Domestic-scale Wind Generators for Personal Energy Production
In the pursuit of renewable energy sources, small wind turbines have emerged as a viable option for private households. Here's a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about small wind energy for your home.
If you're considering an investment of more than 50,000 € in a small wind turbine, an immobilienfinanzierung might come into question. The interest rates for KfW Promotion, a popular financing option, vary greatly, ranging from approximately 3% to 12%, due to their dependency on the creditworthiness.
The power of a small wind turbine can be impressive. In private households, the power can reach up to 10 kW, while for larger installations, up to 250 kW is possible. However, the height of a small wind turbine's highest point of a rotor blade can be up to 50 meters, depending on local regulations. The diameter of the rotor blades can be up to 16 meters, and the wind attack area of the rotor blades can be up to 200 square meters.
Small wind turbines for private use typically operate within certain noise limit values. It's important to note that these turbines are primarily made from concrete, steel, and composites such as fiberglass-reinforced plastics. While concrete and steel have significant CO2 footprints, efforts are being made to use lower-emission cements and recycling to mitigate their impacts. Fiberglass composites are durable but challenging to recycle, and they may cause environmental concerns at end-of-life. Ongoing efforts aim to develop bio-based or more recyclable materials for wind turbine components to reduce environmental impact.
When buying a small wind turbine for private use, it's recommended to ask if the system is certified according to the IEC 61400-2 standard, if it can be inspected, if a specific lifespan is guaranteed, if the wind turbine is storm-proof and low-noise, if it is approved for grid connection, if there are user reports on this model, if the manufacturer has been on the market for a long time. Insurance for a small wind power plant is not mandatory but recommended.
Small wind turbines are often set up alone near a house for self-supply with electricity. However, it's essential to remember that wind energy is more suitable for self-consumption due to low feed-in compensation that decreases annually.
A modernization loan for wind turbines for single-family houses has low interest rates specifically earmarked for expenses that serve modernization. The maximum amount for a modernization loan for wind turbines is 50,000 €. Small wind power plants must always be registered with the Federal Network Agency and the local power grid operator.
Under the KfW Promotion for the expansion of renewable energies, loans of up to 150 million euros are available, up to 100% of the investment costs. Eligible for KfW Promotion are private individuals, companies, freelancers, cooperatives, associations, and foundations.
Both horizontal and vertical wind turbines are available for single-family homes. The choice between the two depends on various factors such as space availability and electricity generation needs.
In conclusion, small wind turbines offer a promising solution for private households seeking renewable energy sources. With careful consideration of factors such as cost, location, and environmental impact, these turbines can provide a sustainable and self-sufficient energy solution for many homes.
