Rising energy costs, growing pressure to decarbonize, and the quest for greater independence from the grid are increasingly becoming concerns for companies outside the traditional energy sector as well. Wind power is coming more into focus—but when is the investment actually worthwhile?
Why This Question Is Arising Now
Medium-sized industrial and commercial sites with an annual consumption of 3 to 15 GWh face a structural problem: Photovoltaics alone typically cover only 2 to 10% of their energy needs. The majority of the electricity must still be procured externally—with correspondingly little control over costs and supply reliability. While wind energy is considered cost-effective, it has not been an option for many sites due to distance regulations and noise restrictions.
Vertical wind turbines such as the Vertical Sky® are changing this situation: They are significantly quieter than traditional wind turbines and can therefore be installed closer to company premises. This brings wind power within reach for businesses for the first time—and with it, the question of its actual economic viability.
The Key Cost Factors of a Wind Power Project
As with any infrastructure investment, profitability depends on several factors that can only be accurately assessed when considered together:
Investment volume. This includes the turbine itself, the foundation, site development, as well as installation and commissioning. The amount varies depending on the location, grid connection, and construction requirements.
Operating costs. These include maintenance, insurance, and provisions for potential decommissioning at the end of the turbine’s service life.
Cost of generation per kilowatt-hour. This serves as the actual benchmark against the current electricity purchase price and ultimately determines whether and when a plant will pay for itself.
Important to note: Empirical data from completed projects is usually more meaningful for an initial assessment than theoretical calculations based on optimistic assumptions. Anyone seeking a realistic basis for an investment decision would be wise to rely on reliable practical data rather than best-case scenarios.
Generation: How much electricity does a wind turbine actually produce?
The annual output of a wind turbine depends largely on its location—from local wind resources and elevation to any obstacles in the surrounding area. The seasonal distribution of output throughout the year is also a key factor.
This highlights one of the greatest advantages of wind power compared to solar power: While solar energy primarily generates electricity during the summer months and during the day, wind reliably produces energy especially during the winter months—from November through February—and in the evening hours. This complementarity significantly reduces fluctuations in on-site electricity production and enables a much more stable supply throughout the entire year without relying on large storage capacities.
Self-Consumption Rate as a Target
Similar to photovoltaic projects, it is worthwhile to define a specific target for self-consumption. In practice, a rate of 70% or higher has become the standard—at which point electricity drawn from the grid serves only to balance the load, rather than to meet basic needs.
For companies that do not initially wish to finance their own system, the Power-as-a-Service model is also an option: The company simply provides the site, while the planning, construction, and operation of the wind turbine are handled externally—a way to use renewable energy without making an investment of its own.
Incentives and Government Support
As with photovoltaics, there are various incentive programs available for wind power; however, their specific details depend heavily on the location and the applicable cantonal and national regulatory frameworks. It is therefore always worthwhile to conduct a case-by-case assessment as part of the project review.
The Path to an Initial Assessment
An investment decision does not have to be made based on rough assumptions. The standard approach involves an initial, rough assessment of the investment volume, site suitability, and expected returns. If this assessment reveals realistic potential, an in-depth feasibility study follows, which serves as a sound basis for the actual investment decision.
This phased approach makes it possible to determine early on—and with manageable effort—whether a wind power project is even viable for a specific site—before significant resources are committed.
Conclusion
The business case for wind power stands or falls on realistic, experience-based figures rather than optimistic best-case scenarios. Those who understand the key cost factors, grasp the seasonal dynamics of energy production, and define a clear target for self-consumption have a solid foundation for making a decision. As a complement to solar power—especially during the low-yield winter months—wind power makes a significant contribution to a stable, in-house electricity supply.
Economic Efficiency and Regulatory Framework
Expanding local energy production also opens up economic opportunities. Increasing self-sufficiency can help reduce reliance on external power sources and make energy costs more predictable.
At the same time, verifiability and documentation are becoming increasingly important. Energy audits and reporting will be key tools in the future for demonstrating progress and evaluating measures³.
From Consumer to Integrated Energy System
The trend is clear: wastewater treatment plants will continue to evolve in the coming years. The combination of different technologies – tailored to the location, demand, and regulatory requirements – will be crucial in this process.
Energy is becoming an integral part of infrastructure and strategic planning.
Outlook: Integrated Solutions Will Be Crucial
The challenge lies not in individual requirements, but in the interplay of multiple developments. Rising energy demand, regulatory targets, and economic conditions are all intertwined.
Solutions that take this interplay into account will become increasingly important. Wind energy can play a key role in this – both as a complement to existing systems and as a building block for a sustainable energy supply.
