Wind Generators
Wind Turbines are the backbone of any wind-powered system. Selecting the correct wind turbine and compatible components can be a daunting task for the average consumer. If you require any assistance with the purchase of our wind turbine products or simply just want to find out more about the technology, please do not hesitate to Contact Us.
There is something in the Wind
Next GEN Solar carries a range of wind turbines for urban home use. Our wind turbines provide a quiet, effective, and sustainable solution to sourcing alternative energy.
Wind Turbines: Urban setting or remote use only?
A home wind turbine is generally not recommended if you live in a heavily populated area because tall buildings and trees interrupt wind patterns and make wind power more erratic than it has to be. However, there is a range of small wind turbines that you can fit to your roof that can reduce your energy bill and your carbon footprint. Rooftop wind turbines can shave up to 10% off your energy bill.
If you don’t want to install a wind turbine on your roof, you can always opt for an elevated wind turbine that fits on top of a tower. Wind towers range between 80ft (24m) and 120ft (36m). The higher the tower the less likely it is to be affected by trees and surrounding buildings.
Towers can be installed in gardens or on top of roofs for even better power generating efficiency.
Wind turbines: what you need to know
Residential wind turbines are best used as a supplement to conventional power, but they can be used to fully power your home provided the blades span at least 5m and that you live in an area with optimal wind conditions. Wind speed needs to reach at least 16kph (10mph) to generate electricity and the more space wind turbines have to operate in the better they work. For optimal residential use an acre of space is recommended, but if you only want to supplement your current energy use, you can easily install a wind turbine in a smaller space provided your tower is tall enough to capture wind.
Wind turbines come in different sizes and designs to meet a range of residential needs; it is recommended that you assess your energy needs before you buy a particular wind turbine. Wind turbines with longer blades are more effective energy generators than turbines with a narrower blade span.
Wind turbines are divided into two primary categories: vertical and horizontal axis turbines.
Horizontal axis wind turbines need to face into the wind to operate, while vertical axis turbines aren’t dependent on wind direction and are favoured in areas where wind often changes direction. Another advantage that vertical axis wind turbines have over horizontal axis turbines is that the generator and gearbox are located close to the ground, which makes for easy maintenance and less stress on the tower.
Wind turbines: The Advantages
While wind turbines may not be able to meet all your home’s energy needs, their supplemental power is enough to significantly reduce your energy and your carbon footprint. In addition, excess power generated on particularly windy days can be stored in a battery, or fed back into the national power grid and used to credit your electricity bill. In this way you can boost the country’s drive towards to sustainable energy.
Most of the disadvantages associated with wind turbines – noise, interruption with TV reception, hazards to birds, bats and insects – have been disproved. In fact, many studies that set out to prove the ill-effects of wind turbines end up proving the positive impact that wind turbines have on power consumption and the surrounding environment.
If you have plans to move off the national power grid, wind turbines are an excellent place to start. Begin supplementing your energy needs with wind turbines from Next GEN Solar and who knows where your renewable energy drive will take you?