How much does a wind turbine cost?
How much does a wind turbine cost?
$500 – $4,000 average micro wind turbine cost (0.4 – 3 kW)
$20,000 – $80,000 average home wind turbine cost (5 – 15 kW)
$2.5 – $4 Million average commercial wind turbine cost (2 – 3 MW)
Wind turbine cost
A home wind turbine costs $20,000 to $80,000 for a complete wind power system large enough to meet an average home's full energy demands. The total cost depends on the turbine size, type, capacity, and location. Onshore commercial wind turbines cost $2.5 to $4 million, while offshore turbines cost up to $100+ million.
| Turbine size / type | Average cost installed* | Capacity / maximum power rating |
|---|---|---|
| Micro home turbine | $500 – $4,000 | 0.4 – 3 kilowatts |
| Small home turbine | $3,000 – $15,000 | 3 – 5 kilowatts |
| Standard home turbine | $20,000 – $80,000 | 5 – 15 kilowatts |
| Commercial onshore turbine | $2.5 – $4 million | 2 – 4 megawatts |
| Offshore turbine | $20 – $100+ million | 6 – 12+ megawatts |
*Before tax credits and rebates
Home wind turbine cost
A home wind turbine costs $20,000 to $80,000 with installation before the federal tax credit. The average home uses 900 to 1,000 kWh per month in electricity and requires a wind turbine rated for at least 5 to 15 kW to cover most of or all the home's energy needs.
Smaller residential turbines cost as little as $500 or as much as $15,000, depending on the size and design. These small turbines don't produce enough electricity to power a whole home but can help to reduce energy costs.
| Turbine type | Average cost before federal tax credit | Average cost after federal tax credit | Capacity / maximum power rating* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Micro or roof-mounted | $500 – $4,000 | $350 – $2,800 | 0.4 – 3 kW |
| Small freestanding | $3,000 – $15,000 | $1,400 – $10,500 | 3 – 5 kW |
| Freestanding | $20,000 – $80,000 | $14,000 – $56,000 | 5 – 15 kW |
*Home wind turbines generate only 16% to 20% of their maximum rated output.
The amount of energy produced by a wind turbine depends on the average wind speed at the home's location. Home wind turbines require sustained wind speeds of at least 10 mph.
Taller wind turbines generate more power because wind speeds increase with height. Depending on the site conditions, the turbine may need to be mounted on a tower or structural support pole at a height of 60 to 80+ feet.
The turbine should be installed upwind of any buildings and trees and at least 30 feet above anything else within 300 feet.
Check local zoning regulations and building codes before installing a home wind turbine of any size. Some cities do not allow residential wind turbines, while others allow them but regulate their size and placement.
Micro / roof-mounted turbine
Micro or roof-mounted wind turbines cost $500 to $4,000, depending on the design, power capacity, brand, and quality. Roof-mounted turbines have a maximum energy output of 400 to 3,000 watts and produce only enough power to cover 10% to 20% of an average home's energy needs.
Though mounting a turbine on the roof seems like an ideal way to add height and take advantage of stronger winds, it's important to remember that all turbines vibrate as the blades spin. This vibration can cause noise problems in the building, reduce the turbine's lifespan, and cause structural damage to the house.
Check with your roofing manufacturer before installing a roof-mounted turbine, as the installation may void the roof warranty.
Freestanding wind turbine
A freestanding home wind turbine costs $20,000 to $80,000 with installation for a system large enough to meet the energy demands of an average home. A complete system includes the turbine along with an inverter, charge controller, battery, and the necessary electrical connections.
In comparison, solar panels cost $12,600 to $31,500 after the tax credit for a system large enough to power an average home.
A small freestanding wind turbine costs $3,000 to $15,000 installed and can be used to meet part of your home's energy needs or to supplement a solar power system.
Solar and wind hybrid system
A hybrid wind and off-grid solar system costs $35,000 to $90,000 with installation. A complete hybrid off-grid system includes solar panels, an inverter, solar batteries, charge controllers, and a small freestanding wind turbine. The wind turbine typically acts as a backup on days with minimal sun.
Commercial wind turbine cost
A commercial wind turbine costs $2.5 to $4 million on average, or about $1 to $1.25 million per megawatt. Most onshore turbines have a capacity of 2 to 4 megawatts. Larger offshore wind turbines cost $20 million to $100+ million and boast capacities of 6 to 12 megawatts.
