This is no easy question, and the correct answer depends on the size of the system and local circumstances. The most important issue has nothing to do with how the systems work but has more to do with the cost of maintenance. As a generalisation, solar is becoming dominant in the debate, especially in the small systems. Two factors seem to have influenced this - firstly, 6ft and 8ft Windmills are comparable to the costs of solar systems, and second, the buying decision is often made based on what the customer wants rather than what the customer needs (or what they are led to believe is best in the long term). The larger solar systems are much more costly. A Windmill will do much more work for dollars invested than a solar pump, and the mill will still be there when the solar pump has been replaced two or three times. The popular perception of most farmers is 'that solar pumps are maintenance free, and that it costs a fortune to maintain a windmill' . It is not clear where this perception has come from. Most likely the perception has grown out of the wants of customers - most customers want solar pumps to be maintenance free and end up convincing themselves that they are. Added to this the current marketing trend for solar and the customer has been convinced that a windmill is costly, high in maintenance and unsafe. The unfortunate fact is that when it comes to pumping water there will always be maintenance.

The perception that windmills have a high cost of maintenance is equally misleading. The cost of windmill parts has grown over the years at a rate that has almost kept up with inflation as all rural products have. Parts are still available for windmills made in the 1920's, we are manufacturing in bulk the main spare parts for all mills made from 1920 to help keep costs down and today we are keeping costs low for spare parts and new mills. We have introduced maintenance kits and overhaul packages which are cheaper to buy. It is more cost effective to replace all working parts while the mill head is on the ground. Also, you will have extended life on all main parts (up to 30 years in most cases for new parts). In addition all parts are 100% Australian made and owned making this a truly iconic Australian product.

Most farmers usually acknowledge that they dont spend much on the windmill - a couple of pump cups every couple of years. Other arguments against windmills centre on safety issues. Although windmills as such are not unsafe, there are more and more inexperienced people working on them. Experienced contractors should do the work on windmills. Comet Windmills Australia is committed to the safety of all people who work on mills. By following our simple recommendations the windmill will no longer be seen as unsafe or high in maintenance. We have made improvements to our mills to make them safer and easier for maintenance. We are also developing courses for mill mechanics which covers safety training and servicing of the mill. On the safety issue it should be noted that most big solar pumps use lethal voltages, and are more dangerous than most windmills.

In the business we hear a lot about the decision that some farmers make when they go to solar, unfortunately nothing is said when the maintenance bill and the unreliability of the system causes those ones to abandon the system.

When it comes to making the decision to buy either a windmill or a solar pump the decision will probably be made in favour of what the customer wants, not what he needs. All that is necessary is enough arguments to justify the decision they want to make. But if a customer wants to make the right decision they should ask the question What will be the cost of maintenance over 12 months?...1-2 years and 5 years?

At the end of the day a good decision is one that helps make money for the enterprise, and the correct decision will balance all the factors affecting the bottom line, and the best choice will be the least cost over the entire life of the system.

A mill that was purchased in 1920 for 7 pounds and still pumping water but may need a few replacement parts today is pretty economical in the big picture. If you think you need to replace it, the cost for a new mill may start at $5,000 lets say realistically to last 30 years or so, of reliable water pumping with no overheads, hidden costs or high maintenance is very economical. No other farming equipment lasts this long under the harsh Australian conditions that we all experience. The Comet Windmill is a system developed by a pastoralist after many years testing all makes of windmills to develop Australias Leading Mill. As the founder of Comet Windmills, Mr Sidney Williams always said, 'Your first cost is your last', and 'Quality is always remembered, long after the price is forgotten'. You cant argue with that. Remember windmills have been pumping water for over 125 years. Other systems have come and gone. If that is not proof enough of its staying power and reliability than I dont know what is.

Our policy is to provide a long term option for our customers based on their needs, not convince them to buy something because it is the current trend or easiest short term solution. We dont want you to just fix the immediate problem; we encourage you to look long term for a sustainable future and invest in a product that will see you through the good and the bad times. For a better alternative which will last a lifetime call 02 6568 3711 for an obligation free quote.

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