Well - it depends upon your point of view. There is no doubt that ecologically there is a benefit. Wind power is an abundant source of renewable energy in the UK. In fact we have 40% of Europe’s total wind energy but only 0.5% of our electricity requirements are currently generated by wind power and small-scale systems could reduce the national energy generation by 30% if we all had one fitted to our homes. That would mean less waste in distribution and less carbon into the atmosphere.

On cost grounds the jury is out - if it weren’t for the grants there would be no contest - it just would not be worthwhile given the payback potential and the lifetime. Also, just like any other power station there is a downstream cost when the unit becomes defunct or outmoded. But as it is, it will pay back in say seven years, probably less. That’s not bad, especially if you consider that energy prices are bound to rise as north sea oil and gas dry up.

If you are a committed ecophile then now’s the time to show the rest of the community what you are made of. Sure, costs will reduce and designs will improve but unless those committed to reducing the carbon dioxide load in the planet’s atmosphere act soon, those new benefits are just not going to filter down to the average household. With a positive cost benefit in the offering it surely pays to get in and update later.

House builders are all beginning to trial eco-designs - some are building small villages with a range of microgeneration methods, with a view to seeing how different methods perform.