general faqs

What are the advantages of quietrevolution turbines?
The qr5 is a vertical axis wind turbine that we have designed specifically for the built environment:

  • it is much more appropriate for winds near and around buildings, which are characterized by gusty windspeeds and constantly shifting wind direction.
  • it is significantly quieter because the blade tip speed is lower.
  • it is more easily integrated in buildings and on towers.
  • its active control system uses gust tracking to maximize power harnessed from the wind.

What is the price and availability for a qr5?
The qr5 is currently available to UK customers and will be available in selected overseas markets in late 2009. The turbine itself costs £25,000GBP, installation and VAT are additional and vary depending on site conditions (height of mast, foundation type etc.). For an installed turbine, including necessary control equipment you should assume a budget of approx £35,000 to £40,000, decreasing for multiple installations. For a quotation please click here. Current order lead times are around six months.

How do I get a quotation?
Our request-a-quote form allows you to obtain an indicative cost by answering some basic questions on-line. Visit our quotation page here.

How many turbines are currently installed?
The first turbine was installed at Dagenham in March 2007. As at June 2008 we had 25 turbines installed at locations around the UK. By the end of 2008 we anticipate this number to be around 100. Please see our projects page for examples of installations.

What is the minimum average windspeed I need? How can I find out whether my location meets the minimum wind speed requirements?
The minimum annual mean wind speed we recommend for installation of a qr5 is 5m/s. We can conduct an initial assessment using national windspeed databases. A more accurate assessment can then be carried out if necessary using wind monitoring equipment.

Can I export electricity to the grid – is this worthwhile?
When there is no demand on site the turbine will automatically export electricity to the grid. Selling this energy will require a special export meter, which we do not recommend as the costs of installing this meter are high and price for the electricity is low, and as on most of our sites, the electricity generated by the turbine will be used in the building. Please note that a grid connection is necessary for all our turbines even if you are not planning to export.

Where can I install a qr5?
quietrevolution turbines can be ground or roof mounted. We offer two different mast sizes for each. Some more information on setting out can be downloaded from our factsheets page.

How do I go about obtaining planning permission? Can quietrevolution provide support?
Your local council will be able to provide details on the planning process for your area. For many new build projects, generating renewable energy on site is a requirement for planning approval.

Where are the turbines manufactured?
The qr5 is manufactured at our new manufacturing facility located in South Wales.

Who are the people behind quietrevolution? Who are its investors?
See about us/our team for the key individuals behind the development of quietrevolution. The company is privately owned and supported by private investors.

What other products are in development?
qr12 -The qr12 turbine (rated at @50kW) is in development. The soonest we envisage the larger scale model being commercially available is 2010.

Our design team are also currently progressing detailed designs for bespoke projects - should you wish us to look at a particular project please contact us at info@quietrevolution.co.uk.

qr2.5- Development of the qr2.5 (2.5kW) is currently on hold due to the high demand for the qr5. The qr2.5 will be suited to domestic installations. It is likely that this will be available following release of the qr12.

qr display turbine - We are also developing LED Display Turbines (see ‘products’ tab on the quietrevolution homepage) and expect them to be available in a couple of years for UK customers. The prices for these products will be available closer to their availability dates.

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