Wind and Solar Power Predictor

PeteRogers

Hi guys

I was wondering, before we pay for a big install of PV panels and a Wind turbine, it would be useful if we could check that we will, in fact, benefit from these installs.

I've seen the Power Predictor on Amazon and other websites but looks like this is not available any more (and had mixed reviews).

Is there anything we can get to check to see if this will be worth our while?

Thanks

Pete

zeupater

PeteRogers wrote: »

Hi guys

I was wondering, before we pay for a big install of PV panels and a Wind turbine, it would be useful if we could check that we will, in fact, benefit from these installs.

I've seen the Power Predictor on Amazon and other websites but looks like this is not available any more (and had mixed reviews).

Is there anything we can get to check to see if this will be worth our while?

Thanks

Pete

Hi

Solar - http://re.jrc.ec.europa.eu/pvgis/apps4/pvest.php#

DECC Windspeed database - http://tools.decc.gov.uk/en/windspeed/default.aspx

PVGIS will give you a decent idea of solar generation for your location & the windspeed database will give you an idea of the average windspeed from which you can get an idea whether a turbine would be of any use.

HTH
Z

PeteRogers

Thanks :T

Is there a "magic number" for both where it becomes cost effective? The wind speed one looks like it's just for today rather than daily/monthly average.

Pete

Exiled_Tyke

PeteRogers wrote: »

Thanks :T

Is there a "magic number" for both where it becomes cost effective? The wind speed one looks like it's just for today rather than daily/monthly average.

Pete

Solar is the easier to work with. From the estimates you can calculate payback in three components:

1. The (now paltry) generation tariff paid on every Kwh of generation. Search for FIT's rates - there's a government site (and others) with the figures.
2. Export tariff which is estimated to be 50% of every Kwh generated.
3. Savings on electricity use. Most estimate this at 50% of consumption but only you know your consumption patterns.

Compare the annual estimated returns to the capital outlay and decided whether its worthwhile. Most installations before the recent reduction were looking at a payback calculation of between 9-11 years. (i.e an install costing £5,000 should payback around £500 per year)

I believe most have concluded that wind generation is not cost effective on a small scale. But others may know better - I've not researched this.

PeteRogers

So with these numbers and the vastly reduced FIT, looks like this is a non starter, for now anyway. Was also looking at this in conjunction with the Tesla Powerwall. May put this on the back burner for a couple of years and the technology will be a lot better by then.

Thanks guys

Martyn1981

PeteRogers wrote: »

Hi guys

I was wondering, before we pay for a big install of PV panels and a Wind turbine, it would be useful if we could check that we will, in fact, benefit from these installs.

I've seen the Power Predictor on Amazon and other websites but looks like this is not available any more (and had mixed reviews).

Is there anything we can get to check to see if this will be worth our while?

Thanks

Pete

Hiya Pete, just to add to what Z and ET have said. PV is relatively easy to assess. Use PVGIS and look for any obvious (or non obvious) shading. It's a very good estimate of average generation.

Have a look at the PV FAQs for more info (also Sec 5 for PVGIS advice).

It can still work out ok, but you need a good orientation, decent size install (around 4kWp) and no shading. Then you need to pay £5k or less.


Wind ..... I've chatted and read for years on a renewables forum where several people have domestic wind turbines (on and off-grid). My extensive knowledge probably now adds up to next to nothing!

You really need to chat to the guys who have it and live with it. Large and medium scale wind is ok, but small scale requires knowledge (and love). Some of the scary things I've read:-

Having to lower turbines before a storm (never during one) to prevent damage.

Having to switch on dump loads (if off-grid) to get rid of excess leccy during a blow, as wind can't modulate generation (like PV), it has to go somewhere.

Needing a high turbine (10m or so) to avoid nearby turbulence, but planning permission may be needed and neighbours may be concerned.

Never attach to a main house wall, despite what some may say, as vibration (noise) can travel.

200m of clear ground in the main direction the wind comes from, to allow turbulence to settle down, or the turbine won't work well, just keep hunting.

Fitting undersized blades to help with initial generation, but prevent higher generation, damage, wear.

I may have got some (or all) of these points mixed up or wrong, so it's something that needs research and advice, ideally from some friendly folk with no vested interest.

Hope this doesn't sound too negative, wind and PV work well in combination, so long as they work well, but domestic wind needs thought and consideration.

Batts - take your time. Tesla have already announced the Powerwall 2, and prices on all battery solutions will fall this decade, so wait and watch at the moment, or make sure if you do install PV, that the main inverter is a hybrid type, that can direct generation (ideally still in DC form) straight to the batts, such as the SolarEdge system.

Mart.