NEWS 05.24.10

Small Wind Coming on Strong

Maybe small wind won't be so small in the future.

The just-released American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) 2010 Small Wind Market Study shows the industry sold 9,800 turbines in 2009, a jump of 15% over 2008, with cumulative capacity coming to 9.8 gigawatts. Small wind turbines generate up to 100 kilowatts.

Among the successful makers of the standard three-blade model, Northern Power Systems is regarded as one of the industry leaders.

Parathiv Amin, the President of Northern Power, pointed out that the really important thing about small wind systems is that they are located where people actually live. That's why it is crucial that the turbines be safe, quiet, reliable and affordable.

"The key thing that small wind does," Amin said, "is put wind close to the hearts and minds of people. If people are convinced that putting these systems in their backyards is safe, reliable, economical, and quiet, then they are more supportive of big wind farms that are coming closer and closer to the communities."

Read the full story online at GreenTech Media