Eco-rate - Renewable Energy

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Eco-rate has analyzed wind turbine and photovoltaic module technologies to help you determine the most cost-effective renewable energy option. Hover over the rating icons below to see our rating criteria; visit our How We Rate page for more details. We recommend you visit our Solar Power and Wind Power product rating pages and contact the listed vendors of these products to learn more about these technologies and their pricing structures. Note: ratings are based on averages and estimates for 215 watt PV modules and wind turbines that produce an average of 2,000 kWh per year at 11 mph; price does not include tower and installation costs for the wind turbine or inverter and installation costs for the photovoltaic modules.

$4,500.00

Wind Turbine (1.3 kW System)

Average Annual Energy Output (kWh): 2,000

Assumptions: Wind speed = 11 mph

Average Price: $4,500

Price Assumptions: 1 turbine at $4,500 not including tower or installation

Return on Investment (years): 21

Average Eco-rating Average Eco-rating: A product's balance between environmental and economic considerations. The product that has the highest Average Eco-rating is both environmentally preferred and cost-effective to purchase and own.		98
Lifecycle Cost Rating: based on return on investment potential, in years [calculated using average purchase price of the technology/product (not including inverter, rack or installation for photovoltaic modules; and not including tower or installation for wind turbines) divided by $212 (average cost of electricity multiplied by 2,000 kilowatt hours)]. The higher the rating, the more cost-effective the technology and the sooner the upfront investment will be paid off in energy savings.		100
Price Rating: based on average purchase price of the technology (not including inverter, rack or installation for photovoltaic modules; and not including tower or installation for wind turbines). Contact your local renewable energy installer or vendor for a price quote. The higher the rating, the better (lower) the average purchase price of the technology.		100
The higher the rating, the better.

$5,400.00

Photovoltaic Array (1.3 kW System)

Average Annual Energy Output (kWh): 2,000

Assumptions: 6 215-watt modules

Average Price: $5400

Price Assumptions: 6 215-watt modules @ $900 each, not including inverter or installation

Return on Investment (years): 25

Average Eco-rating Average Eco-rating: A product's balance between environmental and economic considerations. The product that has the highest Average Eco-rating is both environmentally preferred and cost-effective to purchase and own.		82
Lifecycle Cost Rating: based on return on investment potential, in years [calculated using average purchase price of the technology/product (not including inverter, rack or installation for photovoltaic modules; and not including tower or installation for wind turbines) divided by $212 (average cost of electricity multiplied by 2,000 kilowatt hours)]. The higher the rating, the more cost-effective the technology and the sooner the upfront investment will be paid off in energy savings.		84
Price Rating: based on average purchase price of the technology (not including inverter, rack or installation for photovoltaic modules; and not including tower or installation for wind turbines). Contact your local renewable energy installer or vendor for a price quote. The higher the rating, the better (lower) the average purchase price of the technology.		84
The higher the rating, the better.

Average Eco-rating

Average Eco-rating