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Small Scale Wind Turbines |
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In the Ireland/UK we have the highest level of Europe's total wind energy. But it's still largely untapped with
very little of our electricity requirements being currently generated by wind power.
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Blow away those bills with wind power! |
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For businesses and residences with a 24 -7 grid power requirement – or for remote users outside the reach of the grid - wind energy provides a level of true sustainable self sufficiency.
Self wind generation is a world away from the scale of commercial wind farms, known as ‘big wind’. ‘Small wind’ turbines generate energy closer to the point of use, whilst their compact, advanced design and environmentally-sympathetic colouring make less of an impact on the surroundings.Domestic and business energy needs will continue to be met by electricity. But now there are more options for how it’s generated and who does the generation. A series of developments mean that today harnessing wind energy for your own use is not
only possible, but profitable for businesses, communities and individuals.
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The power’s back in your hands |
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Generating your own electricity is the direct way to reduce your exposure to volatile energy prices, and limit any reliance on fossil fuels, without having to leave the grid itself. It allows you to take control over your supply, by choosing one of two options. In grid-connected mode, the turbine produces power in parallel to the grid, and supplies AC electricity direct to the nearest building for consumption, while any surplus power is sold instantly back to the grid. In stand-alone mode the turbine is configured to charge a local battery bank, to supply independent AC or DC networks.
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Get energy without the impact |
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Moving to wind generation is the clearest way for everyone to display their personal and professional commitment to clean energy. For organisations wishing to demonstrate corporate and social responsibility, it’s positive action towards reducing carbon dioxide emissions and helping to mitigate climate change. Since Iskra systems enable you to capture energy from the air for their lifetime, you’re equipped with the safest, long-term option for sustainable energy.
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Your energy, your way |
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Self-generation gives you more versatile options for how you use your electricity. Use your wind turbine to charge up a bank of DC batteries, and provide clean back-up power. As a direct source of power it can help supplement your supply to help keep energy bills low, while any surplus can be exported to support the local grid, with the value credited to you.
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How the numbers add up |
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Moving to self-generation may seem like a major step, but you’ll find financial assistance is available from a number of sources to help you get started. These include the renewable energy grants offered through government initiatives, through to the option to invest in sustainable living as part of your mortgage, available from a number of today’s more progressive mortgage providers. |
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Generating Electricity and Reducing
Your Carbon Footprint
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| Wind Speed |
5.5m/s |
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| Power |
11MWh |
| Utility Saving |
£1000 Per Annum |
| C02 Reduction |
5.45 tonnes* |
Illustratation based on average wind speed for BS32 postcode area (removing a mass of carbon dioxide equivalent to the same wieght as four family cars emission factor of 0.43kg C02/KWh for grid electricity |
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Highly evolved |
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Iskra wind turbines are the most efficient, cost-effective small wind turbines available. Designed as nature intended, our turbines work with the wind to capture more energy at lower wind speeds. The result is quiet, more efficient operation. Their design goes beyond simple ergonomics to guarantee your turbine makes an elegant addition to any surroundings, rather than an eyesore. |
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Photovoltaic Power - What is it? |
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The sun is a practically inexhaustible energy source. Photovoltaics facilitate the production of electricity from sunlight. The solar cells used in this process are semiconductor elements, normally made from the raw material silicon. When sunlight falls upon a solar cell, the electrons inside it are set in motion, causing an electric current to flow. It is essential to have a closed electrical circuit connected to a power consumer or to the main grid.
Solar cells are produced in sizes of 10x10 cm to 15x15 cm, and are combined to make solar modules. For protection against extreme weather conditions, the cells are laminated and durably sealed between a glass on the front and a film on the rear. A surrounding aluminum frame gives the modules the necessary stability and allows them to be mounted on a supporting structure. They are electrically connected via two cables with waterproof plug connectors. |
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Solar cells are only physically able to generate direct current. The electricity produced can be stored directly in batteries or used by direct current power consumers.
These are known as off-grid solar power systems, and are used whenever there is no public power grid available.
Grid feed systems require in addition an inverter in order to convert the direct current into alternating current. The solar power is simultaneously fed into the main grid and measured by an extra meter to calculate the remuneration.
The quietest form of power on Earth costs nothing to run, has no moving parts, requires no maintenance, and produces no pollution. It's an array of photovoltaic cells installed on your roof and powered by the sun.
Though initially expensive, costs are declining and cell technology is evolving rapidly. The photovoltaic panels available today can be installed on most roofs that have an unobstructed, sunny area. Most roofs can tolerate the weight of the panels without reinforcement.
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On or off the grid |
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Some photovoltaic systems turn your home into a generating plant that feeds surplus electricity back into the power grid, while others allow you to be totally independent—"off the grid." The latter systems cost more because they require heavy-duty batteries for storing the electricity, but they make sense for remote locations and for some people who work at home.
A grid-tied system can actually generate savings as well as power. During the daytime, when the demand for electricity from businesses is high, most homes are quiet—family members are at school and work. The photovoltaic system, however, continues to produce power. A grid-tied system can send the surplus energy it produces back into the power grid, and the homeowner will receive credit for it through the Utility and Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs)
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How a photovoltaic system works |
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Typically, the cells are made of chemically treated silicon covered with an upper layer of clear protective material, such as glass. Each solar cell converts sunlight into a small amount of electricity.
All photovoltaic panels create direct-current power, which must be converted to alternating current to match and synchronize with the type of power delivered by utility companies. To do this, every photovoltaic system requires an inverter that's sized to its output.
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PV Arrays |
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The most popular and easiest to add to an existing roof are metal-framed modules, which mount to brackets installed on an existing roof.
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Sizing and installation |
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The amount of energy needed varies from household to household, depending on the types of appliances, lighting, electronic devices, and patterns of living. It has little to do with a home's square footage. However, you can reduce the number of panels needed—and thus the cost of your installation—by lowering the amount of energy your household requires. Do this through conservation and the use of energy-saving products such as added insulation, double-glazed windows, compact fluorescent light bulbs, and energy efficient appliances.
Consult Energy Superstore to determine the sizing, siting, and cost of your system. Planning permission may be required for installation of photovoltaic systems, and grid-tied installations require coordination with the utility company. We will assist you with planning approval applications. |
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