Need to Know
- Provides a renewable energy source and low running costs
- Requires sufficient space and regular wind.
Wind turbines use the wind to generate power. The wind turns the propeller-like blades of a turbine around a rotor, which spins a generator, creating electricity. Wind turbines are available in a range of sizes and can be located on land or offshore. These can also work for individual households, if you have enough space.
Wind turbines need an average wind speed of 18km/hr. They are best placed in a wide, open location away from large obstacles that are likely to cause turbulence and impact the energy generated. They can also be considered in urban locations where the wind is sufficient: on top of the roofs of industrial or commercial buildings, or near coastlines.
A wind turbine system requires a trench cable, and controller which ensures it is operating within safe limits. The power generated will be used in the home or transferred to the main electrical grid. Batteries can store excess power for later use.
Wind turbines with an output of less than 10 kW are eligible for incentives under the Federal Government’s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme. They are generally a better solution for off-grid properties and can work as a complement to other forms renewable energy, such as solar.