Why small wind turbines are not an alternative to mini PV systems - consumer advice center explains [SEO: small wind turbines, alternative, consumer advice center North Rhine-Westphalia]

Why small wind turbines are not an alternative to mini PV systems - consumer advice center explains [SEO: small wind turbines, alternative, consumer advice center North Rhine-Westphalia]

Not every household has the opportunity to install a balcony power plant. For these households, small wind turbines appear to be a suitable alternative. However, the North Rhine-Westphalia consumer advice center explicitly advises against wind turbines and gives numerous reasons for this.

At first glance, a small wind turbine appears to be a sensible alternative to a balcony power plant. Compared to solar systems, wind power generation is less dependent on sunshine because the wind blows constantly, even at night. In addition, small wind turbines are available in different sizes and can therefore be set up even where space is limited. However, there are several reasons why investing in a mini wind turbine has not yet been financially worthwhile.

A decisive factor is the location of the wind turbine. The freer the wind reaches the wind turbine, the higher the yield. However, in urban areas with many buildings, wind power is slowed down, resulting in lower electricity yields. Double the wind speed means eight times the yield, while half the wind speed limits the yield to one eighth.

Another reason that speaks against small wind turbines is the limited size of such systems. In order to avoid possible disruption to neighbors, the dimensions of such systems are limited. The size of the rotor blades is crucial for generating electricity. A change in the rotor blade diameter has a major impact on the system's yield.

The consumer advice center has calculated an example in which a small wind turbine with a rotor diameter of one meter and an optimistic location on the roof of a house inland was considered. An annual yield of only 96 kWh was determined. In comparison, mini PV systems can generate 560 to 760 kWh per year under good conditions. In addition, the electricity costs saved with mini wind turbines are significantly lower than with mini PV systems.

The purchase costs of mini wind turbines are similar or even higher than the costs of balcony power plants. At current prices for mini wind turbines with a rotor diameter of one meter, it takes over 30 years to amortize the purchase costs. Only larger models with a higher yield could pay off more quickly.

Overall, it can be said that small wind turbines are neither financially worthwhile nor efficient under current conditions. There is currently no suitable alternative for households that cannot use a mini PV system.

According to a report by www.inside-digital.de