Producing your own energy is becoming increasingly popular, a development we’re very happy to see. As the energy transition accelerates, wind energy is gaining traction among both businesses and private homeowners.
That’s why we regularly receive requests from individuals who would like to install our farm-yard wind turbine.
In this blog, we explain why we don’t do that.
To start with, it’s good to understand the difference between a “wind spinner” and a small wind turbine. We’re often asked whether we produce these rooftop devices or whether we can “put a turbine on the roof.” The answer is no.
The comparison makes sense, but a wind spinner is a completely different product. A spinner also turns on wind power, but it’s much smaller and consists of a central shaft with thin, flexible blades.
An Ecoways EAZ-model wind turbine, on the other hand, has a mast height of 15 metres and a tip height of 21.6 metres. Our farm-yard turbine is specifically designed for agricultural businesses, matching their energy profile and fitting naturally into the rural landscape with its wooden blades and characteristic appearance. That’s why we call our small wind turbine a farm-yard turbine
Every small wind turbine requires an environmental permit, no matter where it’s placed. However, each municipality has its own policies regarding farm-yard turbines and the conditions that apply. These can include maximum allowed height, whether installation is allowed outside the building plot, or whether a pre-consultation with the aesthetics committee is required.
One thing is consistent across almost all municipalities: a permit will not be granted for plots with a residential zoning designation. Permits are typically granted only for business and agricultural zoning. The zoning plan of the location, therefore, determines whether a permit can or cannot be issued.
A zoning plan* defines what a piece of land may be used for and what can be built on it. Dutch law sets frameworks to keep the living environment healthy and pleasant. Zoning plans and regulations help achieve this. These plans are established by provinces and municipalities, and they determine whether our farm-yard turbine is eligible for a permit.
*As of 1 January 2024, the Environment and Planning Act has come into effect. Zoning plans will be replaced by an integrated environmental plan. Municipalities have until 1 January 2029 to complete these plans.
Other factors also play a major role in whether a turbine is permitted: neighbouring residents, ecology, landscape impact, and environmental standards for noise and shadow flicker.
In short: within built-up areas or on private residential land, a permit will not be granted, which means we cannot install our turbine there.
Aside from the fact that municipalities do not grant permits for turbines at private homes, the energy profile of such locations simply doesn’t fit. The electricity consumption of a residential home is far too low for a small wind turbine, meaning the system would not be financially viable.
As the name suggests, our farm-yard turbine is designed specifically for farms. The energy consumption of agricultural businesses matches the output of a small wind turbine, making it a good and profitable fit.
With years of experience in wind energy, we know exactly what is required in each municipality. We do not submit permit applications for private homeowners because they have no chance of approval.
However, of the applications we do submit, 99% result in a successful permit. Curious how that works? Read more in our blog about the permit procedure.
Looking for information about small turbines for private use? Then take a look at: thuiswindmolentje.nl
Feel free to reach out to our team for a chat or a free site analysis!