subject: Wind Power Cost [print this page] Wind power cost is not obviousWind power cost is not obvious. You need to fully understand the many components involved in your particular system in order to evaluate it properly.If you are familiar with the concept of lifecycle analysis, this is what needs to be done here. In lifecycle cost analysis, you consider all of the costs that you will encounter over time with a project like this. All the way from the very first thing you buy, through all the replacement parts, and maintenance, etc.
These are the factors that you need to consider in your evaluation of wind power cost for your home to make sure you have looked at the whole picture
Initial cost of the wind turbine unit - This is of course is the cost of the original home wind turbine equipment that you buy from the manufacturer. Usually, that the wind turbine does not come with a tower or any way to mount the device and you will have to buy that separately. Furthermore it does not come with an inverter usually, or any type of grid tie in equipment that would allow you to export power back to your electricity provider.
Cost of any foundation required - This is so specific to the individual project that there is no way that wind turbine manufacturer could include this in the price they charge. You simply have to make a determination about where you're going to locate the turbine kit and size of exactly what you need in terms of the foundation before you order the wind turbine.
Installation - Depending on your level of expertise in home projects, you may or may not need help with the installation of the device. Most people who do not have an electrical background in any case need some help with this end of things.
Commissioning - If you have electrical expertise you will be able to do this part as well. Commissioning is just making sure that you have all the T's crossed and I's dotted before you turn the machine on and start making power.Replacement of wear surfaces, like blades - These are periodic costs and there's no way to predict exactly at what interval they will occur, but you can talk to the manufacturer or e-mail them and find out what's the recommended cycle time is before blade changes are typically necessary for example.
Maintenance - The maintenance of a home wind turbine is really pretty minimal. You should factor in at least several hundred dollars a year though, because you don't know what might come up.
These are all the wind power cost factors that need to be weighed in total against the amount of money you are likely be able to save by displacing the power you buy from the utility.
