Originally posted by WPRESTO Under the category of "never thought about that" is the wear on the leading edge of the blades which limits their usable life, and consequently the cost and problems of replacing the blades. Then there is the problem of what to do with one that is worn out as I gather there is no reasonable way to repair and refurbish defunct rotor blades or recycle parts from them. If I am misinformed or out of date I'd love to hear about it.
As far as I know there are several research project going on how to recycle the old blades. And, although this is a different (but somehow related) question, much work is done right now how to design the units more maintenance and repair friendly. A failure of the main shaft bearing in an offshore turbine can easily cost between 1 and 2 mio USD. Not because that bearing would be so expensive, but it can't be replaced or repaired up-tower (until now, but this may change with a new generation of bearing designs). You need to hire a very expensive heavy lift ship which will exchange the complete nacelle.
But as you can see, some level of maintenance and repair on the blades is possible ... interesting place to work
... and sorry, but this shot was taken long before the K1 existed ... taken with the K200D