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Turbine Maintenance and System Life
Maintenance varies by system, so ask about requirements when you are considering which kind of turbine to buy and when you are reviewing literature from different manufacturers. Small wind turbines require regular maintenance, which generally consists of periodic inspections and adjustments.
Representatives of manufacturers can give you an idea of the expected maintenance schedule and help you arrange for maintenance. A rule of thumb is that operations and maintenance costs average about 1% of the installed cost of the wind system per year over the life of the machine. These costs may not be incurred every year, but would accumulate and be incurred when needed.
When you are considering buying a system, ask about its anticipated lifespan. Most reputable small turbines should perform well for many years with only periodic maintenance required. Buy a turbine that has a very good track record and a good warranty— at least five years is preferable. A warranty is one indication of the manufacturer’s confidence in the product. In general, you can expect 20 years from a properly maintained turbine from a reputable manufacturer.
For more information, see: Wind Energy for Colorado Homeowners, Farmers, and Small Businesses – CSU Extension
Updated Thursday, May 17, 2012