FuturEnergy's 1kW upwind turbine is based on two years development and testing in the uplands of Scotland and Warwickshire. The turbines are not suitable for mounting on buildings, but are designed for tower-top mounting. Guyed or free-standing towers are available, and the turbine sits on a standard scaffold pole - so you could come up with your own mounting solution too. There are different voltage versions suitable for battery charging or grid connection, although its worth noting that the 12V version is deliberately limited to a 600W output for safety reasons.

futurenergy power output curve

The graph below shows the typical power produced (in Watts) for the FuturEnergy at different wind speeds. The cut in speed is about 3m/s.

the futurenergy wind turbine in action

cost

£695 including VAT, plus £28.50 postage but this doesn't include the costs of the tower, or the installation, which will be extra. You'll also need to allow a few hundred pounds for the batteries, charging equipment, wires and other bits and bobs.

our view

This seems like a great value deal, providing you are either able to do the DIY stuff, or find someone that can. It doesn't qualify for grant funding, but the idea is that the low price should stand on its own two feet without the grant assistance.

UK grants available?

No

warranty

The turbine comes with a two year guarantee against defective workmanship. This doesn't cover you if you damage it yourself by doing something daft.

available voltages

12 Volt • 24 Volt • 48 Volt

Compare this turbine with similar sized machines listed in our independent index of small wind turbines.

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