New Report Says Global Small Wind Market Set For Major Boost

A new report by Research and Markets states that the global small wind market is set for a major boost in the coming years.

The report gives an in-depth analysis of the global small wind energy market and provides forecast estimates up to 2013.

The research in “Global Small Wind Market Analysis and Forecasts to 2013” analyzes the key trends, major issues and growth opportunities in the global small wind market and tracks the average turbine size from 2001 to 2008.  The report's elaborate profiling of major industry participants, information on major small wind farm projects, and analysis of important news and deals provide insight into the competitive scenario in the global small wind industry. This coupled with detailed information on the regulatory framework and key policies governing the industry provide a comprehensive understanding of the market for small wind power.

Research and Markets is a leading source for international market research and market data and provides some of the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, top companies, new products and the latest trends. The report provides detailed analysis of key issues and challenges for present and potential small wind market players globally including these points:  detailed qualitative analysis of the market scenario and analysis of key countries such as the USA and UK; and, technological analysis, cost analysis, and distribution channel analysis of small wind turbines.  Finally, the report offers details on historical and forecast statistics along with growth estimates of installed capacity for small wind power from 2004 to 2013.  Besides providing an overview of the global small wind market, the report also enhances the decision-making capability of potential small wind turbine consumers.  Its information and analysis allows the reader to:

• Identify key growth and investment opportunities in the Global small wind power market.

• Identify key partners and business development avenues.

• Position yourself to gain the maximum advantage of the industry's growth potential by developing strategies based on the latest operational and regulatory events.

• Identify key strengths and weaknesses of important small wind power markets.

• Facilitate decision-making based on strong historic and forecast data.

According to the statistics in “Global Small Wind Market Analysis and Forecasts to 2013,” the annual addition of global small wind capacity has increased from 8 MW in 2004 to 34 MW in 2008. With increase in small wind power uptake in the US and UK and other countries looking to replicate policy measures from the US and the UK for small wind, the annually installed capacity is expected to increase to an incredible 1050 MW by 2013. Apart from the US and UK, China and many European countries such as Denmark, Germany, Spain, and Italy are expected to lead in small wind power installation in the future.

Small wind turbine manufacturers, the report states, operate through two distribution channel routes: one, a network established by dealers and sub-dealers to reach retail stores; and two, internet marketing and online sales giving detailed product specifications and information which helps the customer to make purchase decisions. Each state has a dealer network of around three to four main suppliers who are responsible for the sales of their region. Dealers are given training about the company specific products including siting, operations, installation and servicing. With expected increase in demand, turbine manufacturers are increasing investments in building dealership networks and establishing training facilities.

"The presence of poor permitting practices and unnecessarily restrictive regulations are the major market barriers discouraging customer interests and investments," the report notes.  "Reliability is also a major issue for small wind turbines as many units introduced earlier were not reliable. Small wind turbine manufacturers have often been criticized for making performance claims which do not match with reality. This has led to distrust among customers leading to damage in reputation for the industry as well as restricted growth prospects for the future.”