Unlike wind turbines, solar panels do not require open ground around a mast. Planning permission is not required if the panels are placed on the roof. Installing photovoltaic panels has been made easier in the three regions of the country by simplifying administrative procedures. For individuals, solar panels are much more cost-effective. Solar and wind energy are therefore, in theory, complementary.īut in practice, it is mostly large wind turbines that are cost-effective. This is the result of a wind measurement study conducted at various locations in the Region (see “ Le potentiel de l’éolien urbain à Bruxelles” on the Bruxelles Environment website).Ĭompared to solar panels, wind turbines can produce electricity night and day, all year round, even in winter. On the other hand, on high tower-blocks, the performance of small- and medium-capacity wind turbines seems theoretically promising. The wind strength in cities is lower than in agricultural areas, which also limits its potential. Their estimated potential is low, due to the presence of neighbouring buildings, and wind turbulence in urban areas which affects their energy-producing quality. In the Brussels-Capital Region, placing small wind turbines at low altitude beside private homes is not ideal. In addition, the proximity of the airport can make it difficult to obtain permission.Ĭan we have small wind turbines in Brussels? The decision is up to the local authority and there is no clear directive. Planning permission is required for each wind turbine and it isn’t easy to get. Hard to get planning permission in Brussels for a wind turbine Tests with small wind turbines in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom have shown that actual production was 15 to 17 times lower than the maximum capacity claimed by manufacturers.ģ. Private wind turbines do not produce enough electricity In addition, most wind turbines stop producing electricity when the wind is less than 3 m/s.Ģ.
In Belgium, the average wind speed can vary between 6 to 7 m/s at the coast and only 2 to 4 m/s in Upper Belgium (source: IRM’s website). The amount of wind at 10-15 metres height (the maximum axis height allowed for these wind turbines) is quite limited in Belgium, hence low cost-effectiveness. Small wind turbines for private customers are only a good idea when the wind is strong enough locally. Too little wind in Belgium for small wind turbines In Belgium, and in Brussels in particular, it is better to produce renewable electricity with solar panels than invest in a wind turbine.īefore the large-scale appearance of solar panels, and especially the fall in their price (they now cost only a third or a quarter of what they used to), the future of private wind turbines for individuals seemed promising, but this enthusiasm has now waned. Unlike other wind turbines that lose as much as 80% of their output when furled, the Angle-Governor allows the Whisper to achieve maximum output in any wind.No. A Whisper 200 during these periods is essential to keep your batteries charged and your lights on.Įxclusive to the Whisper, the side-furling Angle-Governor protects the turbine in high winds by turning the alternator and blades out of the wind, reducing turbine exposure. During the winter and spring when the sun is at its least exposure, the wind is at it highest. This complimentary effect is even greater during seasonal changes. Generally when it is sunny it is calm and when it is cloudy it is windy. Why small wind? Solar and wind resources often compliment each other. Now wind is as easy to use as photovoltaics. The Whisper can be installed in hours ( the turbine head) with no welding or cranes.
The Whisper 200 is designed for even the novice. All Whisper Models now come with charge controller and display which shows with current, voltage, power, wind speed display.Whisper 200 noise level has been greatly reduced and the peak output has increased from 1000 watts to 1100/1200 watts.
Land/Marine : We have rationalized both Whisper 200 and Whisper 500 and all products are now marine grade which are to be used for land application also.New castings that allow easy access to the stator for changing voltage
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