Only in very windy areas will micro-wind turbines be able to generate enough electricity to pay back the purchase and installation costs, or make significant reductions in carbon dioxide emissions.

The study released today by the Building Research Establishment Trust studied the performance of micro turbines in three areas of England. In windier areas, the turbines could generate sufficient energy to pay back their carbon costs within a few months to a few years and then go on to further reduce emissions. But in less windy urban areas, the turbines would never be able to pay back their carbon costs or be financially rewarding.

The turbines studied actually emit large loads of carbon dioxide during the manufacturing, installation and maintenance processes. The brief doesn't say which turbines were studied, but it does push for more efficient turbines with low maintenance and long life spans. Micro-wind turbines do have potential to help homeowners and small businesses cut costs and generate energy, but significant changes must be made before this trend spreads widely.