| Our decision to install a wind turbine on our house has certainly created a lot of interest (the BBC have been out to film it three times) which is what we hoped would happen. Like everyone we are concerned about global warming and depleting fossil fuels, and we believe that if everyone acts to tackle this then it really will make a difference.
People are used to seeing giant wind turbines, but small models suitable to fit domestic houses are still in their infancy, something we were aware of when choosing to have one installed. The dilemma is always that if we wait the technology will get better, but on the other hand if everyone waits then the technology will never be developed. We decided to get involved at the start, to help encourage the market to grow.
The basic concept of the turbine is simple. When the wind blows the turbine generates DC electricity, and an inverter then converts it to AC which feeds into our domestic supply. When the turbine isn’t turning we draw electricity from the national grid as normal, and if the turbine produces more than we can use it exports it back to the grid. A separate meter records this and we get paid for it.
The turbine doesn’t produce all the electricity that we use, far from it, but it is a relatively cheap (£3,000 plus vat which includes installation) and easy method of helping to combat global warming. If you combine it with switching to low energy bulbs throughout the house and making sure appliances are properly switched off when not in use they can also lead to a very significant reduction in electricity bills. If anyone is interested in having one e-mail us at d.k.watts@ntlworld.com and we’ll let you have all the details.
Article Credits: David & Gill Watts December 2006 |
