Interest in DIY Electricity Generation Surges (2)
A DIY wind turbine ( Photo: Postimees/Scanpix )
Concern over the imminent power price increase next year is leading more and more people to make their own electricity to sell back to the grid.
Mini wind turbines used to be the preserve of eccentric hobbyists. Not anymore, reports theMaaleht daily, though some of the trend setters do have a longstading interest in the field.
"I am a wind turbine fan," said Ilmar Laherand, who lives in a village near Paldiski, on the windy northwestern seaboard. "I had a wind turbine before World War II, which provided light for the farm during wartime."
Laherand's turbine - 20 meters high, erected on a concrete footing and putting out 10 kilowatts - was produced by Konesko.
That company has put up four mini and micro turbines this year, with eight more to follow before the year is out. About ten orders are on standby.
Laherand's turbine was installed without financial aid, but demand is also rising due to the availability of government support. In April, the Credit and Export Guarantee Fund, KredEx, was accepting applications for grants that would cover up to 70 percent of the cost of renewable energy systems up to 11-kilowatts.
Just over 250 applications were received, with the average application asking for around 11,000 euros. Aid was paid out for installing 11 wind turbines, 64 collectors and 25 solar panels.
Those installing power generation systems have a choice of a standalone system, which requires investing in battery capacity, or joining the grid.
Signing an agreement with the power distributor to sell surplus energy back to the grid costs half as much as running a standalone system. Additionally, many with wind turbines have found that the coldest spells tend to be the calmest. But joining the grid is not an option for everyone. Those who lack this possibility are advised to install both solar and wind capability and a diesel generator as a backup.
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