Small Wind Power Annual Installations Will Double in Capacity by 2018, Forecasts Navigant Research

BOULDER, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Small Wind Turbine (SWT) industry is maturing, signaled by the expanded role of SWT certification, the existence of hundreds of manufacturers located around the world, the expansion of dealer networks, and the growing number of national and regional industry associations. The number of applications is also growing, including applications in telecommunications, defense, and other sectors that involve producing power in remote locations. According to a new report from Navigant Research, annual global installations of SWTs will roughly double in the next five years, growing from 86 megawatts (MW) in 2012 to 172 MW in 2018 and representing $3.3 billion in revenues.

“While the U.S. market for small wind turbines tries to regain momentum following the reduction or expiration of rebates and other key incentive programs in leading states, the overall market for SWTs is growing as a result of Feed-in Tariff (FIT) policies in the United Kingdom and Italy”

“While the U.S. market for small wind turbines tries to regain momentum following the reduction or expiration of rebates and other key incentive programs in leading states, the overall market for SWTs is growing as a result of Feed-in Tariff (FIT) policies in the United Kingdom and Italy,” says Dexter Gauntlett, research analyst with Navigant Research. “Beyond FITs, the small wind power market will be driven by growing demand for onsite generation, volatile diesel fuel costs, and China’s growing need for power.”

At the same time, small wind faces a strong challenge from the solar Photovoltaic (PV) sector, which has seen dramatic price drops in solar PV modules over the past few years as well as the emergence of innovative business models – including leasing programs and third party financing models – that have yet to be made available to the vast majority of small wind customers. Wind still offers unique advantages, however, and the growth of solar PV has, in some regards, paved the way for SWTs.

The report, “Small Wind Power”, examines the global market for small wind power, focusing on manufacturers of small wind turbines. Market drivers and barriers, technology issues, and the competitive landscape are explored in detail, and worldwide forecasts for both revenue and capacity for small wind systems, segmented by region, extend through 2018. An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the Navigant Research website.

About Navigant Research

Navigant Research, a part of Navigant Consulting, Inc. (Navigant), provides in-depth analysis of global clean technology markets. The team’s research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the Smart Energy, Smart Utilities, Smart Transportation, Smart Industry, and Smart Buildings sectors. Additional information about Navigant Research can be found at www.navigantresearch.com.

About Navigant

Navigant (NYSE: NCI) is a specialized, global expert services firm dedicated to assisting clients in creating and protecting value in the face of critical business risks and opportunities. Through senior level engagement with clients, Navigant professionals combine technical expertise in Disputes and Investigations, Economics, Financial Advisory and Management Consulting, with business pragmatism in the highly regulated Construction, Energy, Financial Services and Healthcare industries to support clients in addressing their most critical business needs. More information about Navigant can be found at www.navigant.com.

* The information contained in this press release concerning the report, “Small Wind Power,” is a summary and reflects Navigant Research’s current expectations based on market data and trend analysis. Market predictions and expectations are inherently uncertain and actual results may differ materially from those contained in this press release or the report. Please refer to the full report for a complete understanding of the assumptions underlying the report’s conclusions and the methodologies used to create the report. Neither Navigant Research nor Navigant undertakes any obligation to update any of the information contained in this press release or the report.