Costs of Wind Power
Wind technology is competitive today in bulk power markets with support from the production tax credit, and in high-value niche applications or markets that recognize non-cost attributes. Current performance is characterized by levelized costs of 4 to 5.5¢/kWh (depending on resource intensity and financing structure), capacity factors of 30 to 40 percent, availability of 95 to 98%, total installed project costs ("overnight" — not including construction financing) of $800 to $1,100/kW, and efficiencies of 65% to 75% of the theoretical (Betz limit) maximum.
The worldwide annual market growth rate for wind technology is about 30% with new markets opening in countries throughout the world. Domestic public interest in environmentally responsible electric generation technology is reflected by new state energy policies and in the success of "green marketing" of wind power across the country.
