Domestic wind power

[garycs]

What does everyone think of installing small turbines on the roof or close to houses in rural locations? A 1kw turbine is only 1.5-2m diameter and is virtually silent, with a well designed battery storage system and sound energy saving measures this is sufficient for at least 75% of an average family's useage.

[jimag]

These things were very common in rural areas 60 to 80 years ago. Should we not be looking to move things on. The batteries are very expensive, have a relative short life and by the time they have been disposed of, there is probably no environmental benifit. Anyhow Highland Council policy is against having houses within 150m of each other, so would they favour wind generators at the foot of your garden?

[Joan of Arc]

Yes, I read something about this - it seemed like a good idea and affordable but since then haven't read anything more. This would be clean energy and the with the saving the devise would soon pay for itself. But could the turbine withstand the high winds we get up here? Have you more info?

[Haribo]

This sounds like a good idea,for rural area's they should be spending money finding out about this. The only problem would be you would hear all the city folk object, I'd like more info on this to!!!!!!!!

[marion]

The state of California USA has been using windmills to generate energy for several years. I am not an authority, but would be interested in other's comments.

[garycs]

A few site to check out:

An American site with DIY turbine info.

http://www.yourownenergy.com/

UK supplier

http://www.almac.co.uk/proven/wind%20products%201.htm

Another one

http://www.unlimited-power.co.uk/Aerogen_wind_turbines.html

Info on grants available for wind power, also has links to loads of manufacturers

http://www.clear-skies.org/

Lots to read on this one

http://www.wind-works.org

There are always a few small turbines available on Ebay at pretty reasonable prices.

Is there anyone out there who objects to the large commercial turbines and who would also object to domestic items? Or do you think they are more acceptable

[Riffman]

You can buy small turbine sets from Maplin.co.uk

[George Brims]

Marion the windfarms in California are pretty much the same as those installed or planned for Caithness. They are mostly in gaps in ranges of hills where the wind tends to be pretty constant. There is a lot of opposition stirring as it has been discovered the turbines are killing a lot of birds, in particular golden eagles at Altamont Pass. The Audubon Society (US equivalent of the RSPB) is trying to stop a new set of turbines going up northeast of Los Angeles on the edge of the desert. That set are actually to be owned by LA's Dept of Water and Power (LA is one of the few large cities where water and electricity are still municipal rather than private). The DWP are being sued in Kern County Superior Court to stop them putting up the turbines.

You can read the story here: http://www.laweekly.com/ink/05/32/news-lewis.php

I think small wind turbines attached to a house are a great idea. If you forget about batteries and just generate hot water for bathing and heating, even as a supplement to whatever other source you use, you can surely save some money. If that doesn't wor in Caithness, it isn't going to work anywhere!

[marion]

Thank you George for the website which brings me up to date on the controversy and the reason. Very interesting arguements on both sides.

:roll: :roll: :roll:

[George Brims]

You will note there is some dispute as to whether the area under discussion is beautful. Take it from me, it's not. Comparing that area to Yosemite is like comparing a pair of wellies to Gucci shoes!

[marion]

Good observation!

[garycs]

If you're out clearing ditches on a winter's day wellies can be objects of true beauty :D :D

[laguna2]

If you're out clearing ditches on a winter's day wellies can be objects of true beauty :D :D

... how true :lol:

[Camra]

I have it on good authority that the so called 'Windmills' in California are actually 'Fans' required to blow away the polluted air!