Manufacturing the wind turbine components makes up approximately 70% of the total cost, while transportation and construction costs make up the other 30%. The total cost depends on the turbine size, construction location, and site conditions.
| Cost factor | Percentage of total cost |
|---|---|
| Turbine components | |
| Tower | 15% |
| Blades & rotor | 20% |
| Nacelle (generator, gearbox, & brakes) | 35% |
| Installation | |
| Transportation to site | 5% |
| Site prep, foundation, & access roads | 10% |
| Turbine assembly / construction | 10% |
| Electrical equipment & connections | 5% |
Wind turbine cost factors
The following factors impact the cost to build a wind turbine:
Turbine size – Wind turbine costs increase with size. Larger turbines have higher upfront costs but can be more cost-effective in the long term due to higher energy output.
Location & accessibility – The site's location and accessibility affect the difficulty of transporting and assembling the turbine. Building on a remote site or challenging terrain increases costs.
Land acquisition – Building a commercial wind turbine or wind farm requires a sizeable piece of land. Most cities have strict regulations about the turbine's proximity to neighboring properties.
Site prep:
Readying the site for a turbine may require excavation and grading. Excavation costs $2.50 to $15.00 per cubic yard.
Most turbines require a concrete foundation, with costs varying significantly depending on local soil conditions and the turbine's size and weight. A concrete slab foundation costs $5 to $14 per square foot installed for a home wind turbine.
Commercial turbines or wind farms also need roads or driveways to make them easily accessible for regular maintenance.
Grid connection – Connecting a home wind turbine to the local electrical grid costs $100 to $300 per kW on average or $500 to $4,500 for a 5 to 15 kW system. Connecting a commercial turbine or wind farm to the grid requires complex infrastructure that includes underground wiring, transformers, utility poles, and power substations.
Additional components – When purchasing a home wind turbine, confirm the system includes these important components:
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.
A charge controller costs $100 to $400+ and regulates the speed of the turbine to ensure the turbine doesn't over-charge the batteries.
Tax credits and incentives
The Residential Clean Energy Credit provides a 30% federal tax credit on home wind power systems installed from 2022 to 2032. The credit drops to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034. Check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) to find other incentives and rebates in your area.
The Renewable Energy Production Tax Credit (PTC) provides a tax credit of 2.6 cents per kWh supplied to the grid for owners and developers of utility-scale wind energy facilities. This tax credit can be claimed annually for a period of 10 years after the facility is placed into service.
Maintenance and operational costs
Wind turbines require regular maintenance to ensure they continue to produce energy efficiently. Maintenance for a freestanding home wind turbine costs $500 to $1,000+ per year, depending on the turbine size, and may include cleaning, repairing electrical connections, and replacing corroded parts.
Operating and maintaining a commercial wind turbine costs 1 to 2 cents per kWh of electricity generated or $25 to $40 per kW per year. These recurring costs typically include insurance, land leasing, repairs, security, and management.
| Cost factor | Average cost per kW (annually) |
|---|---|
| Land lease | $5 – $6 |
| Insurance | $2 – $3 |
| Administrative costs | $3 – $4 |
| Security | $2 – $3 |
| Annual service | $0 – $7 |
| Repair labor | $5 – $7 |
| Repair parts | $7 – $8 |
| Lubricant | $1 – $2 |
| Total cost | $25 – $40 per kW |
Offshore wind turbines have higher maintenance and operating costs due to their larger size and the logistical challenges related to site access at sea.
Industry experts predict maintenance costs for wind turbines will decrease in coming years as the technology improves and turbines become more durable.
Payback period
The payback period for a residential wind turbine ranges from 10 to 20+ years. Commercial wind turbines have a shorter payback period of 6 to 12 years and take only 5 to 6 months to generate enough green energy to offset the energy that was used to manufacture them.
The return on investment (ROI) for a wind turbine depends on the amount of energy produced, local utility rates, total energy savings, and whether your utility company offers net metering. A net metering program allows you to sell excess energy back to the grid.
How much energy does a wind turbine produce?
Standard residential wind turbines produce 700 to 1,700kWh per month on average, depending on the turbine type, height, and local wind speeds. For comparison, a typical home in the U.S. uses 900 to 1,000 kWh per month in electricity.
