Windmill Generators
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Anyone have a formula for cost-benefit analysis of buying a windmill for power generation?
I live in an area where a power company uses wind generators successfully. I’d be looking at about a 1.8 kw generator in an area where electricity is expensive. Initial cost is $13K. Would I be better off waiting a couple of years for newer, better, cheaper wind generators?
1.8kW wind generator… running at 25% load produces 1.8kW * 0.25 * 24hours/day * 365days = 3942kWh/year.
Let’s make that 4000kWh. You can probably sell that electricity for $0.07/kWh. Makes a total income of $280/year.
5% annual interest on $13000 is $650. Yep, you are going to lose roughly $370 per year… not counting running cost for repairs etc.
Sounds like a great business proposition? I don’t think so.
If you are just offsetting your own consumption and electricity prices are around $0.15/kWh, you might just brake even. Barely…
In general I would not think that wind below 250kW is a good investment. Try 10MW+ wind parks and you are probably talking about a sound business model.
And some people simply want to do their share to improve global warming. They don’t need to be concerned about the financial downside. If you are one of them, go for it. It will make you feel a lot better.
Screaming EMDs and windmill generators on CSX Q418-30 at Woodbourne Station on June 30, 2009
We can benefit from own solar or wind power electric, nothing to lose and also reduce bill for electricity or even eliminate them.
I think, that people must do something about our Planet. We all need to do our part so we can leave a safe world for our children.
In essence, what we have to do is minimize all activities that produce
greenhouse gas emissions.
Where possible, find alternative sources of energy that do not generate CO2 emissions such as solar,water, wind, and many more…
Be Green, Save the Planet