How Much Lease Does a Wind Turbine Pay?
In short: A lease of 4-7% of electricity revenue is typical — for a modern turbine, roughly EUR 20,000 to over 100,000 per year depending on the site. Over a 20-30-year term, that adds up to a seven-figure sum per turbine. The exact amount depends on the wind, the electricity price and the negotiated model.
The common lease models
| Model | How it works |
|---|---|
| Revenue lease (standard) | fixed percentage (usually 4-7%) of annual electricity revenue |
| Minimum lease + share | guaranteed base amount, plus a percentage share above it |
| Fixed lease per MW / per turbine | agreed euro amount, often index-linked |
| Land pool / distribution | all owners in the wind farm share the total lease according to their land share — even without a turbine on their own plot |
The pool model is fairer and on the rise: neighbours whose land only carries "just" access roads, cable routes or setback zones are also compensated. This avoids disputes within the village.
What determines the lease amount
- Wind resource: more full-load hours = more yield = more lease. The biggest lever.
- Electricity price / remuneration: secured via the EEG market premium or a PPA.
- Turbine size: a 6-MW turbine produces a multiple of an old 1.5-MW turbine — see electricity yield.
- Negotiating position: land in designated priority areas (Vorranggebiete) is in demand, which strengthens the owner's hand.
Repowering: the lease rises significantly
Anyone who already has an old turbine on their land benefits especially from repowering: the new turbine produces 2-3 times as much, and the revenue-based lease rises accordingly. The repowering yield calculator provides a rough income estimate based on the expected additional yield.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay tax on the lease?
Yes. Income from leasing land for wind energy is taxable; depending on the arrangement, as income from renting/leasing or as business income. This should be clarified in advance with a tax advisor — we do not provide tax advice.
Do I receive a lease even if the turbine is not on my land?
Under the pool model, yes — via the land share (access roads, setback areas, cable routes). Whether a pool exists depends on the project and is a matter of negotiation.
Does the municipality benefit too?
Yes. Under § 6 EEG, operators can give municipalities a flat-rate share of the revenue, and trade tax (Gewerbesteuer) is also payable. More on this in the guide Citizen participation.
Lease income of a wind turbine – models, amounts, levers and contract tips