Wind Harvesters’ operations and maintenance costs per kWh should be significantly less than that of large, traditional propeller-type turbines ($0.003 -$0.007 vs. $0.004-$0.010). The main factors behind this expectation include:

• The access to Wind Harvester parts needing maintenance is 13-50 feet above ground level. The access point for large turbines is 160-300+ feet above ground level.
• The only annual maintenance that Wind Harvesters need is the replacement of their auto-pump grease cartridges for the drive shaft bearings and generator.
• Tall turbines need semi-annual maintenance and checking on more components (e.g. blade pitch mechanism, yaw bearings, large amounts of lubricant). Wind Harvesters don’t have these mechanical components.
• The large turbines need more skilled labor and workers who aren’t afraid of heights.