August 2006
Warwick Wind Trials
A new microgeneration initiative is starting in Warwick District in the West Midlands. Trials of rooftop based microwind turbines from two manufacturers will shortly be established due to the initiative of Pilkington Energy Efficiency Trust along with the enthusiasm of the Action 21 Energy Group, County and District councils.
The project will evaluate the contribution roof mounted turbines can make to improving awareness of energy and energy efficiency in existing homes used by real families as well as the before and after reactions of local residents to the "newcomer" in their communities.
In a recent attitudes survey 89% and 81% of residents said they would not object to installation of solar panels or micro-wind turbines on neighbouring properties if they were well designed. 86% thought climate change the most important facing their community (of equal importance along side health and terrorism). A further survey will be undertaken at the end of the trial period.
The trial runs for one year and will see 10 turbines installed in different locations at which wind speeds and output will be monitored. However, there has been a lot more interest from the general public and it is now hoped that another 10 turbines will be installed shortly after the trial begins. The first electricity should be generated in October subject to planning consent and Low Carbon Building Programme grant approvals.
The two models proposed are the WindSave SM1000 (1kW output) and the Ampair 600 (0.6kW output). These can be fixed on gables, flat roofs and in the latter case on suitable pitched roofs.
Whilst there has been a lot of publicity for microwind turbines there are as yet not many available from manufacturers. Both production of equipment and the number of accredited installers will need to improve along side the removal of other barriers (such as the need for planning consents) before the market really takes off.
The Warwick Microwind Project is partly funded by the Pilkington Energy Efficiency Trust and supported by the DTI, BWEA and Micropower Council.
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