* The size and type of wind turbine
* The location of the wind turbine
* The wind resource at the site
* The cost of financing the wind turbine
* The cost of operating and maintaining the wind turbine
In general, the cost of electricity from a wind turbine is competitive with other sources of electricity, such as coal, natural gas, and nuclear power. However, the cost of electricity from a wind turbine can be higher than the cost of electricity from other sources in some cases, such as when the wind resource is poor or when the wind turbine is located in a remote area.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average cost of electricity from a wind turbine in the United States was 2.6 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in 2020. This is comparable to the average cost of electricity from other sources, such as coal (2.7 cents per kWh) and natural gas (3.9 cents per kWh).
The cost of electricity from a wind turbine is expected to decline in the future as the technology continues to improve and as more wind turbines are installed. By 2030, the U.S. Department of Energy projects that the average cost of electricity from a wind turbine will be 1.5 cents per kWh.
Here is a breakdown of the cost of electricity from a wind turbine:
* Capital costs: The capital costs of a wind turbine include the cost of the turbine itself, the cost of the tower, and the cost of the foundation. The capital costs of a wind turbine can vary depending on the size and type of turbine.
* Operating and maintenance costs: The operating and maintenance costs of a wind turbine include the cost of inspecting the turbine, repairing the turbine, and replacing worn parts. The operating and maintenance costs of a wind turbine can vary depending on the location of the turbine and the wind resource at the site.
* Fuel costs: Wind turbines do not require fuel to operate. However, there may be some fuel costs associated with transporting the turbine to the site and installing the turbine.
The total cost of electricity from a wind turbine is the sum of the capital costs, the operating and maintenance costs, and the fuel costs.
