Household wind turbine for any home

Thinking about generating your own clean energy? A household wind turbine might be just what you're looking for. These small-scale renewable energy systems can help you cut your carbon footprint while potentially saving money on electricity bills.  

At Viking Wind, we've been specializing in domestic wind turbines for over 15 years. We understand that making the switch to wind power is a big decision, so we've put together this guide to help you determine if a residential wind turbine is right for your home.  

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How do household wind turbines work?  

Household wind turbines operate on the same principle as their larger counterparts you might see on wind farms, just on a smaller scale. When wind blows, it turns the turbine's blades, which spin a shaft connected to a generator. This converts the wind's kinetic energy into electricity that can power your home.  

The electricity initially generated is direct current (DC), which then passes through an inverter to become alternating current (AC) that can be used by your home appliances or fed into the grid.  

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There are two main designs for domestic wind turbines:  

1. Horizontal-axis turbines - These look like traditional windmills with propeller-style blades and are the most efficient design. Our Viking VS model uses this proven design.  

2. Vertical-axis turbines - These have blades that rotate around a vertical shaft (like a spinning whisk). They can catch wind from any direction but tend to be less efficient.  
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Home turbines can be installed in two ways:  

• Pole-mounted (freestanding) - Installed on a mast in an open area like a field or garden. These can be taller and typically generate more power (often 5-25kW for domestic models).  

• Building-mounted – Smaller units attached to your roof or gable. These are generally less effective due to turbulent airflow around buildings and produce limited power.  
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Did you know? Viking Wind's turbines can be lowered in just 15 minutes for easy maintenance and service. All work can be done at ground level - you never need to climb the tower!  

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Benefits of installing a household wind turbine  

Adding a residential wind turbine to your property can offer several advantages:  

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Clean & renewable energy  

Wind turbines generate electricity without burning fossil fuels, so they produce zero direct carbon emissions. Installing a turbine could cut about 2,000 kg of CO₂ emissions per year for an average home - helping fight climate change and reducing air pollution.  

Our turbines support the UN Sustainable Development Goals 7, 9, and 13, contributing to cleaner energy futures.  

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Lower electricity bills  

Once your turbine is up and running, the wind itself is free! Every kilowatt-hour of wind power you use is one you don't need to buy from the grid. A well-placed 5kW turbine in a good wind area might produce around 8,000 kWh per year, potentially offsetting 50-75% of a typical home's electricity use.  

As our customers have found, this can translate to significant savings on annual energy bills.  

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Energy independence  

Generating your own power gives you a measure of self-sufficiency. You become less reliant on the national grid and more insulated from electricity price hikes or outages. This independence is especially valuable in remote or rural areas.  

For off-grid homes, a wind turbine can be a critical part of an independent power system, providing power at night and during winter when solar panels might produce less.  

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Financial incentives  

In the UK, if your turbine produces more electricity than you use, you can get paid for exporting the surplus through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme.  

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Long-term savings  

Though the upfront cost is significant, a well-chosen wind turbine can pay for itself over its lifetime. Modern turbines like our Viking VS typically last around 20-25 years with proper maintenance.  

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Is a household wind turbine worth it?  

The value of a home wind turbine depends on several key factors:  

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1. Wind speed at your location  

This is the most crucial factor. Generally, you need an average wind speed of at least 5 m/s (around 11 mph) for a turbine to perform well. Many sites in the UK, especially inland or in built-up areas, may not consistently reach this threshold.  

Windy coastal, hilltop, or open rural locations fare much better. If you're unsure about your local wind conditions, contact us for a site assessment.  

2. Location and space  

The physical siting of the turbine is vital. You need sufficient open space to install the turbine at a good height and away from obstructions. An ideal site is an open, elevated area with no nearby tall buildings or trees blocking the wind.  

Wind flow can be turbulent and slower near ground level or around structures. Thus, taller mast-mounted turbines in open areas perform far better than small roof-mounted ones in cluttered suburban settings.  

3. Cost and return on investment  

Household wind turbines involve an initial investment. It is important that you consult with professionals prior to establishing a household wind turbine in order to assess financial feasibility for your particular site. Likewise, you need to have a gauge of the pricing, which we can help you procure through a dialogue between you and our specialists.

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Viking wind's household wind turbine solutions  

At Viking Wind, we've been in the residential wind turbine business for more than 15 years. Our current wind turbine for home, the Viking VS, is a further development of our proven predecessor, the Viking 25.  

The Viking VS features:  

• Variable speed operation that adapts to your specific location conditions  

• A tilt tower design for easier installation and maintenance  

• Three independent braking systems for greater safety  

• Certified according to IEC 61400-22 standards  

• ISO 9001 certification for quality management  

• Our turbines are designed to last 20-25 years and come with a 5-year warranty on all components in Denmark.  
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Furthermore, we also offer the flexible 5kw turbine, the WS5, for smaller households with a need for a smaller turbine.

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Get started with household wind power  

Ready to explore if a wind turbine is right for your home? Let us help you take the first step toward cleaner andcheaper energy. Contact our team for personalised guidance and a site assessment. We'll help you determine if your location is suitable and what size turbine would best meet your needs.  

Check out our successful projects to see how our turbines have been implemented in various settings.