How does the cost of a small wind turbine compare to other renewable technologies?
Wind energy alone is more expensive than some renewable energy forms such as biofuels, but less expensive than solar. However, several federal subsidies lower wind energy costs so it can compete commercially. While wind energy enjoys these subsidies, nearly every energy source receives a significant federal subsidy as well. It isn’t fair to expect wind energy to compete in a marketplace without the federal benefits enjoyed by other established energy technologies.
Cole Gustafson, North Dakota State University
Irene Shonle, Colorado State University