These economies can also be applied to building multiple, rather than individual turbines. However, these savings are usually minimal when compared the expense of such an enterprise. Even opting for a wind park can confer some economies of scale, although in such scales the savings tend to be limited.
The competition on price among manufacturers has been growing in recent years as demand rises. The range of wind turbines available is especially large around the 1-2 MW rating, again this is due to the balanced nature of turbines of this rating. It is at this level that you are most likely to find a turbine which is optimised for a huge variety of wind climates. It is also where the greatest demand is.
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Although the prices in 600 to 750 kW range are quite similar, you would be better not just opting for the machine with the largest generator for your budget. It is always best to balance the generator size with the typical wind speed for any given location and the acceptable rotor size. A turbine with a small rotor diameter and a large 750 kW generator will generate less electricity than 600 kW machine with the same sized rotor if it is positioned in an area with low wind speeds. The most common turbine erected at the moment would have a 1000 kW generator, a tower 60 to 80 metres high and a rotor with a diameter of 54 metres.
For a large, modern wind turbine (in the 1000 kW range) is approximately £800 per kW of electrical power to install. A 1000 kW turbine would be expected to produce 26,280,000 kWh in a year*, although this depends on the wind.
* Source Department of Business, Innovation and Skills
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