Small wind – wind-powered electric systems sized for homes, farms, and small businesses – as an industry has experienced major growth in the past decade.  These turbines, which are defined as 100 kilowatts in capacity and below, have seen their market grow significantly and the industry has set ambitious growth targets continuing at 18-20% through 2010. The U.S. is the leading world producer of small wind turbines, the vast majority of which are manufactured on U.S. soil.  These machines are used by individuals to lower their electric bills, become independent of their electric grid, and to avoid the unpredictability of traditional energy prices.