FAQs - Electricity Metering

What is a grid-connected system?

A grid-connected system feeds power directly into your main distribution board and exports power if there is too much back to the grid; you can also take power from the grid. This is a balanced and synchronous system and will not affect your day-to-day living. Regulations state if there is a power cut the turbine must stop generating for safety.

What is a battery charging system?

A battery charging system provides you with a continuous power source for your house via an inverter, which makes the power from the turbine usable. If you have an off grid site, you would have a diesel generator on stand-by to cover periods when you had no wind at all for a few days (typically because the batteries are sized to give you around 2-3 days worth of storage). If there is too much power from the turbine, it can be diverted into either water or space heating.

What is a direct heating system?

A direct heating system feeds power directly into a series of small heaters (either water or space heaters) and is used in conjunction with your existing heating system. It is the cheapest of our systems but also the most dedicated as you only get power for heat – and you only get that heat when there is wind. Heat can be stored in water or storage heaters and released at times of calm.

Is there a legal requirement for grid connection? How safe are they?

G-83/1 and G-59/1 are the electrical recommendations that apply in the UK, these regulations vary globally. Why not click here and fill out the named 'buy a wind turbine' form to find out more.

Will a turbine keep producing electricity in a power cut?

A grid-connected turbine will have to disconnect for safety reasons if there is a power cut. This is a legal requirement. If you have regular power cuts and need to keep running then a grid connect battery system will provide power even during power cuts.

What is G-83/1 and G-59/1?

In the UK , G-83/1 and G-59/1 are engineering recommendations for the grid connection of an electrical generator to the low voltage network. If a turbine is under 16A per Phase then G-83/1 applies. If it is over 16A per Phase then G-59/1 applies. G- 83/1 is more a notification of connection to the grid whereas G-59/1 seeks permission to connect. This is a legal requirement, which all small-scale and large-scale generators have to adhere to.