FAQ's

Generally speaking, wind energy is a good idea – in terms of return on investment, cost savings and the environment. However, wind reliability varies from location to location, while different sites might not be suitable. Our wind energy calculator is a good place to start your research.

Like most countries throughout the world, the Government launched the Feed-In-Tariff scheme to promote the uptake of renewable energy generation. The subsidies will gradually degrade over time and are reviewed annually, however once your project is registered, your rate will be increased (or decreased) annually in line with the Retail Price Index. The Department of Energy and Climate Change has said that Feed-In-Tariffs will be maintained, but focussed on the most cost-effective technologies. It is expected that renewables from small scale wind would be in that designation.

Many manufacturers do not declare a design life expectancy, purely because they don’t have the history to substantiate any claims. Others may make unsubstantiated claims. SIAC partners Bergey for small turbine technology, and due to their 30 year track record Bergey can legitimately declare that its 10kW turbine has a 50 year design life.

There are many turbines on the market. It’s important to do your research and chose a turbine with a good track record. Always make sure micro generation turbine (<50kW) is MCS certified at the time of connection – quite apart from the quality guarantee, this is mandatory for claiming the Feed-In-Tariff. Don’t be tempted by cheap or second hand equipment: parts are often unavailable and maintenance costs can seriously reduce any potential return on investment as well as being ineligible for Feed-In-Tariff payments. On this subject, another key point is warranty. SIAC only selects the very best. The Bergey small scale wind turbine carries an industry leading 10 year warranty.

No, you cannot put a Bergey turbine on the roof of a house and if your garden is in a built-up area, it’s highly unlikely that you’d get planning permission for a decent capacity turbine. More importantly, though, the potential returns would be very low as the turbine would only capture weak and highly turbulant wind. However if you live in a suitable rural area, typically with a location at least 100m from neighbouring properties, these will be far more suitable locations.

It’s generally accepted that an average annual speed of 5m/s is need to produce a decent return on a small scale turbine, and 6m/s for a medium scale turbine. However, individual turbines are capable of generating electricity from very low speeds – and this is an important factor in your choice. Capability varies from turbine to turbine. The Bergey 10kW can operate at a very low wind speed of 2.2m/s.

The turbine simply stops until the wind returns. Wind is always variable just like the power of the sun, but tends to average consistently over a long period.

This can be a problem with some turbines, as the forces exert considerable pressure on the parts. Some turbines even cut out and need to be reset. With Bergey turbines, the furling tail automatically turns the rotors out of the wind. This is a very simple and reliable design which protects your investment returns.

No, this is separately controlled and protected by grid connection regulations.

Yes. SIAC wind energy has a network of planning partners and can offer a packaged option.

This is sometimes possible, and would involve producing more detailed material evidence.

This of course varies, but a small 10kW Bergey turbine is in the region of £35,000-£40,000 excluding groundworks and cable, and about £42,000-£50,000 fully installed. A medium scale 250kW-500kW turbine is in the region of £750k-£1.2m.