Wind Turbine Frequently Asked Questions

While we try to cover most aspects about a product on their relevant pages, you may still have a few question you need answered.

If you do not find an answer to your questions then please contact VG Energy.

How does a wind turbine make electricity?

The simplest way to think about this is to imagine that a wind turbine works in exactly the opposite way to a fan. Instead of using electricity to make wind, like a fan, turbines use the wind to make electricity. Almost all wind turbines producing electricity consist of rotor blades which rotate around a horizontal hub. The hub is connected to a generator, located inside the nacelle. The nacelle is the large part at the top of the tower where all the electrical components are located. The wind turns the blades round, this spins the shaft, which connects to a generator and this is where the electricity is made. A generator is a machine that produces electrical energy from mechanical energy, as opposed to an electric motor which does the opposite!

What influences the output of the wind turbine?

The average wind speed. More wind means higher electricity production. The average wind speed is more important than the speed at any given moment. Wind speeds increase with height. So, the higher the tower, the more wind the turbine catches.

How much of the time do wind turbines produce electricity?

A modern wind turbine produces electricity 70-85% of the time, but it generates different outputs dependent on wind speed. Over the course of a year, it will generate about 30% of the theoretical maximum output. This is known as its load factor. The load factor of conventional power stations is on average 50%.

How safe is wind energy?

When turbine siting and turbine maintenance are done correctly, wind energy is one of the safest energy technologies. No member of the public has ever been injured by wind energy or wind turbines anywhere in the world, despite the fact that there are now over 100.000 operational wind turbines. About sighting: Finding the right location for your turbine is very important, it is important to stay away from any obstacle since obstacles disturb the flow of air and cause extensive turbulence near the obstacle. Wind turbines can deal with some turbulence from time to time without a problem. When a wind turbine is exposed to strong turbulence for a long period of time, problems or even damage to the turbine can occur. When turbine siting is considered it is important to investigate both current and suture obstacles.

What advantages do I get if I buy a wind turbine?

Most important reason:

UK wind turbines generally have a very short“payback period”. After this period wind turbinesgenerate electricity for many more years withoutsignificant costs.

On top of this there are various other advantagesdepending on the situation you are in:

• A wind turbine may stabilize an unstable grid.
• You reduce your fuel need and cost.
• You reduce your electricity cost.
• You produce green energy to help protect theenvironment.
• You set a good example to your community.

Do i need planning permission for installing a wind turbine?

Yes. Please contact VG Energy for details as we perform all planning and grid connection in house.

If I supply the over production to the grid, will I get paid for it?

Yes, check energy supplier tariffs plus you will receive the fit for every unit of energy you produce. You are guaranteed a minimum of 3.1p per unit, some energy companies may offer more than this.

My farm / factory / office use a lot of electricity. Can I use wind energy?

Yes! As a matter of fact, if there is space to install a wind turbine and there is sufficient wind, then any farm or factory can use a wind turbine. For example: A poultry farmer has a house and a large poultry shed and it consumes 120.000 kWh per year. There is sufficient wind available and the local regulations allow you to erect a wind turbine. 

Do the wind turbines switch on and off automatically when the wind speed changes?

Yes, the system is fully automatic. It start automatically when the wind speed reaches at least 3 m/s, it follows the wind direction automatically and it slows down and stops automatically when the wind speeds reach or pass the maximum wind speed.

Does wind energy have an impact on the environment?

Yes, as wind energy is a clean energy it only has a positive impact! Wind energy decreases the use of fossil fuels, nuclear energy and other polluting energy sources. It also decreases CO2 emissions.

Do wind turbines influence birds?

Many people are concerned about the influence wind turbines have on the safety of birds. Extensive surveys have shown that very few birds are killed by wind turbines and that properly sited wind turbines have no influence on bird migratory routes at all.

Do wind turbines frighten livestock?

Wind farming is popular with farmers, because their land can continue to be used for growing crops or grazing livestock. Sheep, cows and horses are not disturbed by wind turbines.

Are turbines noisy?

Wind turbines are not noisy. The evolution of wind farm technology over the past decade has rendered mechanical noise from turbines almost undetectable with the main sound being the aerodynamic swoosh of the blades passing the tower.