Economic analysis of small wind turbines in residential energy sector in Iran

The residential energy sector, as one of the biggest energy users in Iran, is potentially appropriate for the utilization of renewables. This study provides a comprehensive and integrated feasibility analysis of small wind turbines as one of the most economic renewables in 88 regions of Iran to identify the most affordable conditions for investing and comparing the effects of different parameters, using the HOMER Software. For this reason, climate and economic conditions have been considered. Furthermore, we have tried to discuss the effect of FIT and grid power price on economic efficiency; in addition, the minimum feasible capacity for cost-effective use of wind turbines and the minimum suitable average wind speed have been detected. The results show that small wind turbines are cost-effective approximately in 30% of the studied regions; in most of these regions wind speed is higher than 5 m/s, and 3 kW is the best capacity for wind turbines. In addition, it has been demonstrated that FIT is one of the most effective factors for the cost-effective use of wind turbines. Besides, capital cost, wind features and interest rate have been identified as the other important factors which must be considered.