the main reasons being that they are far less accessible than solar PV panels. As a consequence, every town and city has suppliers and installers of PV panels whereas wind turbines are still considered more ‘exotic’.
The UK is considered to be the best location in Europe for wind power, and one of the best in the world, so it only makes sense to exploit the precious resource that is wind at domestic level. First, you need to know how suitable a wind turbine is for your property and whether it makes financial sense to go down this route. Below, I’ve covered the practical aspects of installing and running a wind turbine, all of which will help you to make a decision that could save you money in the long run.
HOW DO WIND TURBINES WORK?
There are two fundamental types of wind turbine: horizontal axis and vertical axis, and both work in the same way. Horizontal axis types are the typical ‘windmill’ seen on every other hillside and are by far the most common. Vertical axis are, as the name suggests, upright and rotate in a horizontal plane. These are far less common to the extent that most people have never seen one, however they have a couple of significant advantages. They are usually quieter, have less vibration and are more effective in turbulent wind as they don’t mind which direction the wind is coming from. These are significant issues in the domestic context as it makes them more versatile and less intrusive on neighbours. But ultimately, they are more expensive.
Bu hikaye Homebuilding & Renovating dergisinin July 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Homebuilding & Renovating dergisinin July 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
WHY I CHOSE...TO HIRE AN INTERIOR DESIGNER
Hiring a professional to help in an area you're not confident with can be invaluable. Ben Adam-Smith did just that by employing an interior designer to inject character into his and his wife Kay's self-build
HOW TO PREVENT YOUR HOME OVERHEATING
With UK summers getting hotter, what steps can be taken to prevent overheating in homes? We outline what you can do to have a comfortable property all year round
Multifunctional home office
How to create a hybrid space that's suitable for both work and home life
Build a new garage for less
Taking on a self-build or renovation project? Then factor in a garage from the beginning you can benefit from economies of scale and efficiency tactics, says Tim Phillips
The golden rules of house design
Designing a house is hugely exciting, but knowing where to start can also feel daunting. With the help of some top architectural experts, we bring you the golden rules that will ensure you create the home of your dreams
THE HEALTHY HOME
PART THREE: BOOSTING BIODIVERSITY IN OUR HOMES
Victorian overhauls
A carefully conceived extension could be the key to unlocking the potential of your period property without compromising its character. Let our selection of innovative schemes be your inspiration...
Bird's eve view
Peter and Romney Lelliott opted for an upside-down new build, enabling them to enjoy far-reaching country views from the elevated living space of their contemporary new home
A collage to treasure
Kirstin Eriksson has transformed her Cotswold property by taking it from a neglected cottage to a perfect family home packed full of clever design ideas
Hidden, paradise
With hard work and a lot of initiative, Minnie and James Vosper lovingly brought their run-down home into the 21st century