Community wind just one force blowing small wind market forward

According to findings from Pike Research, global revenues in the small wind power market will more than double from 2010 to 2015 -- from $255 million to $634 million. This is driven by an interest in distributed energy generation due, in part, to increased government incentives and the desire for customer and community ownership of power generation.

"Despite the rapid drop in solar photovoltaics (PV) prices over the last three years, small wind turbines are still a more cost-effective source for distributed renewable energy in many parts of the world," said Pike Senior Analyst Peter Asmus. "Communities are recognizing the benefits of renewable distributed generation for local economies, particularly in rural areas or underdeveloped regions with abundant local resources."

Community wind (generation assets owned by a group of local people under an LLC and subsequent power purchase agreement with the local utility) is big in Europe and now emerging in rural communities in the United States, such as Minnesota and Iowa. Community wind is driving the small wind power market because it is seen as a vehicle for economic development.

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