Is Your Site Suitable for Wind Power?

Introduction

It's important that we select the most suitable site for installing a wind turbine, a good location will mean more free electricity for the land owner and for us an improved return on our investment. There are many factors that need to be considered when choosing a site, we have written this easy to understand guide that will give you an indication if your land is suitable.

Average Wind Speed

Ideally, the average wind speed for your location at 10m above ground level (agl) should be 5m/s or above. You can find the average wind speed for your location by following these simple instructions:

1 - Enter your postcode in the Streetmap conversions tool

Make a note of the eight character LR reference that is returned, the wind speed database uses a six character reference so you will need to edit the reference, here is an example:

Entering the postcode CM12 0ES into the streetmap conversion tool returns a LR reference of TQ660957

This reference if made up of two letters and two 3 digit references TQ-660-957

Remove the last digit from each set of numbers to give a 6 character reference TQ6695

You can now lookup the wind speed for your area, to go to the wind speed data base click here

If you are unsure of how to do this, just drop us a message with your postcode via our contact us form.

Local Terrain

The local area surrounding a potential site for a wind turbine has a large impact on the turbines performance. Large buildings, tall trees or other obstructions nearby will create a turbulent airflow and reduce the amount of electricity the turbine produces. As the prevailing wind in the UK comes from the South West, it is important to have minimal obstructions in that direction.

Electricity Supply

The Evoco and Evance turbines can normally be connected to standard single phase domestic type supply, subject to permission from the DNO. For larger turbines such as the Gaia 11kW or the 50kW Endurance a 3 phase electricity supply will be needed. If you are unsure about your current supply just get in touch and we can help determine what type of supply you have.

Granting of the lease

In order to be able to grant the lease you will need to have freehold title. If you have mortgage or loan secured on the property or land you will also need to get written permission from your lender.

Planning Permission

We will need to secure planning permission before installing a wind turbine. The National Planning Policy for England consists of a series of Planning Policy Statements (PPS), they are legally binding and local planners must treat them as material considerations when determining planning applications. The two key PPSs are Planning Policy Statement 22 (PPS22) that instruct the local authorities to "promote and encourage" the development of renewable energy resources and Planning and Climate Change - Supplement to Planning Policy 1 that "sets out how planning, in providing for the new homes, jobs and infrastructure needed by communities, should help shape places with lower carbon emissions and resilient to the climate change now accepted as inevitable".

Conservation areas, listed buildings, Areas Of Outstanding Natural Beauty and green belt will be more difficult to secure planning permission for. Planners will consider the noise, visual impact and any impact on wildlife. We will ensure that all these concerns are addressed in the planning application.

Turbine Location and Installation

A good location for the turbine will insure the best performance and that we meet any concerns the local planners may have. Ideally the turbine should be located away from hedge lines and 130 metres from the nearest neighbour. Access for a crane will be required to install the turbine. Trenches will have to be dug for the cable that connects the turbine to your electricity supply. A suitable location will also be needed for the generation meter.