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LE600 wind turbine at Laggan Dam

Help & FAQs

Off-grid energy can be a complex topic and we want to help. Check our frequently asked questions and if you still can't find the answer you're looking for, contact us and our expert team will be in touch.

Wind Power FAQs 🍃

Can I install a Leading Edge small wind turbine on my roof?

Siting a turbine on a building roof is not recommended. Turbulence caused from the roof reduces the power in the wind, and therefore turbine output. Turbulent wind also increases wear and tear on the turbine. It is always much better to install small wind turbines in a location away from buildings and trees on a tower as high as possible.

If siting on a roof is necessary, special building considerations must be made ensure integral structure is strong enough to withstand any potential vibration transmission.

Are Leading Edge small wind turbines noisy?

No small wind turbine is totally silent, but our wind turbines are some of the quietest! Generally our turbines emit acoustics 5-6 decibels above the ambient sound of the wind, so on a windy day they will spin faster and make more sound as the wind does, whereas when the wind is quiet, they will be too.

Do I have a good site for a wind turbine?

Siting a wind generator correctly is extremely important to optimise performance of the turbine. Installing a wind turbine in a bad position is similar to installing a solar panel system in the shade – it will not maximise the performance of your investment. The total amount of energy available in the wind increases drastically with small increases in wind speed; therefore it is very important that you site your turbine in the best possible location.

The proposed installation site for your wind turbine must have a good average wind speed of a minimum of 4.5m/s (10mph) and low wind turbulence. Wind turbulence is caused by obstructions to the wind such as trees and buildings. Excessive turbulence will hinder the performance of your turbine. Small wind turbines operate best in steady airflows. Free flowing airstreams are more consistent in direction and wind speed which results in more overall power being generated by the wind turbine system. Gusty conditions often result in a turbine 'hunting' the wind reducing the amount of overall power generated. Gusty and turbulent conditions also exert fluctuating forces upon the turbine that can reduce the reliability and lifespan of the system.

Wind barriers are obstacles that impede the flow of the wind (such as trees and buildings). A large 'wake' of turbulent airflow will occur for a long distance downwind of a barrier. It is not desirable to locate a turbine in this zone. For areas of undulating ground, the turbine should be installed in the highest possible position avoiding wind barriers and turbulence. For areas that are generally flat, the turbine can be installed in any position.

For wind turbines with low voltage output, such as 12V, it is important to keep the cable run to the batteries / inverter as short as possible. Long grass, crops, or bushes will have the effect of slowing the wind down (even at the height of the tower). Try to install your turbine where the ground is smooth to increase the overall power production of the system.

Are there incentives for purchasing domestic wind turbines?

This varies from country to country, any certified renewable energy installer can help you identify what incentives are available. There are currently no feed-in tariff incentives in the UK for wind turbines of the size we supply.

However, investing in the future of the planet is as good as any reason to start your renewable journey. Using battery storage and harnessing wind and solar power yourself is one small step closer to a green planet.

Do I need planning permission?

Requirements for consent vary depending on your country and location. Generally, for our Leading Edge turbines, in most cases planning consent is not required. However, it is best to contact your local planning authorities for more information.

What if my turbine has stopped working?

If your turbine is not working we recommend sending us an email with photos or call us to talk through the situation.

We will always try to give you advice to diagnose the turbine in situ, but sometimes the best solution is to return it to our workshop where our highly skilled engineers can carry out a full assessment.

Once you have spoken to a member of our team we will give you an RMA form with all return details. Products must be packaged well to avoid any potential further damage in transit.

Once we have received the turbine our engineers will carry out an initial assessment to identify any issues and we will let you know recommendations and a quotation before charging you for anything.

The whole process generally takes around 2 weeks.



Off-Grid system FAQs⚡

What size system do I need for my off-grid setup?

Each system is likely to be different depending on your requirements.
We recommend starting with a list of the devices you’ll be powering, their wattage, and how many hours per day each one runs. Feel free to contact us with your usage info and we can help you size your system.

Do I need both wind and solar?

Wind and solar both provide power and can be used separately but combining both can provide a more consistent energy supply year-round. Solar works best during sunny days, while wind can generate power at night and often does better in poor weather. A hybrid solutions is generally best.

What is the difference between on-grid and off-grid?

An on-grid system is connected to an existing power grid, such as the National Grid in the UK. Sometimes energy from wind and solar can be exported to the grid, and conventional grid power is consumed when there is no direct power from the sun or wind.

Off-grid systems are power systems that have no connection to a power grid and hold all their energy themselves instead. Power is generated locally and is stored in battery banks, which are then used to charge appliances. Off-grid system are normally found in remote places as it may be difficult or expensive to make them grid-connected.

I need help in designing and choosing my system, what do I do?

We specialise in giving the highest levels of help and advice from our expert team. Please call or e-mail us: sales@leadingedgepower.com

Orders & Shipping FAQs 🚚

What if I want to speak to someone?

