Internet users have been discussing a house in Vyshhorod where, in addition to solar panels, a mini wind turbine has also been installed. Ukrainians have shared their views on the pros and cons of this backup power supply in the comments.
EcoPolitics has compiled feedback from the public on such combined systems and wind turbines in general.
In theory, combining several sources of energy generation could provide greater energy stability, as solar panels only generate electricity during the day and in sunny weather, whilst a wind turbine only generates electricity when there are sufficiently strong air currents.
"But how cost-effective is it really? Does this combination really allow you to be more independent of the electricity grid? And does installing a wind turbine pay for itself?" asked Marina Radchenko, a user of the "Vyshhorod, Kyiv Region" community, of the group’s followers.
Marina Radchenko / Vyshhorod Vyshhorod Vyshgorod Uptown Vyshhorod District, Kyiv Oblast
It works, but there are a few caveats
User Tetyana Romanenko explained that her family also has a similar small wind turbine. In her experience, the electricity it generates is sufficient to recharge the battery that powers the fuel pump. However, her family later realised that they also needed solar panels as a backup.
Olga Bondar, for her part, said that she had also installed such a wind turbine. However, her experience was unsuccessful – the height proved insufficient to generate energy. User Natalia Serikova agreed with her; she had to sell her wind turbine because she was unable to install it at a sufficient height.
Several commentators point out that, in addition to the height of 25–40 metres, the nature of the terrain also needs to be analysed. Another aspect is the cost of maintaining the equipment.
However, given the energy instability and the threat of continued shelling of energy infrastructure, the issue of payback is not the main factor motivating people to install such equipment.
"Nothing pays for itself – not your clothes, shoes, food, car or medicines, and neither will solar panels or a wind turbine. The only thing that will pay for itself is energy independence and your family’s survival," concluded Serhiy Bondus.
The main drawback
When installing a wind turbine in a residential area, it is worth bearing in mind an important factor that could lead to complaints from neighbours and cause you personal discomfort – noise.
When in operation, wind turbine blades generate a noise that many people find irritating. And it is not just a matter of annoyance – if noise pollution levels in a residential area exceed the permitted limits, the owner can be ordered by a court to dismantle the structure.
EcoPolitics explained how to install solar panels in this article.
