BLOWING IN THE WIND

Photo's: Wind turbine at Dunree fort Inishowen, the fort from the beach and one of the guns.

Click the title for a link to the Dunree fort site

Ian

I am thinking of putting in a wind turbine. I have a rural garden so a free standing one would be favourable. Is it possible to sell the excess electricity generated back to the national grid? Thanks T.T. Gleneely

Reply

Up until recently the answer would have been a firm no. The system is changing thankfully but it is still a bit of a grey area. Turbines (or solar electric panels) can be connected to the grid. This has the effect of slowing down a home meter by the same amount of power that is produced. If you don’t use the power though it will still go to the grid and you won’t receive a cent for it. So at present you will not get money for the excess energy that is produced. Things are changing though, so if you decide to install the turbine make sure you deal with an installer who is aware of the new European legislations.

Environmental