A home wind turbine in 2024 must comply with certain legal regulations that govern its construction and operation. Installation of a wind turbine directly on a building structure does not require additional permits, provided that the height of the turbine does not exceed 3 meters above the roof level. If this height is exceeded, it is necessary to report the investment to the relevant city or municipal office.
Installation of a wind turbine on a separate foundation is treated as a building structure, which means that a building permit and an occupancy permit must be obtained. In the case of wind turbines not permanently connected to the ground, i.e. those whose mast is not embedded in the foundation, but supported by lashing cables, it is sufficient to notify the intention to build in the office or the district administration.
Household micro wind power plants must not exceed 30 meters in height, and their operation must comply with the current construction law and environmental regulations. The process of producing energy for one’s own use does not require additional permits, but all investments must comply with local laws and regulations, which can vary from region to region.
The government’s “My Wind Power Plant” program.
The government’s “My Wind Power Plant” program, which aims to develop prosumer energy in the micro wind power sector, is scheduled to launch in 2024. The program targets owners and co-owners of residential buildings, supporting the purchase and installation of backyard wind turbines with electricity storage.
Self-installation of a home windmill.
According to para. 7.4 of the “My Wind Power Plant” program, any individual who owns or co-owns a residential building can install a home windmill. In the case of an on-grid installation, it is necessary to conclude a comprehensive agreement or an electricity sales contract, which regulates the introduction of energy into the grid. In the case of an off-grid installation, the energy is generated solely for own consumption. The applicant must be indicated as the buyer/consumer on the invoice. If there is a difference between the person of the applicant and the purchaser/consignee, it is necessary to attach a statement to this effect, which applies to spouses or people who run a joint household.
Permit for the construction of a domestic windmill.
Mounting a wind turbine directly to the supporting structure of a building does not require additional permits. For a roof-mounted turbine, if its height does not exceed 3 meters above the roof, no permit or notification is required. If this height is exceeded, it is necessary to report the investment to the city or municipal authorities. A wind power plant on a separate foundation is treated as a construction object, which requires a construction and occupancy permit. The maximum height of a domestic micro wind power plant must not exceed 30 meters.
Conditions for obtaining funding for a backyard windmill.
According to para. 7.3 of the “My Wind Power Plant” program, the following conditions must be met in order to obtain a subsidy:
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In the case of co-ownership of a building, it is necessary to obtain the consent of all co-owners and submit a statement that there is no double financing. The subsidy is granted only for the implementation of the complete scope of activities specified in the program.
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Co-financing is granted once per wind power plant under a given comprehensive contract or annex to a contract for the purchase and distribution of electricity.
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Subsidies are not available for investments made on buildings used seasonally, recreational buildings, summer houses and farm buildings.
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The investment cannot be financed or implemented with other public funds, domestic or foreign, with the exception of the thermo-modernization tax credit.
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If business activities are carried out on an area exceeding 20% of the total area of the building, the investment is not eligible for subsidies.
Subsidies for wind turbines in 2024.
Under the “My wind turbine” program, it is possible to obtain subsidies in the form of grants of up to 50% of the cost, but no more than PLN 30,000 per co-funded wind turbine installation (but no more than PLN 5,000 per kW).
Funding in the form of a grant of up to 50%, but no more than PLN 17,000, can also be obtained for an electricity storage – battery with a minimum capacity of 2 kWh (but no more than PLN 6,000 per 1 kWh).
The period of eligibility of costs, according to the “My Wind Power Plant” program, is from June 30, 2023 to December 31, 2028, during which time the costs associated with the investment can be considered eligible. Required are:
- Commencement of the investment, i.e. incurring the first eligible cost (date of payment of the first VAT invoice), connection of the wind micro-installation (date on the OSD certificate) or installation of the device (date of installation from the work acceptance protocol).
- Completion of the investment, i.e. installation and commissioning of the wind installation with the accompanying infrastructure, and documentation of payment of all VAT invoices for the purchase and installation of equipment.
Eligible costs include the purchase and installation of a new wind installation and the purchase and installation of energy storage accompanying the installation.
Conditions for subsidy.
According to para. 7.3 of the program, the subsidy is granted for investments completed before the application is submitted. Investments must meet the following conditions:
(a) All items listed on invoices or receipts must be paid in full.
b) Equipment must be permanently connected and put into operation.
c) Notifications or notifications of completion of investments must be submitted to the relevant institutions.
Co-financed equipment must be new and manufactured within a maximum of 24 months prior to installation. Co-financing is available for domestic wind installations implemented in accordance with applicable law, including after prior notification or obtaining a construction permit, if required.
The beneficiary is obliged to operate the installation and other subsidized equipment in the location specified in the application for at least 5 years from the date of payment of the subsidy.
During the life of the investment, the purpose of the building may not be changed, the installation may not be dismantled, and the location of the investment may not be changed without the risk of termination of the grant agreement and repayment of funds with interest. Investments must be carried out in accordance with air protection programs and Directive 2008/50/EC.
In the case of connection of a micro-installation with electricity storage to the distribution network, the installed capacity of the energy storage is not included in the installed capacity of the micro-installation, provided:
- The installed capacity of the electricity storage
- The total power that can be injected into the distribution network by the micro-installation with energy storage does not exceed the installed electrical power of the micro-installation. The total power of the installation must not exceed 50 kW.
Conditions for the installation of a domestic wind power plant.
In theory, it is possible to install a mini-wind power plant on its own. In practice, however, as in the case of electrical measurements, appropriate training or licensing is necessary. Ideally, the installation of a home wind turbine should be carried out by a certified person. This ensures not only the proper operation of the turbine, but also the safety of its use.
The construction of a home wind turbine is an ecological solution that allows self-generation of electricity with minimal environmental impact and low operating costs. Wind energy production does not require additional fuels or emit harmful substances. Although the cost of constructing such an installation can be high, funding opportunities are available from local and national programs. In addition, the installation of such a power plant often does not require a notification or building permit. With the growing popularity of backyard wind turbines, it is worth considering switching to wind energy.
Regulations for a home wind turbine.
According to the regulations, the installation of a wind turbine directly to a building structure does not require additional permits, provided that the turbine does not exceed a height of 3 meters above the roof level. If this height is exceeded, it is necessary to report the investment to the city or municipal authorities. Other procedures apply in the case of a wind turbine on a separate foundation, where construction and occupancy permits are required.
In a situation where the wind turbine is not permanently attached to the ground, i.e. its mast is not embedded in the foundation, but supported by lashing cables, it is sufficient to notify the intention to erect such a power plant at the local government office or district office.
It should be remembered that domestic micro wind power plants cannot exceed a height of 30 meters and are not covered by the so-called “distance law”. Production of electricity for own consumption does not require additional permits.
Information sources:
https://www.muratorplus.pl/technika/oze/przydomowy-wiatrak-przepisy-2024-jakie-warunki-trzeba-spelnic-zeby-postawic-wiatrak-na-dzialce-ile-metrow-od-domu-aa-bhtA-az6A-UrNJ.html
https://www.gov.pl/web/ncbr/mala-elektrownia-wiatrowa-na-indywidualne-potrzeby-ncbr-przekaze-milion-zlotych-tworcy-najlepszego-projektu
https://www.prawo.pl/biznes/budowa-farm-wiatrowych-a-nowe-przepisy-ustawy-wiatrakowej,520879.html
https://orka.sejm.gov.pl/proc9.nsf/ustawy/2938_u.htm