Why install a wind turbine at home?
Wind turbines, the second renewable energy source in France
France is counting on its territory Over 9,500 wind turbinesdivided between 2,391 parks at the end of 2023 (including three at sea). The French wind farm is the fourth European park in terms of power, behind Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom. According to the Ecological Transition Agency (ADEME), wind turbines is Second source of renewable energy The most used, after hydraulic energy, in France.
Produce green electricity
Most wind turbines are held by specialized companies, but individuals can invest in a domestic wind turbine, also called small wind turbines, in order to directly supply their electricity housing. The primary interest is to produce clean and local energy to combat global warming by limiting its greenhouse gas emissions. Second advantage, produce your own electricity and save energy.
Can I install a wind turbine at home?
Distance conditions with the neighborhood to be respected
Yes, it is possible to install a domestic wind turbine at home, under certain conditions. The installation of an individual wind turbine must first respect a distance with the separative limit of the neighborhood. This must be equal to half the height of the projected wind turbine with a minimum of three meters (Article R. 111-17 of the town planning code).
Consult the Local Urban Plan (PLU)
It should also be ensured that the installation of a wind turbine is not prohibited by the local urban plan (PLU). It is necessary to refer in particular to the rules relating to the protection of nature, such as the presence of protected areas (national parks and nature reserves for example). But also to the rules relating to the protection of heritage (areas classified due to the presence of historic monuments / buildings). Finally, the proximity of certain military spaces prohibits this type of installation.
To know : all of these rules concern wind turbines which do not exceed a height of 50 meters.
What authorizations are necessary for the installation of a domestic wind turbine?
Height less than 12 meters: no necessary authorization
It all depends on the size of the equipment and the terrain. If the wind turbine is less than twelve meters (distance between soil and top of the nacelle), it can be located without prior authorization or building permit. The project must however respect the rules relating to the PLU and more generally, comply with the general rules of town planning (soil use, destination, dimensions, protection and development).
Height greater than 12 meters: issuance of a building permit and compliance with town planning rules
If the wind turbine is above twelve meters, it is subject to the delivery of a building permit. Again, the establishment must respect the PLU and the town planning rules applicable to the sector.
A wind turbine of this size is considered to be an “classified installation for environmental protection” (ICPE: articles L. 511-1 et seq. Of the environment code). It is therefore subject to a specific regulation which depends on the energy power of the device, less than twenty megawatts. In all cases, the lines, underground cables and pipes connecting the wind turbine at the delivery station are exempt from formalities.
What power in kW is necessary to supply a house?
The domestic wind turbine transforms the kinetic energy of the wind (the movement of the air) into mechanical energy, then into electricity thanks to a generator. The electricity produced is then converted and transported to supply the home or be stored in batteries. For domestic use of electricity as part of a house, it is recommended to choose a wind turbine with a power ranging from three to five kilowatts (on average). But you have to make an estimate of your consumption as closely as possible to make sure.
How to choose your little wind?
Horizontal wind turbine vs vertical
Horizontal wind turbines are the best known. They consist of a mast and three blades who turn in front of the wind. More effective than verticals, they are however noisier and costly. The vertical axis wind turbine is suitable for urban environments due to its small size and its ability to operate even in low wind. Here is in detail, the elements to take into account before investing in a wind turbine.
Wind conditions
The choice of the type of wind turbine depends mainly on wind conditions. Thus, horizontal wind turbines are more effective when the winds are strong and constant. THE vertical wind turbines are more suitable for urban areas or with variable winds.
The area of the field
Horizontal wind turbines are more suitable for large open spaces, like agricultural land, where the wind is regular and powerful. For a house, it is better to favor the vertical axis model, more compact and less noisy.
The budget
The prices vary depending on the wind turbine model (the horizontal model is the most expensive) and installation costs. It is therefore important to take into account your energy needs and the strength of the wind on your ground before deciding.
The energy expenditure to cover
You have to assess the consumption of the hearth to then determine the power of the wind turbine to install. There are many free simulators online to estimate your needs.
What is the price of a domestic wind turbine?
Prices that vary depending on the model
It all depends on the power of the chosen wind turbine. Depending on the model, the price range is 7,500 to 40,000 euros. Horizontal wind turbines are more expensive than vertical wind turbines. Wind turbines called “Tulip” are the least expensive (from 3,000 to 8,000 euros).
Aids for installing a small wind turbine in an individual
There are specific devices to encourage the Development of renewable energies. The purchase and installation of a domestic wind turbine on a building completed for more than two years allows you to benefit from a VAT rate of 10%. An individual can also benefit from financial aid paid by local communities which depend on the territories (regions, departments). The ANAH (National Agency for Housing) also grants a subsidy which can represent up to 50 % of the cost of installing the wind turbine.
Is a domestic wind turbine profitable?
Low profitability
Profitability depends on many factors, namely the type of wind turbine, its size, that of its blades, its situation and the energy consumption of the house concerned. You have to be in an area where the winds blow on average at more than 20 km/ hour. The regularity of the winds all year round is a definite advantage for considering the profitability of the operation. Also, the coastal areas, on the coastlines, are advantaged. ADEME believes that it is necessary to count Between 15 and 25 years old To amortize the cost of installing a domestic wind turbine.
Domestic wind turbine vs solar panels
In France, solar panels are generally much more profitable than domestic wind turbines: their installation cost is lower, their production is regular and predictable, their lifespan reached 25 to 30 years with little maintenance. The return on investment is often between 8 and 12 years old.
Conversely, a domestic wind turbine is more expensive, requires a very windy and clear site to be effective, requires more maintenance and is rarely profitable in urban or not very windy zone. Domestic wind power can however be interesting in addition to solar, in particular to produce electricity at night or in winter when the wind is strong.
Is it possible to sell the electricity produced by its wind turbine?
The domestic wind turbine is intended above all for private use. It is however possible to resell its surplus electricity in the form of an obligation to purchase EDF. Any kilowatt hour produced by the wind turbine is purchased at a price fixed in advance, then is redistributed on the public network. The resale is supervised by many rules.
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