Who owns spare parts purchased under a wind service contract?

The short answer

Agree spare-part ownership separately from physical custody, permitted access and responsibility for replenishment. Identify stock purchased for the owner, supplier-held inventory, loaned items and exchange arrangements. A part located on the owner's site is not automatically owner-owned, and a supplier's spare-stock invoice may not explain when title or use rights transfer under the actual agreement.

Define the inventory categories

List the relevant stock, part identities, quantities and location. State which items are dedicated to the project and which may be shared with other customers. Clarify whether unused stock remains with the owner at contract end. Distinguish ownership from the technical status of usable, expired, repaired or quarantined items. The parties should obtain qualified legal or commercial advice on title and contractual wording where necessary; this FAQ provides a comparison checklist rather than a ruling on property rights.

Allocate issue and replenishment duties

Identify who may authorize use, who records the installed asset and who pays for replenishment. Ask how warranty replacements, exchange units and failed returns affect the stock balance. Record access arrangements so urgent maintenance does not depend on an unavailable person without an agreed alternative. A service contract should also explain preservation and inspection responsibilities. Owning a part does not establish that it remains suitable after poor storage, and supplier custody does not automatically demonstrate that the owner can access it when needed.

Plan contract-end reconciliation

Agree how the physical inventory, condition and records will be checked when the service arrangement changes. Identify treatment of unused consumables, special tools and restricted items. Retain the handover and any unresolved discrepancies. A clear ownership schedule prevents the future support team from assuming that everything in a site cabinet is available for unrestricted use. It also gives procurement a coherent basis for comparing offers that include very different stock access and end-of-contract arrangements.