U.S. Market for Small Wind Turbines Gained Ground in 2009
The U.S. market for small wind turbines grew 15% in 2009 and accounted for about half the units sold globally, according to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA).
The trade group released its annual Small Wind Turbine Global Market Study on June 8, focusing on wind turbines with rated capacities of 100 kilowatts or less, which are primarily used to power individual homes, farms, and small businesses.
9,800 small wind turbines were sold in the US in 2009, for a total generating capacity of 20.3 MW. The economic downturn caused growth to slow in 2009, following a 78% surge in the U.S. market in 2008.
According to AWEA, expanded federal tax credits provided by the Recovery Act helped keep the small wind turbine market afloat in the US, despite the recession. AWEA estimates that 100,000 small wind turbines are now operating throughout the country, providing about 100 MW of generating capacity.
The US is the world's leading manufacturer of small wind turbines, according to AWEA. In 2009, about two-thirds of all small wind systems sold throughout the world were made by U.S. manufacturers. About 250 companies throughout the world manufacture or plan to manufacture small wind turbines, and 95 of them are located in the US, though most are in the start-up phase.
The world's 15 leading manufacturers predict exponential sales growth in the U.S. market over the next five years, projecting over 1,000 MW installed by 2015. Manufacturers report that the fastest growth was in the Midwest last year, but the largest markets overall are in the Northeast, the upper Midwest, and California.
States with strong consumer incentives, robust utility policies, and streamlined permitting processes have the strongest markets. U.S. manufacturers also exported about 36% of their turbines in 2009, up from 28% in 2008. See the AWEA press release and the full report (PDF 4.9 MB).
One factor that could help the small wind industry grow is certification of wind turbines to an industry standard. In December 2009, AWEA adopted a Small Wind Turbine Performance and Safety Standard that spells out requirements for performance, quietness, strength, safety, and durability of small wind turbines. The standard also specifies reporting and labeling requirements for certifying small wind turbines.
In February, the Small Wind Certification Council (SWCC), an independent certification body, began accepting certification applications. The SWCC website lists independent test organizations, including DOE's National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) and four NREL regional test centers. So far, the SWCC lists three manufacturers that intend to submit wind turbines: American Zephyr Corporation; Renewegy, LLC; and Xzeres Wind Corporation.
AWEA notes that certification requires an average of 6-12 months of field testing, so the earliest that small turbines might gain certification would be late this year. The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners plans to start certifying installers of small wind turbines this fall. See the AWEA standard (
PDF 197 KB) and the
SWCC Web site.
