Your Questions About Wind Generators Cost
Chris asks…
Anyone have a formula for cost-benefit analysis of buying a windmill for power generation?
I live in an area where a power company uses wind generators successfully. I’d be looking at about a 1.8 kw generator in an area where electricity is expensive. Initial cost is $13K. Would I be better off waiting a couple of years for newer, better, cheaper wind generators?
admin answers:
1.8kW wind generator… Running at 25% load produces 1.8kW * 0.25 * 24hours/day * 365days = 3942kWh/year.
Let’s make that 4000kWh. You can probably sell that electricity for $0.07/kWh. Makes a total income of $280/year.
5% annual interest on $13000 is $650. Yep, you are going to lose roughly $370 per year… Not counting running cost for repairs etc.
Sounds like a great business proposition? I don’t think so.
If you are just offsetting your own consumption and electricity prices are around $0.15/kWh, you might just brake even. Barely…
In general I would not think that wind below 250kW is a good investment. Try 10MW+ wind parks and you are probably talking about a sound business model.
And some people simply want to do their share to improve global warming. They don’t need to be concerned about the financial downside. If you are one of them, go for it. It will make you feel a lot better.
Mary asks…
What type of boat incurs the lowest maintenance cost?
I would love to own a boat, but the more I talk to people who do, the more I get the impression that it is a frightfully expensive hobby to have. There must be boats that are very low maintenance though. What are they? Am I right in thinking that, theoretically, an aluminium launch with an electric motor and wind generators would be the least expensive kind of boat to own?
admin answers:
Boats are expensive to keep in good/safe working order. The smaller the boat, the lower the maintenance cost. The bigger the boat the higher the cost. Also, don’t forget about the “Property Tax” that’s paid every year on the boat too. On my 26′ Express Cruiser, annual maintenance is $600 and the tax is $550 per year.
The least expensive boat to own is an inflatable from Walmart with oars. See below.
I also own a 60′ Motor Yacht. It’s a great live aboard and I’m self sufficient in the event of a major earthquake here in CA. You don’t want to know my costs on that yacht! Plus I can travel to lots of places.
BTW, boating isn’t a hobby. It’s a LIFESTYLE!
Powered by Yahoo! Answers
