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If sited in a suitably windy location a small scale wind turbine can help lower electricity bills and provide energy day and night with zero emissions. It is a great compliment to solar pv, as the performance of both systems peaks when the other drops. Planning permission is usually required along with permission from the local energy network if the system is to be connected to the electricity grid.  Our turbines also need to be installed by a qualified professional.

When assessing site suitability for small wind turbines the following key factors should be considered to ensure effective performance and address any planning concerns:

Wind Resource

The wind is a constant source of renewable energy, but is also variable. Wind speeds can vary significantly within a small area due the local topography, so a site survey is always recommended prior to installation. However, a quick check of your local wind resource can be done using this online wind database Global Wind Atlas.  Input your site location (latitude, longitude in decimal format), select 10m height in the bottom right of the map then hover the cursor over the location pin.  This will show you the AMWS in m/s in the colour coded sliding bar (see example below)  If your site shows 4.8 m/s or above, it meets the minimum recommended wind speed for wind generation.

Considerations

Topography - Considering the topography of the land is essential for understanding wind behaviour and identifying the most suitable location for the wind turbine. Ideal sites are open, flat expanses, or elevated points like hills and ridges, as these features can enhance wind speeds and provide less interrupted airflow. Conversely, avoid sites surrounded by tall buildings, trees, or other obstacles that disrupt smooth air flow and negatively affect turbine performance.

Obstacles – the turbines should be sited at a suitable distance from obstacles such as buildings to ensure it is not affected by turbulent air flow (see visual guide)

If there are any nearby power lines or public footpaths/roads a turbine should be sited at least 25m away. 

Our wind turbines are not suitable for mounting onto buildings.  Wind turbines transmit vibrations through the structure they are mounted onto, leading to noise within the building and structural damage.  The wind flow over roofs is also turbulent which can reduce the efficiency of the turbine and shorten the life of the generator.

Environmental Impact – It is recommended that a turbine is sited at least 50m from hedges or trees to limit the impact on birds and bats and the need for a bat survey.

Local restrictions – Some areas have restrictions on the installation of wind turbines, so it is worth checking if your site is in a designated area or if there are any airports or military installations nearby. Navigating these regulations smoothly is more likely to lead to project approval. You can check your local area here Magic Map Application

Noise Considerations - Our small turbines are specifically designed to be quiet, but be conscious its effect on nearby residents when considering where to site the turbine and addressing any concerns upfront will help during the planning process.

Neighbours - Engaging with local communities and stakeholders to promote understanding and acceptance of the project to address any concerns they may have will make the planning process more straightforward once your application is submitted.

Access - There must be clear access for vehicles to the turbine and enough space around the turbine to enable safe lowering and raising of the turbine with no obstructions.

Considering these aspects enables you to demonstrate the suitability of your chosen site for a small wind turbine. This approach not only maximizes efficiency but also ensures a harmonious relationship with the surrounding environment.

If your site looks to be suitable please get in touch and we can provide a more detailed desktop assessment with estimated potential generation figures.