by Andy Goldman

Created on: June 03, 2008

Many entrepreneurs are now looking to get into a Green Energy business. In fact venture capitalist are funding an increasing number of Renewable Energy Businesses. One renewable business that is gaining traction is the small wind turbine business. If you are interested in selling wind turbines, you first need to know what is the potential market for small wind turbines. Who buys these things?

Starting with the users who require the least amount of power, we will work our way up the wind turbine food chain. The following is a brief overview of the various markets for small wind turbines.

Do It Yourself Markets

Owners of Sailboats and RV's
This group is generally interested in wind turbines that are rated lower then 1,000 watts in generating capacity with wind turbine span of seven feet or less. These systems can be used in combination with a solar array to charge a battery pack. A system like this would typically power lighting and communication. Sales in this category would be typically to end users and people who enjoy doing their own work.

Cabin Owners and Off-Grid Homeowners
These systems are much like the systems above, only they are larger and produce more power. The market is generally the same personality profile. The person who would install a system like this is off the grid, does not want to be dependent on the power company and is in a rural area. As above these systems are usually a combination of Wind and Solar Electric Systems that are charging battery packs. The end user is self reliant and will usually do the installation themselves.

Full-Service Markets

Professionals Who Work from Home
These people often have large electric needs to power their lifestyle. They have the finances to install a top quality turnkey system. These people are usually not interested in doing their own work, but hiring someone else to do it. They not only want a high quality system but also reliable back up power.

Environmentally Conscious Homeowners
These people want to put their money where their values are. They are financially comfortable. They can fall into the category of doing the work themselves or farming it out to professionals.

Retirees
These people are looking to stabilize their monthly expenses. They are now or soon will be on fixed incomes and are concerned about rising utility costs. This group is not interested in installing their own Wind turbines. They will have professionals do the installation. Reliability is a high priority to this group.

Small Farms and Businesses
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