Economics of Grid-Connected Small Wind Turbines in the Domestic Market

Exploitation of certain niche markets for small wind turbines is one strategy that could help speed the commercialization of grid-connected small turbines. We review the world's turbine manufacturers, the utility grid-connected applications, and selected niche markets for grid-connected small wind systems (0.1 to 100 kilowatts). Wind turbine installation and purchase are handled under three different payment scenarios: paid in full up front, paid through a second mortgage, or paid as part of a first mortgage. We used a simple payback method to compare these scenarios and analyze the costs and energy produced for three different small wind turbines from United States companies. When there is a buy-down program for the small wind turbine combined with other financial factors such as net metering, tax exemptions, and tax credits, a strong market incentive is created for the use of grid-connected small wind turbines.