I was recently told by someone in the wind industry that wind farms only have about a 15 year life before they are not worth repairing. Not to mention that they are a maintenance nightmare while in operation. Everything must be done around 300 feet off the ground and the nacelles are usually not big enough to stand up in. The top has to open up just to have room to move. Access is typically by ladder, straight up.

At one time, the wind industry was the only one that was allowed to depreciate equipment in one or two years. Most industries have to take a much longer time frame. My contact told me that after you get one depreciated, it takes nearly everything you make to keep them running. That tax shelter may have expired, but I doubt it.

The older ones tended to eat main distribution transformers, but that may have been solved. My contact hasn't mentioned that problem lately.

Looks like there will be a lot of money to be made building and servicing wind generators in the future if we are to make the swap over in the time frame that is being pushed.