Alternative Energy Solutions

Electricity generation – best way for self-sufficiency.?

We are looking for an inexpensive way to generate our own electricity on a site which at present has none. Can we build our own wind turbine? If so, how?? How expensive would solar panels be to power a 2-bed, single storey house. We have all the usual “gumf”, computers, tv, stereo and washing machine (aaa rated, of course”. Only two adults in house so usage not too great.

The best way – probably with some assistance with a UK government grant, covering part of its cost, I think upto a 1/3. Very helpful

Which method you use for generation depends on how you could generate sufficient energy to more than pay back the cost of your installation quickly enough.

Wind-
you need sufficient wind strength availability, siting factors come into play here. See site below on how to check.

Solar-
again, depends on your site, and how much generation you could do.

There’s a good government sponsored site, detailing options and some grant info at http://www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk/home/

You can calculate how wind speeds and thus how much potential energy you could generate here:

http://www.bwea.com/noabl/

Good luck! I’m gonna do something similar in my next home, this year.
Rob

Home Made Wind Turbine

AirX small scale marine wind turbine Photo Mugs MAB-978 AirX small scale marine wind turbine Skomer Island Pembrokeshire West Wales UK Mark Boulton Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in any way. contact details prints ardea tel and 44 (0) 20 8672 2067 ….

MAB-311 Giant wind turbines on breakwater Photo Mugs MAB-311 Giant wind turbines on breakwater Bilbao harbour, Spain Mark Boulton Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in any way. contact details prints ardea tel and 44 (0) 20 8672 2067 ….

MAB-673 Wind turbine Photo Mugs MAB-673 Wind turbine Port Charlotte Isle of Islay Scotland UK Mark Boulton Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in any way. contact details prints ardea tel and 44 (0) 20 8672 2067 ….