We’ve nearly finalised the design of our wind turbine so it’s now time to think about how to go about putting the turbine on the roof of our factory. We’ve decided to employ a structural engineer to help us because we will need to assess whether the roof structure is strong enough to cope with the static and dynamic loads associated with the spinning wind turbine. We also need help in determining how to safely attach the turbine to the roof. Our building is a warehouse with a steel framework and a slightly pitched roof so it’s not the easiest place to mount a turbine!

My contacts at London South Bank University have recommended a few local structural engineers who might be able to help us, so I have contacted them and am waiting now to hear their thoughts on the project and the potential cost of the work. I hope that getting them involved will help our planning application, and will certainly help when we apply for building control approval.