Generally, you could have 2 main types of wind turbine installed at home.

Roof-mounted wind turbines

These small wind turbines sit on top of your roof, just like solar panels would. Putting them on the roof gives them the best height to take advantage of the wind blowing over your house. They’re usually cheaper to install than stand-alone turbines. But since they’re not as big, they tend to be less powerful, usually generating 1-2kW.

Stand-alone or pole-mounted wind turbines

Free-standing wind turbines are likely to be more powerful than those that fit on a roof – but only if you put them in the right place. They work best if they’re in a big, open space where there’s nothing to slow down the wind: think in a massive field – or even better, on top of a hill. Unless you have this kind of land available around your home, a stand-alone turbine might not work for you. They’re also usually more expensive. But if you do have the space and the money for one, the good news is that you have a better chance of powering your entire house with it than with a roof-mounted system.

What are the benefits of powering your home with wind energy?

Advantages of home wind turbines

- Wind is plentiful in the UK: Did you know that 40% of the wind energy in Europe blows over that little island? It’s one of our greatest natural resources.

- Wind turbines are low-carbon: They’re a green, renewable source of energy, and don’t release any carbon emissions, which fuel the climate crisis.

- They can save you money: By generating your own electricity, you can cut back on your energy bills. Plus, you may be eligible to get payments from the Smart Export Guarantee.

They look cool, too!: If you’re prepared to splash out, there are lots of architecturally innovative wind turbine designs out there. Why not go the extra mile and make your home look as futuristic as its energy.

Disadvantages of home wind turbines

The upfront cost is high: A pole-mounted system that generates about 3kW could set you back between R60,000 and R140,000. Read more about pricing below.

They’re not suitable for every home: Home wind turbines just don’t work for everyone. You need to have the right wind speed to power them, which means you need lots of unobstructed space – which is usually only the case in rural homes (sorry, city dwellers!).

Wind energy is green, clean, and sustainable. But it’s not the cheapest or easiest option, especially for urban homes. That’s why many home-owning eco-warriors opt for solar panels instead. These can be fitted on your roof, so they don’t take up extra space, and they’ll work anywhere (not just on top of a windy hill!)