In the course of discussions about renewable energies, the focus is not only on the supply of gas, but of course also on the supply of electricity. The extraction of fossil fuels cannot continue indefinitely – experts around the world agree on this. We have been exploiting the planet for far too long with enormous ruthlessness and speed. But let’s look on the bright side: unlike gas, we can generate electricity from the wind and sun. So is a small wind turbine a good idea?
What can each and every one of us do?
I’m sure many of you are asking yourselves this question, and the motivation behind it can have very different reasons: whether it’s for environmental reasons, fear of a power cut or to save money. Whatever your reasons, in the end it benefits the environment and therefore all of us. But what specific measures can you take to produce your own electricity? Today we would like to focus on the topic of “wind”. Here we go.
Small wind turbine – what is it actually?
In principle, a small wind turbine works like a large wind turbine: the energy of the wind is converted into electricity. As with large turbines, a rotor is driven by the wind and begins to turn. This kinetic energy is fed to the generator via a drive shaft and converted into direct current. The principle will probably sound familiar to you, as the dynamo on your bike works in the same way. The dynamo uses the kinetic energy of the wheels to light up the bicycle lamp. Simple and effective, right?
Does a small wind turbine make sense for me?
Offshore wind farms will play a major role in future energy generation in Germany. Even now, wind energy already generates the most renewable energy in Germany. So the question is naturally justified: why not put your own small wind turbine on the roof?
If you want to buy a mini wind turbine, you need to answer a few important questions beforehand:
- Is there enough wind? Experts recommend a wind force of at least 3 to 5.
- What does your environment look like? Buildings or trees slow down the wind, ideally you should live on a hill or near the coast.
- A wind turbine on your own roof can generate disturbing noises and vibrations – does this affect your quality of life or that of your neighbors?
- Small wind turbines must also be registered with the electricity grid operator and the Federal Network Agency. Find out whether you also need a permit in your federal state.
- Do you want to generate yield with the mini wind turbine? This will hardly be feasible, as the amount of electricity generated is rather small compared to a solar power system. The consumer advice center has provided the following example of a yield estimate [1]:
Rotor blade: 1.0 m (propeller with horizontal axis)
Rotor area: 0.8m2
Power generation: 96 kWh per year
Value of the electricity: 33 euros per year (if it is consumed 100% in your own home)
As you can see, even if everything is running under optimal conditions, you have enough wind throughout the year and your mini wind turbine is in constant operation, the savings effect is rather low. The cost-benefit factor for these systems is not yet in a good ratio.
Combining a photovoltaic system and mini wind turbine?
If you already have a photovoltaic system installed on your roof and would also like to install a small wind turbine, this is technically not a problem. However, you should bear in mind that a solar system with storage can cover a large part of your household electricity requirements and is even cheaper to purchase than a small wind turbine. You should also bear in mind that additional electricity meters need to be installed and billed.
Alternatives and ideas
- Wind power is already an important part of energy generation. Offshore wind farms generate the most renewable energy in Germany. However, in order to be able to generate renewable energy on a small scale, photovoltaic systems are primarily suitable for balconies, house roofs or facades. If you would like to know more about the installation and benefits of a PV system, take a look at this article.
- Let’s save electricity. Because even if energy prices fall again somewhat in the future, the fundamental problem remains: our planet is suffering. The good news: You can help save energy with simple and small measures. You can find our 25 best tips for saving energy here .
- Even if you don’t have the opportunity to install a photovoltaic system, you can still do something for the environment. How about switching to a green electricity provider? We have listed a few providers in this article.
- A small wind turbine is not for you, but you are interested in wind power and want to do something for climate protection? Then perhaps investing in a local community wind turbine is something for you. This gives you a say and, in the best case, a good return. Check with your municipality, maybe there are other citizens who are enthusiastic about this idea.
Conclusion
Whether a small wind turbine is really worthwhile depends on the location. Ideally, they are placed near the coast, on boats or remote cabins. They are less suitable on residential roofs or in the garden.
To be able to generate electricity reliably and consistently over many years, you should continue to rely on photovoltaic systems as a private individual. These can also be installed on small areas such as balconies or carports – whether in the countryside or in the city – and are often cheaper to purchase than a small wind turbine.
Want to know more?
There is a lot more exciting information to discover on our blog. Take a look at our latest article on the effects of convection heating on houseplants. Or are you interested in the articles about sustainability on the internet? If you have any further questions, our friendly customer service team will be happy to help you – by phone, email or chat. We look forward to hearing from you.
