The short answer is yes; wind turbines start operating at wind speeds of 4 to 5 metres per second and reach maximum power output at around 15 metres per second. At very high wind speeds, that is gale force winds of 25 metres per second, wind turbines shut down. A modern wind turbine produces electricity 70-85% of the time, but it generates different outputs depending on the wind speed.
Over the course of a year, it will typically generate about 24% of the theoretical maximum output (41% offshore). This is known as its capacity factor. The capacity factor of conventional power stations is on average 50%-80%. Because of stoppages for maintenance or breakdowns, no power plant generates power for 100% of the time.
Second Wind Energy work with a network of brokers based in the EU that supply a large range of wind turbines from repowered wind farm sites and single installations across Europe.
All supplied wind turbines will be refurbished to either the original manufacturers specification or to full operational capability following replacement of key components within the turbine system. Second Wind will only recommend turbines that are a proven model and from a well established manufacturer’s where replacement parts are readily available. All sourced turbines will be inspected prior to purchase and a full specification of required refurbishment provided that will include dismantling, shipping, refurbishment, installation and commissioning of the system and the cost for completing this work. All sourced turbines also come with operational data from their last installed location, allowing for performance and faults to be assessed.
This will depend on turbine capacity, site location, associated capital expenditure costs and the predicted yield and financial return from the installed turbine. Most non UK sourced refurbished wind turbines can also take advantage of the UK Feed in Tariff scheme and this combined with the reduced installation costs against a new machine, can mean that financial payback can be achieved in 4 years.
Private installations may be able to attract agricultural grants from the Welsh Government but due to state aid conflict, this may affect the ability for the operator to take advantage of the UK Feed in Tariff scheme Community groups however can obtain development cost grants from the Welsh Government scheme Ynni Lleol including planning, feasibility and legal costs. The same scheme will also provide capital loans at a preferential rate towards the overall capital costs of the installation.
Poorly sited wind farms and turbines have caused habitat disturbance to birds and for this reason environmental impact assessment reports are a crucial part of our wind turbine installations. However, by far the biggest threat to birds is loss of habitat due to climate change, and the domestic cat which accounts for the death of approximately 55 million birds annually in the UK alone.
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