Wind Power

Wind power is, indirectly, a form of solar energy. Confused? I was!

The sun heats different parts of the earth at different rates.

In turn, the air above the earth also warms at different rates.

Hot air rises so pressure at the earth’s surface falls. Cooler air is drawn in to replace it, and the result is wind.

The UK has one of the best wind resources in Europe and large scale wind farms (both onshore and offshore) will be able to make a significant contribution to our energy needs as a nation.

On a smaller scale, wind power is the perfect partner to solar PV because its availability is highest in the winter when solar power is at a minimum, and vice versa.

Siting, however, is crucial for a wind turbine to be effective – and sadly, that rules out most urban locations (and a lot of suburban ones too).

Ideally, a turbine should be sited at the top of a hill with a gentle south-westerly slope, to take best advantage of the direction of the prevailing wind. Any obstructions (trees and buildings) will cause turbulence, which not only decreases efficiency, but also increases wear and tear – and therefore maintenance costs.

Planning permission is nearly always required, but in the right position, rewards are significant – especially in the light of the Feed In Tariff scheme.