[TheBaker]

Hello Everyone.

I'm new to this site so bear with me if I don't have all the buzz words down yet. I've been doing lots of reading regarding peak oil, energy consumption, etc.

I'm wondering, and I apologize if this has been answered somewhere in other posts. How long does it take a windmill to generate more energy than was used to manufacture, transport, install, etc. the windmill? Is the generator/structure robust and maintenance free that eventually more energy is generated than was consumed making the original equipment and replacing wear items? How about with solar panels or other solar technologies?

Just curious. I believe I read somewhere once that windmills will eventually generate more energy than was used to get them standing (mining, steel making, machining, transporting, installation, etc.) but I'd like that to be reaffirmed if it is true.

[Dezakin]

Its true for wind, solar, hydro etc. The main issue with wind is comparative economics because of dispatch problems with wind. Energy payback is a total non-issue for most renewable energy technologies.