If you live in a built up area, or there are a lot of trees or other obstacles around, it may not be efficient to install a wind turbine, as turbulence can seriously affect the operation. There are other things you can more usefully spend your money on.

A typical system will cost £2,500-£4,000 to install (B&Q do one, fully installed, for around £1,500). Claims that a turbine can cut your electricity bill by up to 30% are said by some to be “optimistic”. 10% seems more realistic – perhaps £100 a year.

There are also other environmental impacts: they can be unsightly, cause vibrations if installed on a house, can cause injuries to birds, and can be noisy (40-45 decibels, equivalent to a person talking… continuously). They only start generating electricity at a wind spend of around 9mph – which is within the UK average. However, the green statement you will make by installing a turbine might be just what you’re after!

If you need electricity in a remote location with no mains electricity access, wind power may be the solution.

More information from the British Wind Energy Association.