How much does a wind system cost?http://www.windwardenergy.ie/wind-power-faq.php#8

What is a tie-grid system?
When a micro generator such as a wind turbine or Solar panels is connected in unison with the ESB network, the term tie-grid or grid connect is used. This allows power to be supplied by the ESB when the micro generator is not producing sufficient amounts of electricity.



Do I need to Notify the ESB prior to connecting a micro generator to the grid?
Yes. A notification form NC6, outlines the information ESB Networks requires about any Micro-Generation unit connecting to the Electricity Distribution System.



What happens if there is a power outage?
In the event of a power outage, small wind systems connected to the grid are designed to detect the outage and automatically shut down, so that there is no danger to the health and safety of the crews trying to repair ESB lines.



Do I need planning permission?
Wind Turbines with a mast height of 10 metres and a rotor diameter of 6 meters will be exempt from planning permission requirements subject to the following conditions:


The rotor diameter should be 6 metres or less
There should be a 3 metre minimum clearance between the lower tip of the rotor and the ground

The installation of solar panels up to 12 sq. metres aperture area, or 50% of total roof area, whichever is less, will be exempted development subject to a number of conditions.



Can I get payed for surplus electricty?
Currently it is not possible to be payed for electrictiy exported from a micro generator as meters used in Ireland are not capable of measuring power exported back to the grid, However, Smart metering which allows for the measurent of power exported is under consideration by the power regulator. A study on smart meters and a pilot scheme has been commissioned, this study will be completed by year-end 07.

This technology is widely used in Europe for example Italy has rolled out smart meters to its entire Population. The UK power companies supply similar meters on request at a small cost and pay micro-generator owners for their excess.
An EU directive 2006/32/EC comes into affect in Ireland on Jan 1st 2008. Which will ensure that smart metering will be introduced to Ireland in some form in the near future.



Do small turbines interfere with electronic devices?
Modern turbine blades are made of fibreglass or other composite materials, which do not interfere with electronic devices.



Do wind turbine’s make noise?
Most residential-sized wind generators are direct-drive devices with few moving parts. Unlike the large-scale turbines used in wind farms, they do not have high-speed transmissions. Thus, most of the sound that comes from a residential sized wind turbine is aerodynamic noise caused by the blades passing through the air. The noise level of most modern residential turbines measures close to the ambient noise levels under average wind conditions. It is audible, if you are out of doors and listening for it!


How much does a wind system cost?
Small wind energy systems cost from €2,500 for every kilowatt of generating capacity, or about €26,000 for a 10-kW system. This is much cheaper than solar systems; Well-sited small wind turbines can usually pay for themselves within 15 years, about half their serviceable lifetimes.



Will a small wind turbine save me money?
A wind turbine typically lowers a household electricity bill by 30% to 60%. Depending on the turbine size and the installation site, a turbine could supply more than 70% of a home’s energy needs, The amount of money a small wind turbine saves you in the long run will depend upon its cost, the amount of electricity you use, the average wind speed.
How many turbines are needed to power a household or farm?
For a home or farm, one turbine with a power rating of anywhere from 1kW to 10kW is normally installed. The turbine's size is chosen to meet the energy requirements given the available wind resource.


Is there anything I should watch out for in buying a small wind turbine?
Most of the popular models of small wind turbines operate at about the same efficiency. The energy production you should expect will be closely related to the swept area of the rotor blades, which is based on the diameter of the rotor. If you are offered a product that promises to run your whole house with a turbine that is much smaller than conventional products, it's time to start asking questions.
How reliable are wind turbines? Will I have to perform much maintenance?
Most small turbines have only 2-3 moving parts and do not require any major maintenance. They are designed for a long life (20 - 30 years) and other than an annual inspection and greasing of the bearings operates completely automatically.


How would I have a wind turbine installed at my home?
Windward offer customers options to purchase directly and install the system themselves or will recommended a company who will install the system for you.
Self-installation offers significant savings and a hands-on understanding of the turbine. Prospective owners can discuss the options available with Windward to decide which method best suits their budget and technical skills.


What size turbine do I need for my home?
Irish homes use approximately 6,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per year (about 500 kWh per month) Depending upon the average wind speed
in your area, a wind turbine rated in the range of 3 to 6 kilowatts would be required to make a significant contribution to meet this demand.


Should I have wind measurements taken?
For most residential systems the cost of taking wind measurements is not justified. There are inexpensive or free resources available to the public that can help you evaluate your wind resource check out http://esb2.net.weblink.ie/SEI/MapPage.asp for average wind speed in your area. In very hilly or mountainous areas, however, it may be best to collect wind data before purchasing a system to ensure that your site is not in a sheltered area.



Will I have to change any of the wiring in my house?
No. A wind turbine can easily be installed at virtually any existing home without the need to change any wiring or appliances.



Can I purchase a system, which will provide all my power requirements?
Yes, an off-grid / island grid system is possible, they are usually “hybrid” systems using wind, solar Batteries and a generator (usually diesel) to build a robust and constant power supply. Systems such as these are designed for remote sites where connection to the national grid is not possible.



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