Installer Directory
author

Written-by

Janet Richardson

calendar

Updated on

Sep 04, 2024

Read Time : 1 Minutes

Wind Turbine Life Span

Good quality wind turbines are engineered to have as few moving parts as possible and to withstand high winds, thus making maintenance costs relatively low. A well installed and well maintained wind turbine system will generally operate for at least 20 years. Some manufacturers even claim that their turbines will work for over 30 years.

Manufacturers typically offer parts and service warranties of at least 10 years for turbines, and should give you details of the required maintenance checks over the lifetime of the system. Your installer should also help you with this, and may be able to perform the maintenance for you.

High output and industrial turbines are often sold with a service contract for the duration of the turbine’s life expectancy. 

Old Windmill, Old Wind Turbine

The lifespan of a wind turbine is influenced by several factors, including its design, maintenance, environmental conditions, and technological advancements. 

Design and Technology:
Wind turbines are engineered to withstand harsh environmental conditions and operate efficiently for decades. The materials used, such as high-strength steel and composites for blades, play a crucial role in their durability. Advances in technology have also led to more robust designs that can handle greater stress and wear over time.

Maintenance:
Regular maintenance is critical to extending the life of a wind turbine. Scheduled inspections and repairs can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems. This includes checking and replacing components like bearings, gearboxes, and blades. Condition monitoring systems are increasingly used to predict failures before they happen, thus enhancing the longevity of turbines.

Environmental Conditions:
The operating environment significantly affects a wind turbine's lifespan. Turbines located in harsh climates, such as offshore sites, are exposed to saltwater corrosion, strong winds, and storms, which can accelerate wear and tear. Conversely, turbines in more benign environments may experience less stress and thus have longer operational lives.

Retrofitting and Upgrading:
As wind technology evolves, older turbines can be retrofitted with newer, more efficient components. Upgrades such as better blades, advanced control systems, and improved materials can extend the operational life of a wind turbine beyond its original design specifications.

Economic Considerations:
Eventually, economic factors will determine the end of a turbine's operational life. When the cost of maintaining or upgrading a turbine exceeds the financial returns from its electricity production, it is often decommissioned. However, even at the end of their life, wind turbines can be dismantled, and many components can be recycled or repurposed.


In conclusion: 
The average lifespan of a wind turbine is 20 to 25 years. With regular maintenance and favorable environmental conditions, their operational life-span can be significantly extended, making wind energy a sustainable and long-term solution for generating renewable energy.

 

Find a local installer

Welcome to the biggest directory of UK renewable energy companies

image

Related Articles

Wind Turbine Information: A Guide for...

If you have been on the coast or in the country, chances are you will have come across those co...

How Much a Wind Turbine Costs: A UK G...

Compared to other renewable energies for domestic or business use, wind turbine costs vary cons...

How Much is a Wind Turbine Likely to...

How Much Profit Will I Make From a Wind Turbine? As with other renewable technologies, wind...

How a Wind Turbine works

How Does a Wind Turbine Work? Wind turbines work on a very simple principle: the wind turns...

Is my Site Suitable for a Wind Turbin...

Will my property be suitable for a wind turbine? Above all others, this is the key question...

What are the Different Types of Wind...

People tend to think about large collections of towers dotted across farmland and floating offs...

The History of Wind Turbines

Man has been trying to harness the power of the wind since he started living in towns and c...

Wind Turbine installers UK

This feature allows you to find a local or national Wind Turbine Installer in the UK.  You can...

Wind Turbine Manufacturers

Wind Turbine Manufacturers Wind turbine development has moved on a pace in the last 30 years...

Wind Turbine Installation Guide

How is a wind turbine installed? The length and complexity of the installation process depen...

Is Installing a Wind Turbine Worth it...

Assessing whether installing a wind turbine is viable involves taking into account the wide ran...

Can I build a Wind Turbine? UK Guide...

  It is, in theory, possible to assemble and install your own domestic wind turbine system....

Find a local installer

Welcome to the biggest directory of UK renewable energy companies

Or

COMPARE PRICES FROM LOCAL INSTALLERS

Compare prices from local companies fast & free

Enter your postcode to compare quotes from leading professionals. We promise to keep your information Safe & Secure.

Privacy Policy
Contact
Contact Us

We keep your information Safe & Secure. Privacy Policy

What technology are you looking to install?
What do you require?
logo
Before you go... Can we help you with anything?

Leave your details and we'll contact you to discuss your requirements

We keep your information Safe & Secure. Privacy Policy

x
logo

quick and free price comparison for solar or heat pumps

We keep your information Safe & Secure. Privacy Policy