Tower Types:
Guyed Lattice Towers
- Have three sets of guy wires.
- Least expensive type of tower.
- Guy wires holding up this tower have a radius of 50% to 90% of the tower height.
- Requires climbing the tower for maintenance.
Tilt-up Towers:
- Have four sets of guy wires.
- Only slightly more expensive than guyed lattice towers.
- Maintenance can be performed without climbing the tower.
- Guy wires have a radius of 30 - 60% of tower height.
- Requires relatively flat terrain for the length of the tower in at least one direction from the base of the tower, in order to lower the tower to the ground.
- Largest footprint
Free-standing Towers:
- Have no guy wires
- Small footprint (about 12' - 15' square), which is good for tight spaces.
- More expensive because it contains the most steel and weighs more than the other types.
- Most visible on the landscape due to amount of steel used.
- Can accommodate larger, heavier turbines than guyed and tilt-up.
- Requires climbing the tower for maintenance.
