I am interested in the availaible Wind power generation systems currently available. This is probably something we will start to see more of on the top of people’s house. The following is the technical specification from the B&Q windmill. The Windsave 1000 system: Windsave Generator 3 bladed Fan 1.75m in diameter Tail Fin Slip Ring/Swivel Assembly Support Pole and mounting brackets [galvanised] Windsave ‘Plug’n’Save™’ electronic conditioning system Wiring - Double insulated

The Windsave small wind turbine generating system (SWTGS) is an environmentally friendly ‘renewable energy’ device that is ‘wind powered’ and generates electricity synchronous with mains supply. The generated electricity is fed into the building’s ring main supply at 230 VoltAC, 50Hertz.  The average wind speed across the UK is ~5.6m/sec. at 10m above the ground.  The Windsave System is ideal to install at all locations that benefit from good exposure to the wind. Our System will start to generate electricity at 4.0m/s and reach the rated output of 1kW @12.5m/s. When the wind speed exceeds 15.0m/s. the System will self regulate and slow down to avoid damage to the top-works and the electrical components. There is an ultimate fail-safe switch that will activate at ~1100rpm blade speed in the event of failure of the mains power supply or cable damage.

The Windsave System is an effective, user-friendly method for householders, commercial enterprises, and local government bodies to harness wind energy with an eco-friendly way of generating and using electricity. The average annual generation and reduced electricity bill will be 0.8-1.2MWhr per year [1MWhr is 1,000 units – kWatt hour - of electricity].  The UK average ‘domestic’ electricity bill, excluding heating, is ~3.2MWhr. per year. The Windsave System will provide savings when the wind is strong enough to ‘generate’ and so long as there is a reasonable demand [base-load] from the ring main. In most UK homes the base-load is ~1.5MWhr per year.

I think this a great move for the UK, however I am concerned about the noise level from this unit which is said to be 40Db, equivalent to normal speech. I have heard there are more efficient models available.