GWS Technologies has announced the launch of the company's new website dedicated to the emerging microgeneration marketplace. Microgeneration is the production of low-carbon electricity by individuals, small businesses and communities to meet their own energy requirements, and is part of a growing movement that is transforming the way everyday people provide for their energy needs.
Microgeneration technologies include small scale wind turbines, photovoltaic solar power systems, and handheld products that can recharge electronic devices.
The website, at www.greenwindsolar.com, includes an ecommerce store where consumers can purchase the most advanced consumer renewable energy products, including portable solar and wind chargers that can recharge mobile phones, iPods, or USB interface digital products (MP3/MP4 players), PDAs and portable games consoles.
The store also features a line of Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs), which convert wind energy to electrical power and are ideal for homes, small commercial buildings, boats, remote power, emergency power, and battery charging.
VAWTs function better than conventional wind turbines because they are omni-directional and more efficient in low wind speeds. VAWTs also appear to be a solid object as their rotational speed increases, making them visible to birds and therefore safer for wildlife.
Last year saw record growth in global renewable energy and energy efficiency investment, according to a United Nations' report issued earlier this month entitled "Global Trends in Sustainable Energy Investment 2008."
The report noted record breaking investment levels in the sustainable energy sector during 2007, with over US$148 billion of new investment, an increase of 60% over 2006, largely driven by wind power.
The report also predicted that investment in renewable energy between now and 2030 is expected to reach $450 billion a year by 2012, rising to more than $600 billion a year from 2020. The sector's overall performance during 2007 and into 2008 sets it on track to achieve these levels.
