FAQs

Are wind turbines noisy?

The VAWT (Vertical Axis Wind Turbine) wind surbines are not noisy – ours produce less than 45db at 5 metres and they produce less intrusive noise than the HAWT (Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine) design, the generator produces a low frequency noise which mingles with general back ground low frequency noise.

*40 db (decibels) equates to about the sound of a 'quiet auditorium' - http://www.astralsound.com/the_decibel.htm

It has been repeatedly shown by measurements of wind turbine noise undertaken in the UK, Denmark, Germany and the USA over the past decade, and accepted by experienced noise professionals, that the levels of low frequency noise and vibration radiated from modern, upwind configuration wind turbines are at a very low level, so low that they lie below the threshold of perception. We recommend that the wind turbine should be at least 8 metres from the house to eliminate any possibility of disturbance.

Will I get planning permission for my wind turbine?

Most planning authorities will require planning consent for structures over 4m high. Planning requirements vary from one area to another. Planning Policy Statement 22 (PPS22) sets out a clear national policy framework on renewable energy for planning authorities in England to ensure that the Government's renewable energy targets are met. Under PPS22 regional and Local Planning Authorities should recognise the full range of renewable energy sources, their differing characteristics, locational requirements and the potential for exploiting them subject to appropriate environmental safeguards.

Small scale developments can also be permitted within areas such as National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Heritage Coasts provided that there is no serious environmental detriment to the area concerned. PPS22 introduces a new policy area for small systems by encouraging Local Planning Authorities to require that new developments should supply a percentage of their energy needs from onsite renewable energy sources.

You will not be able to have a turbine close to a radar installation or a military airfield. If the turbine would be within 50 metres of your nearest neighbour and especially if not screened from them, if they were to object it is likely that permission would be refused. Planning applications for turbines have been granted within Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and National Parks but the planning authorities may be more difficult to satisfy and may impose conditions. Also, applications for listed property may also be more difficult to get approved.

Alvesta will prepare a planning support document that you can submit with your planning application and this will include pictures of the turbine of your choice superimposed on the proposed location.

How much do wind turbines wind turbines cost?

Before a quotation can be given a decision will have to be made as to the required power output of the turbine, the number of blades and tower height and design, and whether or not a grid tie or a battery pack is required.

Our turbines start at around £10,000 for a 3kW turbine on a 6 metre lattice tower and a 30kW turbine with a 12 metre tower will cost around £40,000. These prices do not include delivery and installation costs. Installation costs will vary according to how far the turbine is from the connection point, the nature of the ground, whether or not the customer prepares the base and whether or not a grid tie is required. A typical installation will cost around £2,000 if the customer provides the base.

A good way to look at the comparative costs of a wind turbine is the cost per megawatt hour of power generated. The table below shows the cost per megawatt hour of three of our VAWTs with comparisons to two typical HAWTs. The prices used for the HAWTs are only indicative based on published information and to make a true comparison you would be advised to get an up to date quotation. Alvesta prices are also subject to change.

AMWS m/s

Alvesta 3kW

Alvesta 6kW

Alvesta 10kW

Alvesta 30kW

Iskra 5kW

Westwind 20kW

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4

£3,846

£8,439

£7,692

£2,215

£3,300

£2,912

5

£1,538

£1,402

£1,136

£665

£1,897

£1,650

6

£870

£570

£460

£266

£1,260

£1,076

7

£595

£325

£263

£152

£965

£825

8

£459

£223

£180

£104

£817

£697

9

£380

£172

£139

£81

£743

£635

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please note that all the Alvesta VAWTs become more cost effective as wind speeds rise above 4 m/s and increasingly so as the wind speed increases. Also note that, although the cost per mWh decreases as the turbine size increases, the initial capital outlay for the larger turbines is greater.