Wind turbines on your own roof are arousing enthusiasm: generating electricity from renewable wind – even at night and in winter, when solar systems tend to be dormant. But the technology is still in its infancy. New research aims to change this – so is a mini wind turbine already worthwhile?
Wind energy around the clock – ideal as a supplement to a solar system
Solar systems reliably produce electricity during the day, but at night and in months with little sunshine they hardly contribute any energy. This is where mini wind turbines could score points. Especially in windy locations such as coastal areas or hills, small wind turbines promise to be a useful addition – they close the gap when photovoltaics fail.
The main problem with mini wind turbines is their efficiency. Wind on rooftops is usually too irregular because buildings, trees or neighboring houses swirl it around. Researchers are therefore trying to counteract this with new technical solutions: In the German-Dutch project “Wind & Regio” near Emden, Prof. Dr. Iván Herráez and his team are developing automatic adjustment mechanisms for the rotor blades, modular construction methods for site adaptation and an AI-supported control system for speed optimization.
The aim is to increase output, make turbines low-maintenance and economically attractive – initial tests are underway and series production is planned for the next few years.
Location determines success
The right location is crucial. Mini wind turbines need undisturbed wind at a sufficient height. On urban roofs or wind-protected balconies, they usually only generate small amounts of energy. If you want to place more than just one symbol, you should analyze site data in advance – roofs with a direct west or north-west orientation and heights above surrounding obstacles tend to deliver better results.
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Is a wind turbine worthwhile today?
The “Wind & Regio” project shows that small wind turbines could soon be technically advanced and economical. The combination with a solar system promises a year-round energy supply that increases independence from the grid. However, varied field tests are necessary – it will only be possible to say which models are suitable after completion in 2028.
Currently, a mini wind turbine is already worthwhile, especially for:
- sufficient wind potential
- good site selection
- technical research as a decision-making aid
- Combination with photovoltaics for year-round self-consumption
Interesting perspective, but with lead time
Mini wind turbines on the roof could close the gap when solar systems slow down at night & in winter. Research such as “Wind & Regio” is developing solutions, but there are still questions to be answered before practical implementation – such as efficiency, site analysis and suitability for everyday use.
Those who already want to generate energy in an environmentally conscious way are often even more efficient with good photovoltaics and electricity storage. Small wind turbines are an exciting glimpse into the future – but not yet the gold standard for rooftops.
Source: t-online
