As a family we have lived at Larkhill for fifteen years. We’re in quite an isolated location and the nearest electric supply is over half a mile and £20,000 away! Having made the monumental decision to live here we then had to address our power supply. So – wind, sun, water?

We initially ruled out water power as we felt that the supply would have been inadequate, and decided that, living as we do on the top of a hill, wind would be the best option. We erected two small furlmatic wind generators, and a few years later installed two solar panels that have proved to be a brilliant source of energy – when the sun shines! Both wind and solar panels are channelled into batteries to supply a 24 volt electrical system.

We’ve had some hilarious times, and some totally frustrating times, using this system and have managed to live a relatively normal life style, having all the mod cons from washing machine to computer.

We have increased wind power by installing a Rutland 1803 wind turbine and have also increased the battery storage capacity – this has enormously increased the amount of power available. We are now making plans to install a water wheel which we envisage giving us a constant, if not high, power supply.

If you are interested in alternative energy we’d be only too pleased to show you how our system works. The Rutland 1803 installation was carried out by West Wales Renewable Energy. For more information telephone Charles on 01974 298851.