“Do Small-Scale Wind Turbines Really Save You Money?”

What are Small-Scale Wind Turbines?

Small-scale wind turbines, also known as micro wind turbines or residential wind turbines, are wind turbines designed for on-site use at homes, farms, and small businesses. Unlike large commercial wind turbines that produce electricity to feed into the electric grid, small-scale wind turbines are used to directly power a home, business, or farm.

Small-scale wind turbines typically have power capacities below 50 kilowatts. They consist of a tower, generator, rotor blades, and tail. As wind passes over the blades, they spin around a rotor which turns an electrical generator to produce electricity. The electricity is then either used directly or stored in batteries.

Some key attributes of small-scale wind turbines are:

• Power output: Usually 1 to 50 kilowatts
• Tower height: Typically 10 to 30 meters
• Rotor diameter: 1 to 10 meters
• Used for on-site energy production

What are the Benefits of Small-Scale Wind Turbines?

There are several potential benefits to using small-scale wind turbines:

Renewable and Sustainable Power

• Produce clean, renewable electricity from wind power.
• Do not generate greenhouse gas emissions.
• Provide energy sustainability and energy independence.

Potential Cost Savings

• Can offset purchase of electricity from utility company.
• Lock in prices since wind power has no fuel cost.
• Eligible for tax credits and incentives in some regions.

Reliable Power Supply

• Provide electricity even when grid power is out.
• Can be used in remote locations without grid access.
• Can be combined with solar panels for round-the-clock power.

Low Maintenance

• Require little maintenance when installed properly.
• Only need infrequent inspections and component replacements.

What Factors Determine the Economics of Small Wind Turbines?

There are several key factors that impact whether or not a small-scale wind turbine will provide a good return on investment:

Wind Resource

• Adequate wind speeds year-round are vital for cost savings.
• Average annual wind speeds of at least 10 mph are recommended at turbine site.
• Prior on-site wind resource assessment is crucial.

Electricity Costs

• Higher utility kWh rates provide greater savings potential.
• Payback period directly correlates with electricity prices.

Incentives and Policies

• Tax credits and rebates can improve economics significantly.
• Net metering policies allow selling excess power back to grid.
• Streamlined permitting helps reduce soft costs.

Turbine Siting

• Proper siting to maximize wind exposure improves production.
• Higher towers capture stronger winds and increase output.
• Avoid obstructions like trees and buildings.

System Size

• Right-sized systems relative to energy usage cut wasted production.
• Excess power generation does not always offset costs.

What Are the Key Challenges With Small Wind Turbines?

However, there are also some key challenges to evaluate:

High Upfront Cost

• Purchase and installation costs currently very high.
• Average costs range from $15,000 to $50,000.
• Long payback periods of 10+ years.

Intermittent Power

• Wind speeds fluctuate, resulting in variable power output.
• May need back-up power or grid connection as a result.

Siting Restrictions

• Permitting and zoning laws may limit tower heights.
• Nearby buildings, trees, etc. can block wind flow.

Noise

• Turbines can generate noise disturbances for neighbors.
• Siting away from dwellings and using sound-reduction methods help.

Maintenance

• Periodic inspections and repairs are required.
• Lightning strikes, icing, component failures can cause issues.

Grid Interconnection

• Selling excess power to grid may require upgrades.
• Advanced inverters needed to sync with grid voltage.

Do Small Wind Turbines Save Money in Real-World Installations?

The financial viability of small-scale wind turbines depends heavily on the specific circumstances. Here are some real-world examples:

Case Study 1: Rural Farm in Iowa

• 50 kW turbine installed on 200 acre corn farm.
• Average wind speeds of 12 mph measured on-site.
• Farm has high electric demand from irrigation pumps and equipment.
• Received 50% cost rebate from state renewable incentive fund.
• Turbine generates 85% of farm's annual electricity needs.
• Savings: Over $11,000 in first year. On track for 9 year payback.

Case Study 2: Urban Home in California

• 2.5 kW roof-mounted turbine installed on suburban home.
• Average wind speeds less than 10 mph at house site.
• Net metering allowed for selling excess power to utility.
• Paid $22,000 total installed cost without incentives.
• Produces only 20% of home's electricity demand.
• Cost: Will not recoup investment costs.

Conclusion: Key Considerations for Financial Viability

Small-scale wind turbines can certainly save money, but several criteria must be met:

• Sufficient wind speeds of 10+ mph
• Favorable electricity rates
• Available incentives and rebates
• Access to net metering
• Right-sized system for energy use
• Good siting and tower heights

Performing a wind resource assessment, crunching the numbers, and evaluating all factors is essential. When designed and installed properly at sites with adequate wind, small-scale wind turbines can absolutely be a smart, cost-saving investment.