One of the biggest technical problems with wind turbines is arguably the "load factor"; this is the amount of power you can expect to get from the average wind turbine in relation to its optimum output. An example of just how little this can be is the trial project in Warwick, UK, where results suggested that the turbines were working at 100% efficiency just 2.5% of the time.

Early wind turbines were fraught with fundamental gearbox problems due to the fact that the operating loads were consistently underrated. Recently, the industry has moved forward thanks to collaborations between turbine manufacturers, consultants and gear designers which have helped to dramatically improve the technology.

It is inevitable that whatever contribution wind power is able to make, there will be extended periods when high demands for electricity will coincide with periods of low turbine output. One report even went so far as to say that intermittency is "the single largest driver of system costs". At this point, the issue will require further action, either by having the provision of a backup traditional generating capacity or by importing the electricity supply.

In the long-term, these periods of intermittency could be overcome by securing cost-effective methods of storage. The industry is currently suffering from low levels of storage capacity with very little research being carried out, this issue will need to be addressed if we are to capitalise on the opportunity available.  Due to the fact that intermittency will be a problem for the foreseeable future, the turbines will always have a capacity factor lower than 100%, but as there are no fuel costs this is a not a reliable measure of productivity. Instead, we should be ensuring that when there are suitable wind speeds for the turbines to generate electricity, the turbine is transferring as much of this energy as possible into electricity.

Thanks to significant developments in DIY wind turbines, you can now experiment with different setups yourself....

Using this fantastic guide, you can save thousands off the traditional costs of wind turbines and solar panels by making your own! You will save money, reduce your bills, help the environment, have a lot of fun and it's certainly not as technically demanding as you might think – anyone can do it! You could even make yourself a very respectable second income by making and selling your own renewable devices to family/friends. Don't hesitate, start straight away... Go to the earth4energy guide now for further details.