Is Domestic Wind Power Worth It Under the New Planning Rules?

With Energy Secretary Ed Miliband proposing to relax planning rules for domestic wind turbines, interest in small-scale wind energy is growing. The idea of generating your own clean electricity at home is undeniably appealing, but what’s technically possible may not always match public expectations.

Understanding the Limitations

While looser planning rules could make installation easier on paper, natural constraints still play a major role in whether a domestic wind turbine is viable. Wind turbines require a steady, unobstructed flow of wind to perform efficiently. When placed too close to hedges, trees, buildings, or even other turbines, air flow becomes turbulent — reducing energy production and increasing wear and tear on the system.

This kind of turbulence means two things:

Lower energy output, making it unlikely the turbine will generate enough to be financially worthwhile.
Increased maintenance issues, with components subject to higher stress and more frequent breakdowns.

For more on how to assess your wind conditions, visit our wind speed assessment guide or explore our turbine siting resource.

Wind Turbine Siting Matters

At SJ1 Renewables, we’ve spent over 20 years helping customers plan, install, and maintain small-scale wind turbines. One of the most common, and costly, mistakes we see is poor siting.

If a turbine is too close to buildings or neighbouring properties, it can become a noise nuisance. For even the smallest wind turbines, such as the SkyStream 3.7 kW, we recommend a minimum distance of 100 metres from any occupied structure. Larger turbines will require even more space.

Will It Pay for Itself?

The biggest regret we hear from turbine owners with poorly chosen sites is financial: their turbines never generate enough to recover their initial investment.

But the story is very different for well-sited turbines. With the right conditions, small wind can outperform many other renewable technologies and deliver clean, low-cost energy for decades.

Curious About Your Site?

If you’re considering wind power, the best first step is a professional assessment. At SJ1 Renewables, we offer free desktop evaluations to help you understand your site’s potential — before committing to anything on the ground.