what is a wind turbine and how will it affect me as a neighbour having one put in?

Answer 1

They consist of an AC generator mounted on a pylon or mast, and are supposed to generate sufficient electricity to reduce an individual's reliance on power stations - except they won't! What they will do, however, is relieve the purchaser of a large sum of money on which a return will take eons - if ever. During which time the machine will have malfunctioned at least once and will require expensive repair. They also assume that a steady and sufficiently powerful wind will blow over the purchaser's rooftop. The truth is that the idea of a wind turbine on every housetop is an extremely expensive sop to the green lobby - they will neither generate enough useful electricity nor will they 'save the planet'. But they _will_ be noisy (imagine a row of houses, each with a wind turbine - living next to a main road would be quieter!). And they _will_ be an unsightly aesthetic disaster, especially in attractive villages.
In case I am thought to be a luddite, I would draw the attention of any critic to the latest independent report on UK wind farms which are (quote) "... failing to generate the predicted amount of electricity". Now, if governmemnt approved, latest technology wind farms, set up in the windiest areas of the country are failing to perform (a mere 23 to 33 percent efficiency when working - and depending where situated), how on earth is a 2000 UKP wind turbine from B&Q going to help Joe public reduce his household electricity bill on a predictable and reliable basis? You are far better off turning down the room thermostat a little, using longlife light bulbs, having double glazing and roof and wall insulation, all of which are guaranteed to save you far more energy than installing a wind turbine!

Answer 2

The only real downsides to wind turbines is that they kill birds who fly into the blades and some have pretty high maintenance.. The issue with the birds is serious as it can kill protected or endangered species. But, despite what some think, it will slightly reduce overall wind very near the unit but will not cause more of it.

When considering a wind turbine you have to consider the location and the dangers. Do you get enough wind over a given period to actualy make it financially viable? Is there enough wind to damage the unit?

Generally they are environmentally a positive addition but the construction of the various components does have an environmental impact as does setting it up on the location.

Answer 3

Hi>
Isee that you have some detailed answers, so I would just add that the only down-side, apart from capital costs, is that by their nature, they make a constant whizzing & humming noise when in operation.
My old home-made one, mounted on the farm water tank, using an old aifcraft propellor and a dynamo, provided all lighting requirements, as bulbs are happy with DC voltages.
The things went dim in a light breeze, but a changeover switching arrangement back to mains put that right.
I found, like folks that live near a busy road, or rail line, you sort of get used to the noises, and ignore them.
Go for it, I have a small windmill thing on the boat roof, which when hoisted up, charges the batteries a treat.
Free & freindly energy - go for it !
Bob.

Answer 4

Lucky you, I just love wind turbines! Perhaps it's just that they represent a clean future, perhaps it's a childish interest (gazing at what the wind does...).
It's like a wind mill, but will generate energy with no pollution...
I hope it will affect you in the sense that you'll want one too!

Answer 5

The hum hum humming will definitely get on your nerves
if sited to close to your property also the are big and ugly.They only provide about two percent of electric to a home, that is the small private one`s.
Not in my back yard.

Answer 6

Its a big pole with a fan on top - you will need to buy some straps to stop your hat blowing off! ;-)