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  • Energy crunch for UK power in seven years

    • Steve Holliday, chief executive of National Grid told the Times newspaper that Britain could face regular blackouts within seven years if the Government does not intervene to prevent an energy gap that will be created by future power station closures. The warning came after Ofgem, the energy industry regulator, said it was to consider fresh incentives to encourage the development of renewable energy schemes in Britain.
Worried about planning Permission?

Residential - From the 6th April 2008 homeowners will be able to install Solar Panels on their property without the need for planning permission as long as the following is adhered to:-

1) Roof mounted panels must not protude more than 200mm from the roof slope
2) Freestanding panels must not exceed 4 meters above ground level

See here for more details.

Commercial - In most cases this is yes however, a phone call to your local planning department will confirm the exact requirements. We can provide this as a service if required.

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The We Support Solar Campaign

We are backing the We Support Solar campaign who are working to highlight the value of solar PV in the UK and to ensure the Government sets an appropriate rate for the solar Feed-in Tariff to ensure a clean, renewable future for generations to come.

The Renewable Energy Assurance Scheme
We are members of the Renewable Energy Assurance Scheme (REAL) and abide by the high standards set out in their code of practice


The Greater manchester Chamber of Commerce

We are members of the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce who actively promote and support North West Businesses.

Wind Turbines.

 

How Do They Work

Wind turbines come in 2 basic types - Horizontal Axis (HAWT) and Vertical Axis (VAWT).

The HAWT is probably the most recognisable as being the type used in wind farms usually having 3 blades. VAWTs on the other hand are more varied in their styles.

In both cases the force of the wind is used to create a difference in pressure over the blades causing them to rotate. This rotation is transferred to a permenant magnet generator via a shaft. Depending upon the type of generator used the voltage produced can either be DC or AC.

 

Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine

HAWT require a smooth windflow uninterrupted by trees or buildings in order to work most effectively. They generally use a vane on the back of the turbine to keep the blades facing directly into the wind and therefore working efficiently. If the conditions are such that the air flow is turbulent then the turbine spends more time trying to turn into the wind rather than produce electricity. This is why you see wind farms on the top of moors or out to sea rather than in urban environments. More Details

 

Vertical Axis Wind Turbines

Vertical Axis turbines do not need to turn into the wind as parts of their blades will always be into the wind. This makes them well suited to areas where you dont always have a smooth wind flow. More Details

 

 

Attaching To Buildings

Unless the building structure (especially residential homes) has been specifically designed or reinforced we do not recommend attaching wind turbines as the substantial additional forces imposed will lead to structural damage and possible collapse. A free standing mounting is the preferred option.