Investment
Growing Southwest Wind
Harnessing the power of the wind as a form of renewable energy is not new, but putting highly efficient small wind turbines in backyards, on light poles or in remote islands to reduce diesel fuel consumption is an emerging market. GE has invested in Southwest Windpower, the world’s largest manufacturer of small wind turbines.
Much of the company’s growth will center on the market expansion and continued enhancement of Skystream, a 2.4-kW wind generator that produces electricity that can be cheaper than retail electricity. Skystream’s unique plug-and-play design allows the user to connect directly to the electric grid. For residential applications, Skystream can provide anywhere from 40 to 90 percent of the home’s electricity, depending on consumption and wind availability. Southwest Windpower is also expanding into commercial applications, such as within parking lots and highway light poles, and other municipal structures.
