Installing a 2.5KWWind Turbine

[Alastaid]

Hi,

I am new to all of this but pretty excited at the possibilities.   My overall idea is to ditch the oil fired boiler, replace with a GSHP (see my post in the GSHP section) and install a wind turbine.  I was looking at the 2.5KW turbine,  but there are a few questions:

Is it best to just push all the output to a secondary meter and sell the electricity,  or utilise what you can (domestic consumption and the GSHP) and sell the excess? 

Reading other posts it looks like getting this power inverted (or whatever) to sell is a problem, what do I need to do this?

Also I would like to put the turbine at the bottom of the garden, which is at least 100m from the electricity meter,  is this a problem? 

Do I need planning for the turbine?  If so is there a example of what I am applying for?

Thanks in advance.

Alastair

[NickW]

You will certainly need planning permission for a 2.5 kw turbine in view of its size and height.

[martin]

The usual way with grid-connect is to have a proper grid-connect inverter, the electricity company will not allow you to connect without a "G83" certificated inverter - for the time being that means one of the expensive "Windy Boy" inverters (around £1500 for 2.5kw) - then you'll need a special meter from the electricity company (around £80-200) according to company, THEN you use the mains as a "battery substitute" - you feed excess in (and get paid for it), and use the mains normally in times of no wind!
We desperately need more affordable G83 inverters, I know Ivan's testing some small ones from a Dutch company!
The other way would be to go the battery bank route, and use the inverter that comes with the kit - it's quite adequate for MOST household appliances,and does give you "independence" from the grid, but you'd need separate wiring, you can't just "plug it in" to your household system.
Sometimes, a good way to use any "excess" is to have a dump load controller wired to an immersion heater.
In theory, a well-sited 2.5kw turbine should produce roughly the average family's electrical needs over a year
As for planning, ring up your local planning office, and tell them what you want to do, and go with whatever suggestions they make - often they're friendly and helpful - it makes a change for them from boundary disputes!
Good luck!