Dear Sir,
Farmers are scrambling to erect small turbines after promises of huge profits by enthusiastic salesmen.
The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has issued figures which show that small turbines
(less than 100kw) all have average capacity factors under 10%.
A 15kw turbine running at full capacity for 8760 hours (one full year) will generate 15 x 8760 kWhrs = 131,400 kWh.
At a capacity factor of 9% it will generate 9% of that amount = 131,400 x 9% = 11,825 lWh.
The current feed-in tariff is 21.65 pence per kWh so the income will be £2,560/annum.
Yes, the farmer will still get the FIT generated on site which could reduce his electricity bill AND there is an additional Tariff called an EXPORT Tariff which at 4.64p/kWh might add a few hundred pounds to the income but he will also have to pay annual service costs and any repairs.
A 15kw turbine will cost around £70,000. plus any consultant’s fees – an expensive exercise – a case of
Beware Greeks bearing Gifts?.
Ann West
The Vron,
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