Wind energy has become one of the most popular renewable energy sources available today, but is the cost of wind turbines worth it? As demand for green energy grows, so does the number of wind turbines being installed in rural areas around the world. But are the impact and cost of wind turbines for rural areas really best for those living nearby?
We drive past many of them, about 40 minutes away, and often notice they are not even moving. That got me wondering about their cost and efficiency.
Let’s take a look at what investing in wind energy means for our rural areas. There are advantages and disadvantages to the rural lifestyle.
The Cost Of Wind Turbines
While there are many advantages to wind turbine installations, they do come with costs that must be considered before making any investment. How much do wind turbines cost?
The cost of installing a single turbine can range anywhere from tens of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on its size and complexity.
The initial cost of building a wind turbine is quite high and requires substantial investment from both private companies and local governments. (And who funds the government? We, the taxpayers.)
These costs include purchasing or leasing the land for the turbines, obtaining necessary permits, constructing the towers and blades, connecting power lines to nearby homes or businesses, and hiring specialized personnel to operate the turbines.
Furthermore, ongoing costs of maintaining wind turbines—such as regular inspections, repairs, and replacements—must also be factored in.
Additionally, due to the size and scale of wind turbine construction, there is always a risk that unexpected delays or problems could occur, further increasing overall costs.
Not only are there monetary costs, but there are costs for the families who live near wind turbines.
The Human Impact Of Wind Turbines Includes:
- Loss of beautiful views
- Health issues
- Noise pollution
- Turbulence in the surrounding areas
- Loss of birds
- Disruption of local wildlife
- Farming complications
- Real estate prices may decrease
- Eyesore
What Happens If They Freeze?
What happens in a rural area if the wind turbines freeze in extremely cold weather? That happened in the extreme winter of 2021 in Texas.
However, newer technologies are being developed to heat the turbines, but of course, they still require some electricity.
It takes more than extra equipment to keep wind turbines spinning in extreme winter conditions. Preventive measures must be taken every year to prepare the turbines for winter before the cold season even begins.
According to some experts on turbines, “Cold contracts things, so the viscosity of the oil is different. We have to switch out fluids like coolant or grease for various components with weather-appropriate materials to make sure our systems are still well-lubricated and running smoothly.”
Additionally, they adjust the computer algorithms that control each turbine to operate more reliably during the winter months. Those adjustments account for higher air density at lower temperatures, changes in air pressure, and other winter conditions that affect turbine performance.
So the cost of wind turbines may be higher in colder climates, just as heat pumps do.
What Do They DO With An Old Wind Turbine That Doesn’t Work?
Today, many retired wind turbine blades end up in landfills, but innovative companies have developed repurposing and recycling technologies to help avoid that fate.
Veolia, partnering with GE, can shred down fiberglass blades and turn them into cement.
A few months ago, a huge tornado took down turbines in seconds. What will happen to the scrap from them?
The Benefits Of Wind Turbines
Despite these costs, there are several benefits to having wind turbines in your area. For starters, they provide an environmentally friendly way of producing electricity without relying on non-renewable sources like coal or natural gas.
Additionally, they can help reduce air pollution levels by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere by power plants burning fossil fuels.
Finally, they generate revenue for local communities through taxes paid by the companies operating them. This money can then be used to fund public services such as schools or hospitals.
These services are invaluable in rural areas, as they are scarce.
Conclusion Of Wind Energy
There are both pros and cons to the cost of wind turbines in rural areas. While they offer economic benefits, such as job creation and income for locals, they also pose potential environmental problems, including visual pollution and disruption to local wildlife populations.
Ultimately, though, it is up to each individual community to decide whether the cost-benefit analysis favors building these structures in their rural area.
Whatever decision is made should take into account both the short- and long-term effects these structures will have on the environment and its inhabitants.
Your Turn On The Cost Of Wind Turbines In Rural Areas
Do you believe the impact and cost of wind turbines are worth it in the rural communities where they are located?
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cost of Wind Turbines
How much does a wind turbine cost for a rural home?
For a rural home, the turbine itself is only part of the price. A small, residential-scale wind system can run from the low thousands into the tens of thousands of dollars, and some setups go higher once you size it for real household loads.
What pushes the total up is the full install, not just the machine. You’re usually paying for a tower, wiring, controls, the foundation, and labor. If your site needs a taller tower to achieve smoother wind, that can quickly change the budget.
If you’re trying to compare options, make sure you’re comparing the same scope: turbine-only vs. turnkey installed. A “cheap turbine” quote can look great until you add the tower, trenching, and electrical work.
What costs should you plan for besides the turbine itself?
Think of your budget in two buckets: build costs and ongoing costs. Build costs often include the tower, foundation (concrete and excavation), permitting, electrical parts, and installation.
Ongoing costs are usually smaller, but they’re real. You may have maintenance, occasional repairs, and replacement parts over time (wear items can add up if your site is rough on equipment). If you go off-grid, you also need to factor in batteries, an inverter, and backup power, which can cost as much as the turbine side of the project.
A smart way to plan is to ask for an itemized estimate so you can see what’s included and what isn’t.
Is a wind turbine cheaper than solar in rural areas?
Sometimes yes, often no. It depends on your wind resource and your property. Solar pricing is usually easier to predict because you can estimate sun hours and place panels with fewer moving parts. Wind can be a great fit, but only if you have steady wind and enough open space (plus a tower height that clears trees and nearby obstacles).
If your wind is inconsistent, you can spend a lot and still come up short on energy. In that case, solar often wins on cost per kilowatt-hour. Many rural homeowners choose a hybrid setup (solar plus wind) to increase production during winter or at night.
How do you know if the payback time makes sense?
Payback comes down to three things: how much energy you’ll actually produce, what that energy is worth (your electric rate or avoided generator fuel), and what you’ll spend to install and maintain the system.
Before you buy anything, get realistic about wind on your land. A “windy area” isn’t the same as “windy at your tower height.” If you can, use local wind data, talk to nearby landowners with turbines, or work with an installer who will model your site.
Also, check your utility rules. Net metering, interconnection fees, and required insurance can change the math.
What permits or utility requirements can raise the total cost?
Permitting and utility paperwork can be a bigger deal than you’d expect, especially in rural counties with strict height, setback, or noise rules. You might run into zoning limits, required engineered drawings for the tower and foundation, and inspections.
If you’re tying into the grid, your utility may require an interconnection application, a specific type of disconnect switch, and compliance with electrical standards. In some areas, you may also need extra liability coverage.
Before you commit, call your county office and your electric co-op or utility and ask what they require for a residential wind system. It’ll save you surprises later.
