Wind Turbines are gaining rapid grounds as the most popular Alternative Energy System in the world. As an industry too it is the biggest energy sector investment globally.
All this is because it is one of the best time tested and technically advanced alternative energy sources. (There is virtually no running cost to talk about either).
What are Small Wind Turbines
Wind Turbines that have generating capacities ranging from 5 kw to 100 kw are categorized as small wind turbines. These are generally used in domestic, small commune or micro industrial power needs.
But the million dollar question is can you afford it?
What costs are involved?
Primarily at least the following cost components have to be evaluated.
- The cost of the Wind Turbine Unit
- The cost of the Tower
- The cost of the battery bank (if used) with over charge and other safety controls
- The cost of the Inverter converting DC to AC (if the generator is a DC unit as generally happens when the turbine is less than 5 kw).On the other hand if the Turbine generates AC, the inverter will convert surplus energy to DC for storage in the battery bank. The use of these components will vary depending on whether you use a stand alone (off grid), grid connected or a Hybrid system.
- The cabling cost from the generator to the Battery Bank or the Inverter and the distribution controls.
- The Tower and Turbine Unit's transport cost to site and their erection costs
- The testing and commissioning costs
- If you intent on getting an aid grant the cost of “before” and “after” BER certificates
In addition if the Wind turbine is generating DC and no inverter is used the cost of buying new dual supply appliances or DC operated units and any costs of modifications to the house wiring system has be taken to account.
How much will a system cost you?
Due to the widely varying applications, the climatic conditions, load demands, site conditions, type of installation etc generalizing a cost is some what difficult and not accurate in almost all cases. These at best serve only as a guide line for the prospective users.
A small wind turbine installation may cost anything between Euro 2,400 to 27,900 installed. A typical home installation of 10 kw capacity may cost up to Euro 25,500 installed.
A useful rule of thumb for estimating the installed cost is approximately Euro 800 to Euro 2,400 per kw capacity. Obtaining a firm quotation from a supplier (generally they quote for the whole package including the tower and the others generally called “balance of system components”) is the best way to get about your requirement.
Are there any Grants or financial benefits?
In reality the cost of the equipment cannot be evaluated with the equipment cost alone. The factor that needs to be considered is the “life cycle cost”. The life cycle cost of a small wind turbine is very low and your investment will be recovered over and over during its life span.
Additionally various grant aid schemes and concessions are made available by the SEI in Ireland which are intended to buffer your initial investments.
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John Mahoney is a freelance author who writes about various Renewable Energy topics including Wind Turbines . For more info contact him at http://www.techstore.ie/Renewable-Energy/Wind-Energy/Wind-Turbines.html
