Wind powered energy generation is coming to individual homes with a turbine that is quiet and environmentally sustainable.

One rooftop wind turbine is being installed at each of five Fife Primary schools in a pilot project, and if successful, the turbines could be sited on houses and buildings across the UK.

The revolutionary Swift turbine has been developed by Edinburgh company Renewable Devices Limited, and is at the cutting edge of global renewables technology.

Speaking at Collydean Primary School, Glenrothes, Deputy Enterprise Minister Lewis Macdonald said:

“This is an exciting development and I’m delighted that a leading edge Scottish company is at the forefront of this research and development.”

“These small turbines can be installed on roofs in urban or rural environments and directly power the building with no need to feed into the grid. This could have far reaching implications for the way we use green energy across Scotland.”

“I’m also pleased that children at the schools involved are so enthusiastic about the project and I am impressed with their level of knowledge of and support for renewable energy,” he said.

The turbines were developed by Renewable Devices Limited with £45,000 funding from the Executive’s SMART and SPUR award schemes.

Each turbine can generate up to 4000 kW hours of green electricity each year, saving up to 1720kg carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas and cutting the school’s energy bill by up to £284. They generate minimal vibration due to a unique mast fixing system.

In most applications it is expected that the electricity produced will be used to provide hot water for use in the home, avoiding the cost and complication of connecting to the electricity grid.

David Anderson of Renewable Devices said: “The project will be monitored and evaluated and the company anticipate going into large scale production within 12 months. Prices for installation should start at around £1500.”

Mike Thornton, Head of Energy Saving Trust Scotland said: “Renewable energy doesn’t have to be large scale; renewables can reduce energy bills for householders, schools and village halls to name but a few. This project shows that the Scottish renewables industry is delivering new products which meet the needs of the small scale user.”

“We expect small wind turbines to become an increasingly common sight throughout the country.”

The rooftop Wind Energy System has been designed to be environmentally sustainable. The product produces more energy in its lifetime than is incorporated in the materials and processes used to manufacture it - it is therefore ‘harm neutral’, say the developers.