Wind turbine and other micro generation methods

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Birdy_Too on February 9, 2008 at 20:19

I have thought about this and it's almost certain you would need planning permission.

Also how effective are these in low lying urban areas? What about solar panels, I know you get a government grant for installing these but as I live on a ground floor flat, that option is unavailable to me.

I too, would be very interested if anyone had installed anything like this

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Paul on February 9, 2008 at 20:26

I know that you do need planning permission but I believe that this is increasingly easy to get. I live near the 'ridge' on Hewitt Road and I thought that a wind survey may show that there is sufficient wind to be viable. Or maybe not.

Solar is an option for me as I have a south facing garden with a large flat roof which could accommodate panels. I have requested information from Microgeneration: http://www.microgeneration.com/default.asp

I'll let everyone know how I get on.

Paul

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by matt on February 9, 2008 at 23:34

North Harringey Primary (NHP) has a small wind turbine but our building is very high up. The major problem with them is vibration. Birdy Too is right in that they're aren't particularly efficient in low lying urban areas.

As to solar panels, NHP has a bank of 30 photovoltaic panels. We got a 50% grant for it from EST but that was three years ago and I believe they were reducing the percentage. The roof needs to be at an angle of 52 degrees for optimum efficiency.

Your best bet for efficiency and payback is to install solar thermal for hot water.

Another option becoming more popular is to get your heat from underground. There are UK companies that do this.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Hugh on February 10, 2008 at 18:00

I live near te top of Hewitt and there's frequently sufficient wind to blow over 10 litre pots with trees in them. So I'd be surprised if there was deemed to be insufficient wind.

H

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by matt on February 11, 2008 at 9:44

Yes, if you have the extra cash install one and see how it performs over a year or two. A meter would give you the output. You could then report back to the community on your experiences.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by finsburypark on February 11, 2008 at 11:35

Why not opt for a provider like Ecotricity? -> http://www.ecotricity.co.uk/

In their website they even argue about the current idea of microgeneration: http://www.ecotricity.co.uk/news/dale/microgen.php

• ▶ Reply