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Wind is probably the most successful renewable energy used in the UK so far with considerable potential for further development and expansion. 40% of European land based wind energy resource is located here in the UK.
Wind turbines are available in a range of sizes from very small devices capable of producing a few watts to large turbines seen on wind farms.
Although wind technology is already well advanced in the UK with a wide range of products in terms of design, size and application very few are 'off-the-shelf' and ready for building integration. You could expect small wind turbines to produce around 15 - 25% of your annual electric requirements which would cost in the region of £2,000 or the larger grid connected turbines to provide almost all your elecricity for around £14,000 fitted and working.
Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines (HAWT)
This is by far the most common type of turbine due to its high efficiency. Typical design features are 3 or more blades rotating around a hub and mounted on masts. They are relatiely silent and vibration free.
 Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWT)Vertical axis wind turbines are not new, they have been around since the 1930's but never become widespread. However, they are now emerging as a strong contender for small and medium scale urban sites. The VAWT comes in varous shapes and sizes and will always catch the wind at right-angles to the blade. They are silent, they do not require a cut out in high winds, almost zero vibration and can be designed as a feature within urban sites and not look out of place.
A typical small scale urban wind turbine should be able to generate between 10% and 30% of the average home domestic energy consumption. They can be stand alone or grid connected with the use of an inverter and controls.
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