I like the idea of popping down to the hardware shop to pick up some organic compost, a new pair of wellies and wind turbine. Ecologically, installing some sort of micro-powergeneration seems to be the right thing to do, but most of us also have to be practical about finances. So it’s good news that DIY retailer B&Q have decided to sell budget-priced wind turbines and solar panels in 300 of it’s shops, isn’t it? B&Q believes that we are ready to embrace a low-energy future, and at £1498 for a wind-turbine, with a survey and installation included in the price, it’s probably the best deal around. But not many of us have a spare one and a half grand rattling around in our change pocket, and I’ve also read/heard lots and lots of conflicting reports about whether installing a home wind-turbine or solar panels is economically viable, and depending on just how powerful the turbine is and how much electricity it produces, just how long it will take to pay for itself. I guess that time will tell, and the Energy Saving Trust predicts that prices will fall as demand increases.
Via: The Telegraph
Comments:
I’m glad that a mainstream store has taken the decision to stock these now - hopefully it will encourage more people to install them when doing improvements to their home.
I’d like someone to do water heating solar panels as well…. that has to save some money.
Hi Jane,
I believe that B&Q are doing solar installations too, for about the same price as the wind turbines. Here’s hoping the demand increases and the prices are reduced even more so that everyone can afford micro-generation.
A survey is included in the price? That’s good. I assume they mean a wind survey. After one especially windy winter at my house I was convinced a personal turbine was the answer. But I hemmed and hawed enough (a few more years) to realize that wind was just not going to be reliable in my neighborhood, especially not without a big tower. It would have been a big waste of funds with little environmental effect. I ended up buying renewable power from the public utility instead which is an option in many places in the US… not sure about the UK. Considerably easier, since the power is generated elsewhere — where they presumably have a more reliable source of wind — and comes in through the regular electric lines. It doesn’t give you that “hey look at me being green!” effect though. Not sure if that’s good or bad.
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