Alternative Energy

As a family we have lived at Larkhill for seventeen years. We’re in quite an isolated location and the nearest electric supply is over half a mile and £25,000 away! Having made the monumental decision to live here we then had to address our power supply. So – wind, sun, water? We initially ruled out water power as we felt that the supply would have been inadequate, and decided that, living as we do on the top of a hill, wind would be the best option. We erected two small furlmatic wind generators, and a few years later installed two solar panels that have proved to be a brilliant source of energy – when the sun shines! Both wind and solar panels are channelled into batteries to supply a 24 volt electrical system. We’ve had some hilarious times (and some totally frustrating times) using this system and have managed to live a relatively normal life style, having all the mod cons from washing machine to computer. We increased wind power a few years ago by installing a Rutland 1803 wind turbine and also increased the battery storage capacity – this made a big difference to the amount of power available. We have recently added two more solar panels - half the size of the original ones!  and are now installing a 1 kw Future Energy wind turbine to replace the two small furlmatic wind generators. Plans are still underway to install a water wheel which we envisage giving us a constant, if not high, power supply. If you are interested in alternative energy we’d be only too pleased to show you how our system works.

The Rutland 1803 installation was carried out by West Wales Renewable Energy. For more information telephone Charles on 01974 298851.