Large wind turbines can create long-term income opportunities for farmers, estates and landowners with suitable rural land.

Unlike small domestic systems, these commercial turbines can generate significant electricity and may provide income through land leasing, electricity generation, export agreements and renewable partnerships.

Projects can involve:

  • Leasing land to a renewable energy company
  • Owning the turbine directly
  • Shared ownership arrangements
  • Community partnerships
  • Selling electricity through export agreements

Large agreements often run for 20–40 years depending on project structure.

Commercial wind projects continue to receive support through wider clean energy and rural energy programmes. Community and development funding routes also remain available in some areas.

Who Is This Suitable For?

Large turbine projects may suit:

  • Farmers with large open fields
  • Estates and landowners
  • Agricultural businesses
  • Rural businesses with high electricity use
  • Community energy groups
  • Diversification projects

Potential Income Streams

Landowners can generate income in several ways:

Lease Land To A Developer

Renewable developers often rent land for turbine installation.

Agreements may include:

  • Fixed annual rental payments
  • Revenue-sharing arrangements
  • Percentage of electricity sales
  • Inflation-linked payments

Some projects can generate substantial annual income per turbine, depending on turbine size, location and wind conditions.

Own The Turbine Yourself

Where a farmer owns the turbine:

  • Electricity can power the farm first
  • Excess electricity can be exported
  • Battery systems can increase savings
  • Electricity costs can reduce significantly
  • Additional export income may be generated

How Much Electricity Can Large Wind Turbines Produce?

Generation depends heavily on wind conditions and turbine size.

Small Farm Turbine (50–100kW)

Approximate output:

  • 100,000–300,000 kWh annually

Medium Turbine (500kW)

Approximate output:

  • 1–1.5 million kWh annually

Large Commercial Turbine (2–5MW+)

Approximate output:

  • 5–15+ million kWh annually

Large systems can generate electricity equivalent to thousands of homes.

Step By Step – Who Should You Contact?

Step 1 – Speak With A Renewable Energy Developer

This is usually the first contact.

Developers assess:

  • Wind speeds
  • Land size
  • Access roads
  • Distances from nearby homes
  • Site restrictions
  • Grid connection suitability

Examples include national renewable developers, wind consultants and land promotion firms.

Step 2 – Contact Business Energy Support Services

Businesses and farms can receive advice before committing.

Scotland

Business Energy Scotland

Phone: 0808 808 2268

Provides:

  • Energy assessments
  • Renewable project advice
  • Funding guidance
  • Business support information

Business Energy Scotland provides support funded by the Scottish Government.

Step 3 – Community & Renewable Projects (Scotland)

For larger community or shared ownership projects:

Local Energy Scotland (CARES)

Phone: 0808 808 2288

May provide:

  • Project advice
  • Community funding routes
  • Feasibility support
  • Renewable project development assistance

CARES supports community and renewable projects across Scotland.

Step 4 – Contact Your Local Council Planning Department

Large wind turbines generally require planning permission.

Check:

  • Height restrictions
  • Environmental requirements
  • Local policies
  • Landscape constraints
  • Noise requirements

Step 5 – Contact The Local Distribution Network Operator (DNO)

The local electricity network company checks:

  • Grid capacity
  • Export availability
  • Upgrade costs
  • Connection timescales

This step is essential.

Grid connection costs can significantly affect project viability.

Step 6 – Arrange Specialist Surveys

Specialist consultants may carry out:

  • Wind monitoring
  • Environmental surveys
  • Wildlife studies
  • Energy output forecasts
  • Noise assessments
  • Financial feasibility reports

Step 7 – Legal Review

Before signing any agreement:

Speak with a solicitor experienced in:

  • Renewable land agreements
  • Agricultural leases
  • Access rights
  • Rent review clauses
  • Decommissioning obligations
  • Long-term contracts

Many agreements can last decades.

Additional Information

  • Large turbines perform best on exposed rural land
  • Strong wind conditions are essential
  • Grid capacity can be one of the biggest issues
  • Planning approval is normally required
  • Community and renewable support programmes remain available in some areas

Need Information On Current Grants & Support?

Contact Grants Gateway to discuss renewable energy support routes that may apply to farms, landowners and rural businesses.