GWS Technologies has announced that it has entered into an agreement with Urban Green Energy, Inc. to distribute its incredibly advanced 2nd generation 4kW vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT), the first in a line which will include several other sizes, including a 1kW VAWT available this fall.

The 4kW VAWT uses composite materials to create a wind turbine that is, according to Urban Green Energy's CEO Nick Blitterswyk, "quieter than a human whisper" while providing enough energy to power an average American home.

"Our second generation line combines functionality and visual appeal," Mr. Blitterswyk said, "and was designed for peak energy output in an urban environment."

One of the advantages in placing wind turbines on a residence is the efficiency gained in point-of-use electrical generation. Typically, energy is generated far from where it is used, which requires utilities to build transmission lines to deliver power to the consumer, who may be hundreds of miles away.

Not only is energy lost in transmission, but environmental and other groups have blocked the construction of new transmission lines, citing negative effects on the environment.

"This is an aesthetically dazzling product that is remarkably quiet and efficient," said GWS Technologies Vice President Michael Coskun. "It will help our customers save money while contributing to a cleaner environment."

Installed wind power grew a staggering 45% in 2007, and the U.S. Department of Energy predicted that the United States should be able to derive a full 20% of its electric demand from wind power alone by 2030. A recent market research report predicts that the market for wind turbines will grow to $16 Billion by the end of 2015.