Wind Turbines

Today wind turbines come in all shapes and sizes to meet most locations and needs.

At Offspring we can advise in respect of the larger turbines, which can be 80m high, down to the smaller domestic range which can effectively 'plug' directly into the home. As well as differences in size and output the design of blade also varies, this can include vertical axis turbine as well as better know horizontal axis. Some of the more modern style can incorporate advertising providing a dual purpose. Naturally planning considerations including visual impact, noise, vibration and turbulence factors are important issues affecting turbine type and location decision.

An example of a vertical axis turbine with advertising feature;

In Ireland we do not benefit from Net Billing and therefore the majority of turbines available for small users are, in our opinion, often not financially feasible as battery packs and inverters need to be included. The UK and Europe can take advantage of 'Net Billing' opening up many opportunities for a wide number of users all generating their own power and reducing pollution.

'Net Billing' effectively allows the excess power produced by the small scale turbine during the windier seasons to be offset against the electricity used, i.e. effectively sold back to the utility company. As mentioned it is widely available in Europe but not yet in Ireland. We therefore urge Irish consumers to make their TD's aware of this need and to act.

For further information please contact Offspring.