Distributed generation

Small wind turbines can generate electricity for use on the farm, business and home. Wind turbines can co-exist easily with other farming practices, and have been used for decades on European farms. There is a wide range of turbines suitable for use in New Zealand, ranging from micro-scale to larger commercial-scale systems. This guide to wind power schemes is aimed at a farming audience, and includes practical examples.

By reducing their electricity needs and installing two small wind turbines, owners of this Canterbury tourist lodge have eliminated their power bill - and they're getting paid for the excess electricity they generate.

This report reviews the installation of small-scale renewable electricity generation systems on five islands around New Zealand, on Department of Conservation bases. The report reviews the economics and performance of the systems, the potential benefits that accrue from switching from diesel-fuelled generation to systems incorporating photovoltaic modules and micro hydro units, and sensitivity analysis to test the economics under a number of scenarios.

This guide has been produced by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) in response to ongoing requests for information on micro-generation from the public. It is intended to provide guidance to both home and business owners who are interested in generating their own electricity, but need more information before going ahead. It is directed at the layperson who already has some basic knowledge of micro-generation.