The Wadd family had the 15-metre high turbine installed at their home in Chestnut Lodge near East Norton, on Saturday.

For Michael (53) and his wife Jane (48), as well as children Eliza (5), Isadora (6), Jake (9), Charlotte (21), Robert (22) and foster children Abigail (12) and Shaun (13), the day marked the culmination of a two year project to find a more sustainable way of living.

Since moving to the 100-acre farm 14 years ago the family have powered their home using batteries and a generator, because they are not linked to the national grid.

Mr Wadd, who works as a spiritual healer, told the Mail on Tuesday: "This is the first day we've really had it going and it's been working really well so far. It's a six kilowatt turbine and we've been achieving that with the wind we've had this afternoon."

Power from the turbine goes straight into the house, with any excess generated going towards heating, hot water and being stored in batteries where it is saved to tide the family over during less windy days.

The couple estimate they have spent about £30,000 on the project but feel that is a small price to pay for the clean, free energy they hope the turbine will provide them.

Mr Wadd said: "A few years ago we were told it would cost £35,000 to get on the grid. But it's not just that initial outlay, you've then got to pay for the electricity you use. When you're buying electricity the price can go up, especially with today's unstable world. With this system we need only the wind, and nobody can charge you for that or take it away."

Obtaining planning permission to install the mast took the family two years and involved carrying out surveys to ensure it would not adversely affect local wildlife.

Mr Wadd said a number of local residents wrote to Harborough District Council planners in support of the project and that he was not aware of anyone who objected to the scheme.

West Yorkshire-based green energy company Eagle Power, who constructed and installed the turbine, also helped the Wadds secure a £2,500 grant from the Energy Saving Trust to help realise the project.

Recent proposals for a number of wind farm schemes in the Harborough area have proved controversial, with many residents objecting on the grounds that turbines of up to 125m in height will be a blot on the landscape.

However, Mr Wadd said: "I know a lot of people don't like them but it's free power. As long as they're not on a migratory path for birds then I don't see a problem. They've got to be a lot better than a pylon or a power station. We've got to use what nature has given us."