Comparing HHP 5kW rated Wind Turbines

HHP erected a 5kW Proven wind turbine in early 2002 and in early 2005 complimented this with the installation of a 5kW Iskra wind turbine.

Both turbines are situated in the same area of the site and are at the same height of 26m. It is therefore interesting to compare the performance of these two products under almost identical conditions. Comparative data has been collected from April to Nov 05.

Proven = 2'486 kWhrs
Iskra = 2'310 kWhrs

The two turbines are producing similar outputs. Although Iskra’s performance is about 7% lower, it was less expensive (by more than 10%) – Therefore the cost-effectiveness is very similar. It is also worth noting that Iskra hope to improve the performance of their turbine with an upgrade to their current specification in spring 06. Please also note that the data does not include the bulk of the windiest part of year – we should get 5 to 6,000kWhrs for the full year (both wind turbines were originally predicted to produce around 12,000kWh annually with the wind conditions on site). This year is tracking lower compared to 04/05 data – just not been as windy!

We plan to add regular performance updates to our website for all these energy systems from this spring. You can obtain more information about the Proven wind turbine and our photovoltaic system by purchasing ‘Technical Factsheet 9: Energy Generation’

Due to the very low energy requirements of the homes at HHP (about 10% of an average UK home) relatively small renewable energy systems are able to produce enough energy to offset the occupant’s energy use. This minimises the amount of greenhouse gases the homes are responsible for and the HHP development meets a number of the highest environmental housing standards in the UK, namely net zero CO2 and Autonomous.