A rotating machine which is employed to create mechanical energy from the kinetic energy of the wind is usually referred to as a wind turbine.  If this energy is the direct source of power to drive machinery such as a grinding stone or a pump, this type of machine is usually called a “windmill.”  If that energy is converted into electricity, the machine is called a “wind turbine” or less commonly, one of the following:

  • aerogenerator
  • wind energy converter (WEC)
  • wind generator
  • wind power unit (WPU)

Additionally, wind turbines are usually classified into two distinct categories based on the type of axis (axle) that the turbine rotates on.  The horizontal wind axis turbine (HAWT) is the more common type whereas vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT’s) are used less on a less frequent basis.

Factors affecting wind turbine cost and installing it

Although, the following concerns commercial wind turbines and those factors that influence the cost of the machinery, you still need to be aware of those which directly influence the initial cost of the machinery itself, such as:

  • legally drawing up the construction contract (not always a factor)
  • your financing costs
  • the location of the project and installation fees
  • brand and model of wind turbine purchased
  • cost of freight to ship the tower and turbine

Other factors come into play where the final expense of converting wind energy into electricity using wind turbines is concerned.  Depending on where you live, these include:

  • insurance
  • maintenance and repair expenses
  • metering equipment
  • permits required by local or other governments
  • site analysis expenses (if required)
  • transformers
  • utility system upgrades (if required)
  • warranties
  • wind resource assessment (if required)

Advantages of horizontal axis wind turbines

There are three key advantages to using a horizontal axis wind turbine including:

  • higher efficiency levels – more power is received during the entire rotation of the prop because the blades are always rotating perpendicular to the direction of the wind
  • taller tower base – enables this type of turbine to stand up to higher winds and wind shear factors
  • variable pitch of the blades – allows the blades to be set at an optimum angle

Advantages of vertical axis wind turbines

VAWT (vertical axis wind turbines) have certain advantages that should be taken into consideration when it comes to deciding on which type of wind turbine you want to purchase and power your house with:

  • can be built closer to the ground making it easier to maintain and repair
  • can be installed in locations where city or county governments prohibit taller structures
  • have a lower start-up speed (needs less wind to drive it)
  • make less noise


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