How much does a wind turbine cost?

The typical wind turbine is 2-3 MW in power, so most turbines cost in the $2-4 million dollar range. Operation and maintenance runs an additional $42,000-$48,000 per year according to research on wind turbine operational cost. See the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s website for the most recent (December 2022) Cost of Wind Energy Review.

How much does a wind farm cost?

The location of a wind farm can have a profound effect on cost. While a wind turbine in Europe or the United States can cost about $1 million per MW, turbines installed in countries like Brazil can be as cheap as $500,000 per MW. Once the turbines are erected, they must be wired to the electrical grid.

What is the most expensive part of a wind turbine?

Tower – steel or concrete support for the moving parts of a wind turbine. According to WindEurope, the tower of a wind turbine is the most expensive part of a turbine. It costs 26.6% of the total. The rotor blades of a wind turbine are the second most expensive part of the turbine, costing 22% of the total.

How much does a wind power inverter cost?

Turbines require an inverter to convert the turbine's DC output into usable AC electricity. A wind power inverter costs $500 to $2,000 on average. You will also need a battery to store the energy generated by the turbine. A battery to store wind energy costs $6,000 to $13,000+ for the unit alone.

What is the 2022 cost of Wind Energy Review?

Background • The 2022 Cost of Wind Energy Review estimates the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) for land-based, offshore, and distributed wind energy projects in the United States. • This review also provides an update to the 2021 Cost of Wind Energy Review (Stehly and Duffy 2022) and examines wind turbine costs, financing, and market conditions.

Why are wind turbines so expensive?

The values are based on typical wind turbines in use today. On the other hand, newer wind turbine technologies, such as carbon fiber, are more expensive. Engineering designs that eliminate the need for certain turbine components — such as a transition piece — tend to drive down costs.