According to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), the market for small wind turbines grew a whopping 78 percent in 2008, which is good news in a world where it seems as if all economic stories are bleak. U.S. manufacturers sold about half of all small wind turbines, accounting for $77 million of the $156 million global total. “Wind energy is an all-around win,” according to AWEA CEO Denise Bode, citing the reduced electrical bills and reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Credit: American Wind Energy Association press release