Using Generated Energy

How the electricity generated can be used;

Grid Connected System
The electricity produced is fed into your main distribution board and exports any surplus to the grid whilst taking power from the grid if insufficient is generated for you use via a bi-directional meter.  This system is convenient and allows you the opportunity to sell excess to your electricity company.  The generator will shut down if there is a power cut to avoid electrocuting someone working on the grid supply.

Battery Charging
Energy is stored in a large battery to provide a power supply via an inverter which makes the electricity usable.  Batteries have 2-3 days storage capacity.  This system is useful for off-grid sites and may be backed up by a diesel generator.  If there is too much power it is dumped into either water or space heating.

Direct Heating
Energy is directed to hot-water tanks, storage heaters or under-floor heating rather than to your power supply.  This is an inexpensive system but provides only power for heat and only when there is wind.

Connecting to the Grid
In order to connect to the Grid permission will need to be gained from your local electricity distribution company. They may also limit the size of the wind turbine that may be connected in a particular area depending on the loading of the electrical distribution system in the vicinity.

AWE Energy will be able to assist you with the grid connection application.  Some utility companies will charge a fee for checking the suitability of your electrical connection and some will charge only if changes are required to facilitate connection.

Selling your Surplus
Any surplus power you may generate can be sold back to your electricity provider.  The rate providers pay varies considerably and it may be worth shopping around.  Some providers will buy both electricity and ROCs in a package.  It is generally not worth selling electricity to the Grid unless you generate a surplus of 2000kWh per annum in order to offset the cost of the meter.
For further information:
http://www.bwea.com/members/category.asp

http://www.good-energy.co.uk/
http://www.smartestenergy.com/content/home.aspx