We happy to speak to you! Contact us with any questions, concerns, or feedback. We will do our best to get back to you within 24 hours. However, please note we do not monitor inboxes or phones over the weekend

Can you ship to my country?

Yes! In our years of trading we have shipped to over 65 countries across all 7 continents. From our webshop we can ship to the UK, United States, Canada, and Australia. To reach a different destination, please send us an email and we will assist with your order directly. Please note shipping costs and delivery times vary depending on destination.

How long will it take to receive my order?

In-stock items typically ship within 1–3 working days. Some larger systems or items built to order may have longer lead times - we’ll let you know at checkout or via email. Please note, shipping costs and delivery times vary depending on destination.

Do products come with a warranty?

Yes, all our products are backed by a manufacturer's warranty. Typically this is 2-5 years depending on the product, but it is best to check the individual product page for more information.

Solar FAQs ☀️

How do solar panels work?

Solar panels generate electricity by using photovoltaic (PV) cells, typically made from silicon, to convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity. This energy can be used immediately to power electrical devices or, more commonly, stored in batteries for later use. A solar charge controller manages the flow of electricity to the battery, preventing overcharging and protecting the system. In low-power setups, small panels can be used for trickle charging without a controller, to keep batteries topped up.

Can solar panels work in cloudy weather?

As long as a solar panel is exposed to sunlight, it can produce electricity. Of course, this is affected by the 'intensity' of the sunlight and when the skies are overcast, the amount of solar energy reaching the panels is restricted, thus meaning they produce less electricity. By using the most efficient solar cells and the taking weather conditions into account when designing a solar energy system, we can accommodate for weather related efficiency. The professional-grade monocrystalline solar panels we supply work particularly well in all weather conditions, including overcast skies.

Please note solar panels will not produce electricity in the dark.

What type or size solar panel(s) do I need?

There is a large selection of solar panels available nowadays, giving you a choice of products designed for specific applications or a range of products of different qualities to suit every budget and application. We always try to give the most accurate advice about our solar panels so you get exactly what you need.

Can I setup a solar energy system myself?

Setting up a solar energy system is not difficult if you follow a few simple rules and have basic DIY and electrical experience. For large systems, especially those connected to the mains, you should always employ a qualified electrician to set up your new solar system.

What is a blocking diode and do I need one?

Blocking diodes are typically placed between the battery and the solar panel output to prevent battery discharge at night. Where needed, solar panels are generally factory-fitted with a diode inside the junction box, although some are supplied with an external diode box.

The main exception to this is our range of professional-grade monocrystalline solar panels. These PV modules are made of the highest quality monocrystalline cells which have a high electrical "back flow" resistance to night-time battery discharging. As a result, these solar panels do not contain a blocking diode. Most PV charge regulators do have night-time disconnect feature, however, and you may also fit an external diode onto the +ve terminal if you feel you would like to.

Victron & System Integration FAQs ⚙️

Can I monitor my Victron system remotely?

Yes - we value remote monitoring capability and know you will find it an excellent addition. Most Victron devices support remote monitoring through Victron's VRM Portal using a Cerbo GX or other compatible device with internet access. For more information get in touch.

Can I combine Victron equipment with other brands?

In many cases yes, but for the best results and full system integration, we recommend using Victron components together. We're happy to advise on compatibility.

Do I need an MPPT charge controller with solar?

Yes, we recommend an MPPT controller to maximise the efficiency of your solar panels, especially in variable light conditions.

Battery & Storage FAQs 🔋

What kind of battery should I use - AGM, Lithium, or Lead Acid?

Battery preference depends on your your application and budget. AGM batteries are cost-effective for applications requiring deep-cycle capabilities and not constrained by size and weight. Lithium batteries are more efficient and longer-lasting but come at a higher upfront cost.

AGM and Lead-acid options are highly recyclable and pose fewer ethical sourcing issues. They are more budget-friendly but heavier and bulkier than Lithium. AGM and Lead-acid are also more durable, spill-proof, and low maintenance as well as better at coping in extreme weather conditions.

Lithium batteries are lighter and have higher energy density and potentially a longer life cycle, but their recycling capabilities are currently limited. Mining impacts of Lithium are higher and more concerning, though for appliances with weight and size limitations they are very effective.

For our turbines we recommend using AGM Lead Acid or Lead Carbon as opposed to Lithium due to the battery management system which is found in Lithium batteries.

Returns, Refunds, and Repairs

How do I return a product?

If within 14-days from receiving your order you are not satisfied with your purchase, contact us by phone on +44 (0)1981 241668 or email sales@leadingedgepower.com. The goods need to be returned at your expense and once we have checked they are in their original packaging and in the same condition as when dispatched, a refund will be made.

How long will it take to receive my refund?

Refunds will be processed on the next weekly payment run after the returned goods have been checked.

Still looking for answers?

If the answers you're looking for aren't in our FAQ, please send us an email by completing the form below.