Remanufactured Wind Turbines Grow in Popularity

Everyone knows that wind turbines areA buyer should understand there is a difference
considered a green technology and offer amongbetween a used and a remanufactured wind
the most affordable sources of renewableturbine. A used wind turbine is frequently in "as-is
energy, but remanufactured wind turbines offercondition", meaning the turbine may be at the end
buyers even greater advantages than new windof its useful life or may not even work at all.
turbines of similar nameplate capacity.Other companies may try to sell a wind turbine
Remanufactured wind turbines are proving morethat has not been completely or properly
reliable, and are even better for the environmentremanufactured. Buyers of remanufactured wind
than newly manufactured wind turbines.systems should carefully research the
In the 1980's thousands of wind systems wereremanufacturer of the system and all of the
installed in the western part of the United Statesparties that may be involved in the proposed wind
and other European Countries. New technologies inenergy project.
wind generator design have allowed a singleConsidering the risk involved why would anyone
modern turbine to produce as much power asconsidering installing a remanufactured wind
100 or more older turbines. Wind farm operatorsgenerator? The answer is simple. It makes
and utility scale projects financially benefit fromfinancial and environmental sense.
the largest production turbines. Farms, ruralHere are the facts:
manufacturers and factories as well as other· Quality remanufactured wind systems
smaller projects are able to benefit from theexist and are easy to find. The total price of a
upgrades by remanufacturing the used windremanufactured wind system installed is much less
systems.than the total price of a new wind system of
Wind turbines are mechanical machines thatsimilar nameplate capacity. This shortens the
harness the wind's kinetic energy and transform itamount of time the investment takes to pay for
to mechanical energy used to power an electricalitself and increases the projects overall rate of
generator. A wind system is similar to a car orreturn.
boat in the fact that they all consist of moving· Many of the used wind systems coming
and non-moving parts, and may have a body,available, while much smaller than the modern
computer, transmission and gears, and otherutility sized systems are ideally sized for stores,
specialty parts. As with a car or boat, people mayfarms, manufacturers, factories, and other large
choose to restore a model because of itsrural power users to offset their usage from their
reliability, performance, durability, ease ofutility company saving them money.
operation and other factors.· Using a remanufactured wind system is
Wind turbines being removed from service arekeeping an otherwise useless turbine and tower
now being purchased and firms specializing in windout of a scrap yard.
turbine remanufacturing are restoring the· Buyers are able to rely on proven
machines to "like new condition". Properlytechnology without the "tests and trials" of newer
remanufactured systems are completelysystems.
disassembled and thoroughly cleaned and· Many users of remanufactured wind
inspected. All wear parts are replaced and the PLCsystems experience immediate financial gains
control should be replaced with an updated modelwhen considering grants, incentives, and financing
for increased reliability and ease of operation. Allin comparison to monthly electricity bills.
quality remanufactured wind turbines should beIf you are considering a wind energy system, a
remanufactured to original specifications andrefurbished wind system may be a good option.
include some type of warranty; 2 years or longerFor more information on remanufactured wind
is common.generators you are encouraged to contact a
Buyers considering a remanufactured wind turbinequalified wind energy professional or reputable
must be cautious. A buyer should pay specialdealer of remanufactured wind system equipment.
attention to the exact condition of the equipment.