Parallel Systems, may possibly provide the chosen solution for wind farm development to suit the requirements of small communities in remote areas and peninsular locations in the West of Scotland.

It is impossible to meet a community's total electrical power requirements solely from wind-powered generators as this is classified as an interruptible energy source. Where an 11kV distribution grid is presently supplying energy to the area, it can be switched to wind power if conditions allow and back to grid supply when the wind is absent.

Interruptions to the supply from the national grid to remote areas are also common occurrences and although wind power does not give total independence from the national grid, under favourable conditions, it can provide a back up supply. Excess wind power generated could be sold via a line-commutated inverter to the regional generating company serving those areas, if permission for parallel operation is obtained. Grid connection and power transmission capacity are the main factors limiting large commercial development schemes in remote areas.

In calculating the energy production cost these variable parameters come into consideration,
· Capital investment (less any capital grants)
· Annual interest on capital
· Running and Maintenance costs (less any annual operating grants)
· Annual energy production capacity
· Actual annual energy production, (Production plant availability).

The main advantages of a small (up to one mega watt) parallel system are in self-sufficiency, a green community energy source, low visual impact, versatility, low running and maintenance costs, low capital investment and very much reduced electricity bills.