Most onshore commercial wind turbines produce 800,000 to 1,000,000 kWh per month in electricity—enough to power 850 to 1,000 homes. Large offshore turbines can produce up to six times as much electricity, powering thousands of homes.
Wind energy is the source for approximately 10% of U.S. utility-scale electricity generation and accounts for almost 48% of the total energy generated by renewable sources.
Wind turbine power output vs. capacity factor
Wind turbines have a rated power output or capacity indicating how much energy they can produce at peak wind speeds. However, because wind speeds fluctuate and only occasionally reach peak levels, most turbines produce only a fraction of their full capacity. This reduced output is known as the "capacity factor".
| Turbine size / type | Capacity / maximum power rating* | Capacity factor | Average energy output |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential | 5 – 15 kW | 16% – 20% | 700 – 1,700 kWh |
| Onshore commercial | 2 – 4 MW | 30% – 40% | 800,000 – 1,000,000 kWh |
| Offshore commercial | 6 – 12+ MW | 60% – 65% | 3,900,000 – 7,200,000 kWh |
Estimating the annual energy output
Before purchasing a wind turbine system, get a professional wind resource assessment to estimate the annual energy output and confirm the wind speeds at your location are high enough to make the investment worthwhile.
A professional installer will calculate the estimated energy production based on these factors:
Average wind speed at your site
Wind frequency distribution—the estimated number of hours the wind will blow at each speed in an average year
Wind turbine power curve for specific turbine models
Turbine tower height
Site elevation
Wind turbine FAQs
How do wind turbines work?
Wind turbines use aerodynamic force and kinetic energy to convert moving air into electricity. When wind flows across the turbine's propeller-like blades, the difference in air pressure creates lift—similar to the effect on an airplane's wings. This causes the blades to spin around a central rotor.
The rotor connects to a drive shaft or directly to a generator inside the nacelle, a covered housing that sits at the top of the tower. The blades' rotation spins the drive shaft, and the generator transforms this kinetic energy into electricity.
How long do wind turbines last?
Residential wind turbines last 15 to 25 years if properly maintained. Commercial wind turbines last 20 to 30+ years.
How tall is a wind turbine?
A wind turbine's hub height is the distance measured from the ground to the center of the turbine's rotor. New onshore commercial wind turbines have an average hub height of about 322 feet, with the tallest model in the U.S. reaching 650 feet. Home wind turbines range from 35 to 120 feet tall.
The average wind turbine height has increased by over 70% in the past 25 years. Older commercial turbines still in operation range from 150 to 320 feet, and industry experts predict the average height will reach 500 feet by 2035.
GE's offshore Haliade-X wind turbine is 853 feet tall and is currently the world's largest turbine model.
How fast do wind turbines spin?
Though wind turbine blades appear to spin slowly from a distance, small wind turbines spin at 75 to 100 mph, while large commercial wind turbines can reach 180 mph. The rotation speed depends on the blade length and wind speed, with most commercial turbines spinning at 15 to 20 RPMs.
Getting estimates from wind turbine installers
Professional installation is important for the long-term performance and safety of your wind power system. Follow these tips when hiring a wind turbine installer near you:
Look for licensed, insured installers who have been in business for 5+ years. Many solar installers also install wind turbines.
Compare estimates from at least 3 installers. Confirm the estimates include comparable turbines and equipment.
Read reviews for renewable energy providers on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask for references from previous customers whose turbines are still in operation.
Select an installer who can perform a professional wind resource assessment at your site.
Get a detailed, itemized proposal and warranty in writing before making any payments.
Questions to ask wind turbine installers
Reputable wind turbine dealers and installers should be able to answer these important questions:
How many wind turbines have you previously installed?
Are those turbines still in operation?
Can you provide references from past customers?
Is my site suitable for a wind turbine?
Will you conduct a wind resource assessment at my site?
What size turbine would be best for my site and energy needs?
How much energy can I realistically expect the turbine to provide?
What is the total cost of the system including the wind turbine, tower, foundation, inverter, wiring, permits, and installation labor?
What other costs should I expect?
Will you handle all the electrical wiring and connections?
What fees are involved in connecting the system to the grid?
Is the wind system eligible for any tax credits or rebates?
How much noise will the turbine make?
What maintenance will the system require?
Do you offer a yearly maintenance plan? If so, how much does it cost?
How long is the warranty and what does it include?
How do you handle repairs?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.