How much money do wind turbines make?
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Did you know that having a wind turbine is a great way to make money? That's right, wind turbines can be very profitable, and there are many different ways to make money with them.
For example, did you know that some governments offer incentives for people who install wind turbines? Or that you can sell energy back to the grid?
But, back to the question... how much money can a wind turbine make?
Depending on the wind turbine size (and how windy it is), a smallish home turbine or DIY wind generator could roughly expect to make about $100-$200* a year.
Of course, this amount depends on many factors!
If you're interested in learning more about how much money a wind turbine can make, read on because we cover a few wind turbine pointers that might just help you out.
In this post:
- What is a wind turbine and how does it work?
- Different types of wind generators and turbines
- The benefits of using a wind turbine
- How much money can you make from a wind turbine?
- How to get started with a wind turbine
What is a wind turbine and how does it work?
Wind turbines are machines that convert the kinetic energy in wind into electrical energy. This electrical energy can then be used to power homes, businesses, and more.
A wind turbine works by using blades to catch the wind. The blades spin a turbine, which then generates electricity. The faster the wind blows, the more electricity the turbine produces.
This is what your everyday, average wind turbine looks like:
If you want to learn the wind turbine basics, here's an excellent course called Introduction to Wind Energy that might be worth a look. Bring note book and pen!
Before we go on we should quickly specify the different wind turbine types.
Different types of wind generators and turbines
If you're interested in building a do-it-yourself (DIY) wind turbine it's always a good idea to know how much it might save in energy costs, and also how much it might make in earnings.
DIY wind turbine
A wind turbine DIY (what some people call it) looks a bit like this:
A DIY wind turbine can be a great way for you to generate renewable energy. They can be used in conjunction with solar panels, or on their own, and there are many different ways to make them.
People use DIY wind turbines to save money on their energy bills, reduce their carbon footprint, and more.
Commercial wind turbines
There's larger turbines too, like those huge wind turbines you might see dotted across the landscape or even way out in the ocean in certain areas.
Those offshore wind turbines work in a similar way to onshore wind farms, but they have some unique benefits and drawbacks.
One of the main benefits of offshore turbines is that they can generate more electricity than onshore wind farms. This is because the winds are stronger and more consistent offshore.
Another benefit of offshore wind turbines is that they don't take up as much space as onshore wind farms. This is because they can be built in deeper waters, where there is more space.
For this example we'll find out how much your own wind turbine can make, and also how much those really big bladed giants can make too, ok?
The benefits of using a wind turbine
There are many benefits to using a wind turbine. Some of the benefits include:
Renewable
Wind turbines are a renewable source of energy. This means that they don't rely on fossil fuels, like coal or oil, and they won't run out.
Clean
Wind turbines are a clean source of energy. They don't produce harmful emissions like carbon dioxide, which is not good for the environment.
Affordable
A wind turbine (especially one for the home) is affordable. They can be installed for a fraction of the cost of traditional sources of energy, like coal or oil.
Reliable
A wind turbines is reliable. They work even when the energy grid is down, making them a great backup source of energy. (Still need the wind to blow though!)
Creates jobs
A wind turbine can create jobs. They help to create jobs in the renewable energy industry, which is growing rapidly.
How much money can you make from a wind turbine?
Now that you know some of the benefits of wind turbines, let's talk about how much money you can make from them.
In this case we're talking about your own DIY wind turbine (ie; hobby turbine) - not so much those larger wind turbines (we'll get to them!)
Generally speaking, the faster the wind blows, the more money you can make from a DIY wind turbine. The electrical power created by a wind turbine is directly related to the wind speed.
So if you want to make the most money possible from your turbine, you'll need to find a location with high winds. (Or at least a consistent wind!)
Maintenance costs
Even though a wind turbine or wind generator can be a great way to create renewable energy and can be very profitable, there are some maintenance costs to consider.
For example, you may need to hire a professional to inspect and maintain your turbine regularly.
Additionally, you will need to factor in the generated power from your turbine. A small home built wind turbine may not generate as much power as a larger commercial turbine. However, it's still a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and save money on your energy bills!
Factor in the possible replacement of the wind turbine blades after a certain period of use.
You can also consider using a turbine with a solar panel and a battery bank as an option too.
Other ways to make money from wind power
As we mentioned earlier, there are many different ways to make money with a wind turbine. Here are just a few:
Government incentives
Many government offers incentives for people who install a wind turbine, including tax breaks and cash payments. Check with yours where you live!
Selling energy back to the grid
Generally speaking, you can sell the electricity you generate from your wind turbine back to the grid, at a profit.
Feed-in tariffs
Many countries have feed-in tariffs, which pay people for the electricity they generate from renewable sources like wind and solar power.
Green Energy Credits
You can sell green energy credits to companies that need to meet environmental regulations.
Battery storage
With battery storage, you can store excess electricity generated by your turbine and use it later when you need it most.
How to get started with a wind turbine
Now that you know all about how much money you can make from wind turbines, how do you get started? Here are a few tips:
Research
Do your research and find out if wind turbines are right for you. There are many different factors to consider when setting up your own little hobby generator, including location, cost, and more.
Find a reputable installer
Once you've decided to install a wind turbine, find a reputable installer who can help you get started.
Get financing
If you're looking to finance your wind turbine project, there are many options available, including government incentives and loans.
Follow the rules
Make sure you follow all the rules and regulations regarding using a small wind turbine in your area.
Enjoy the benefits
Once your turbines are up and running, enjoy the many benefits they offer, including renewable energy, clean energy, and more.
Use an app to see results
Using an app (application) can be a great way to see the income and expenditure from solar panels or wind generators and / or turbines.
They can provide information about how much energy has been generated, how much money has been made, and more.
Apps can also help you track energy usage and find ways to save energy.
There are a number of different apps available that can help people get the most out of their solar panels or wind turbines.
If you want to learn the wind turbine basics, here's an excellent course called Introduction to Wind Energy that might be worth a look. Bring your note book and pen!
Conclusion
Generally speaking, the average (commercial) wind turbine produces enough energy to power about 300 homes. So if you have a turbine that's generating 2 megawatts of power, it could theoretically produce enough electricity to meet the needs of about 600 households.
But because wind power is intermittent (it only blows sometimes), the average turbine actually only provides enough electricity for about 200 homes.
That means that a single turbine can generate about $4,200 of electricity per year. But because the wind doesn't blow all the time, the average turbine only generates about $1,260 worth of electricity per year.
So if you're selling your electricity back to the grid at the going rate of about 10 cents per kilowatt-hour, you can expect to make about $126 per year from each turbine.
Of course, that's just a rough estimate. The actual amount of money you can make from a wind turbine will depend on a number of factors, including the size of the turbine, the wind conditions in your area, and the price you're able to sell your electricity for!
A DIY wind generator or turbine is really a long term investment so make sure you do some detailed research to find out how much money you could potentially make!
I’m Martin Hurley - the friendliest person in the wind generator field! (That’s me on an early electric bike, back in 2010). I write posts and reviews about wind power, green energy, wind turbine kits, wind energy tools & more!