Wind Turbine Profit Calculator
Calculate profitability and payback period of wind turbine investments
Wind Turbine Profit Analysis
Analysis Period
Power Generation Data
Turbine Type
Economic Parameters
Daily Profitability Analysis
Energy Generation
Revenue
Net Profit
⚙️ Technical Performance
💡 Investment Analysis
🌱 Environmental Impact
Your wind turbine system saves approximately 865.1 tons of CO₂ per year compared to grid electricity generation, equivalent to removing 188.1 cars from the road annually.
Understanding Wind Turbine Types
Horizontal Axis (HAWT)
- • Most common commercial design
- • Higher efficiency (35-45%)
- • Requires consistent wind direction
- • Better for large-scale installations
- • Swept area = π × (blade length)²
Vertical Axis (VAWT)
- • Works with variable wind directions
- • Lower efficiency (20-40%)
- • Better for urban environments
- • Easier maintenance access
- • Swept area = diameter × height
⚡ The Betz Limit
According to physicist Albert Betz, the theoretical maximum efficiency of any wind turbine is 59.3%. This is because if a turbine extracted 100% of wind energy, the air would stop moving, preventing more air from flowing through. Real-world turbines typically achieve 35-45% efficiency due to additional mechanical and aerodynamic losses.
Economic Considerations
Investment Costs
Initial Costs
- • Turbine purchase ($1.5-4M per MW)
- • Installation and setup
- • Grid connection infrastructure
- • Permits and environmental studies
Ongoing Costs
- • Maintenance (2-4% of investment annually)
- • Insurance and taxes
- • Land lease (if applicable)
- • Grid connection fees
Profitability Factors
🌬️ Wind Resource
Wind speed has a cubic relationship with power - doubling wind speed increases power by 8x
💰 Electricity Prices
Higher local electricity rates improve payback periods and profitability
🏛️ Incentives
Tax credits, grants, and renewable energy certificates can significantly improve ROI
💡 Pro Tip
A good wind resource (average speed > 6 m/s) is crucial for profitability. Consider professional wind assessment before investment. Small increases in wind speed dramatically improve returns due to the cubic power relationship.
Wind Speed Classification
Turbine Size Categories
Wind Power Facts
How This Calculator Works
Power Generation Formula
The calculator uses the standard wind power equation: P = 0.5 × ρ × A × v³ × η, where ρ is air density, A is swept area, v is wind speed, and η is efficiency. The cubic relationship with wind speed means small increases in wind speed dramatically increase power output.
Profit Calculation
Profit = (Energy Generated × Electricity Price) - (Operating Costs + Maintenance Costs). The calculator considers daily operating costs, maintenance as a percentage of initial investment, and provides payback period analysis based on annual net profit.
Key Assumptions
- • Constant wind speed (real wind varies significantly)
- • No downtime for maintenance or repairs
- • Steady electricity prices over project lifetime
- • Standard air density at sea level (1.225 kg/m³)
- • Uniform efficiency across wind speed range
Limitations
Real wind turbine performance varies with weather patterns, seasonal changes, equipment aging, and maintenance requirements. This calculator provides estimates based on average conditions and should not be used as the sole basis for investment decisions.
Investment Disclaimer: Wind turbine investments involve significant capital and various risks including wind resource variability, equipment failure, regulatory changes, and market fluctuations. This calculator provides estimates based on simplified assumptions and should not replace professional financial analysis, wind resource assessment, or engineering studies.
Last Updated: September 2024 | Disclaimer: For educational purposes only