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It looks so simple on the television programmes, so why not have a go? Just think of all the money you will save…or will you? Unfortunately, not everyone is skilled enough to carry out the jobs they attempt to do and end up paying a professional to put everything right. Some jobs should never be tackled by the householder – plumbing is a good example. It’s one thing to change a washer on a tap, but to plumb-in a bathroom suite or central heating system is something else. Just consider the damage that can be caused by water leaking through the ceiling: furnishings could be ruined and if it is bad enough the ceiling itself could collapse. Not everyone has accidental damage cover on their household insurance, which means the entire cost of putting it right is down to the householder.

Also you could be in breach of Water or Building Regulations. This would have a knock-on effect if you wanted to sell your property. So at the end of the day, DIY could turn out to be a very expensive hobby.

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Thatched cottages have continued to be popular into the 21st century among those who aspire to own a traditional rural home. It is interesting to know that heat insulation properties of thatch are higher in many cases than modern homes built in conventional materials. Thatch enthusiasts remark how their homes remain cool in summer and keep warm during the winter months. With the drive for better heat efficiency and fuel economy in homes, thatch performs well within government guidelines. For this reason, the reintroduction of thatch buildings makes sense from both environmental and aesthetic points of view.

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It is essential that turbines be sited away from obstructions. In practice, especially for very small machines which need to be located near the user, ideal siting will not be easy. As far as possible though, keep away from local obstructions such as large trees and houses, or use a taller tower to ensure that the turbine is well above the obstruction. The potential site should be assessed for its wind strength and direction.

Basic Requirements

Get a reliable estimate of the winds to be expected at the proposed site. There is no substitute for actual measurements. The turbine manufacturers should be prepared to help. You can get an estimate of the annual mean wind speed for a given location by entering the OS grid reference into the UK wind speed database. Mount the turbine on as high a tower as possible and well clear of obstructions, but do not go to extremes. Easy access will be required for erection and foundation for the tower may be needed depending on the size and tower type. It is also important to ensure that the wind turbine can be easily lowered for inspection and maintenance. Try to have a clear, smooth fetch to the prevailing wind, e.g. over open water or smooth ground. If possible site the turbine on a smooth hill. Use cable of adequate current carrying capacity (check with the turbine supplier. This is particularly important for low voltage machines). Cable costs can be substantial. Consult your local council as to whether you need planning permission. You should try to minimise the environmental impact of the turbine, and it will be helpful to inform your neighbours of your plans at an early stage. For larger machines you may have to pay rates. This can make a big difference to the economics of installation, again you should find this out by consulting your local council.

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