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Make your own energy at home, Britons urged

UK government energy strategy pushes ‘microgeneration’.

British politicians are urging people to turn their homes into power plants, by embracing ‘microgeneration’. The scheme could see more homeowners installing solar panels, rooftop wind turbines and a range of other measures to cut their power bills and ultimately reduce greenhouse-gas emissions.

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Posted by Michael Hopkin on March 29, 2006 04:37 PM |

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Where do we get information from about setting up your own domestic wind turbine. We live on a housing estate with a small garden. We understand they could be fitted to the roof of the house.
Yours sincerely
Belinda Wederell

Posted by: Belinda Wederell | March 29, 2006 07:27 PM

I'm also interested in wind turbines. An article in Radio Times suggested small urban models were available now. Are they? please let me know.
Thanks
Katrina Voysey

Posted by: katrina voysey | March 30, 2006 08:52 AM

There is at least one relitavely low cost wind turbine for household use. Try www.windsave.com

Posted by: Allan Dryer | March 30, 2006 09:36 AM

At the Durham Bat Group, we're currently investigating the effect of wind turbines on protected bat and bird populations. Our concern is that American studies have already shown major impact. The domestic mini-turbines are a particular concern as their effect is unstudied.

Posted by: Harry Erwin, PhD | March 31, 2006 07:37 AM

they should make it mandatory that all new houses built should have this stuff installed as standard. the extra cost would be only a small fraction of the cost of the house. realistically most people cant be bothered getting it done themselves. it doesnt help that you get taxed (albeit 5%) for saving the planet. good grief the government needs to catch itself on.

Posted by: captain planet | March 31, 2006 12:49 PM

A far more efficient way to reduce energy consumption is better thermal insulation of houses. So called 'passive houses' need hardly any heating at all (even in winter): the body heat of two adults is sufficient to heat up a normal-sized flat (~80 sqm).
See for example:
http://www.passivehouse.com/Englis

Posted by: Jens Kleinjung | April 4, 2006 11:45 AM

By "rooftop wind turbines" did the writer mean the Aeroturbine, an invention from the Midwestern USA? This is the only one I know of. The URL for this one is: http://www.aerotecture.com. I am happy to be able to share it, since other bloggers here seem to be asking about what is being referenced. I've seen them in action; they're quiet and don't eat birds like the propeller types to.

Posted by: Jean SmilingCoyote | April 4, 2006 09:36 PM

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