Wind Turbine Payback Period Calculator
Calculate how long a home wind turbine takes to pay for itself.
Factor in installation cost, annual output, and electricity savings.
A wind turbine’s financial return depends on installation cost, how much energy it generates, and the value of that energy (either saved from the grid or exported at a tariff).
Simple payback formula: Payback (years) = total installed cost / annual savings
Annual savings: Annual savings = (kWh self-consumed × electricity price) + (kWh exported × export tariff)
Typical small wind turbine costs (installed, 2024–2025):
- 1 kW micro-turbine: £2,500–£5,000
- 5 kW small turbine: £15,000–£25,000
- 15 kW medium turbine: £35,000–£60,000
- 50 kW commercial: £80,000–£130,000
Annual output estimates:
- 1 kW turbine at a good site: 1,500–2,500 kWh/year
- 5 kW turbine at a good site: 8,000–15,000 kWh/year
Wind vs Solar payback comparison: Solar panels (£1,200–£1,500/kWp installed) typically pay back in 8–12 years in the UK. Small wind turbines (£3,000–£5,000/kW installed) often have longer paybacks of 12–20 years, but can produce energy through winter when solar output is low.
Planning permission: In the UK, turbines over 11.1 m hub height or 3.8 m rotor diameter require planning permission. In the US, local zoning and HOA rules apply. Always check before purchasing.