The majority of the turbines in the Warwick report were placed in an urban environment known to offer, on average, lower electricity yields than rural open spaces.

Wind system installers and small wind systems suppliers recommend that on-site wind speed data and careful measurements are taken over a period of time prior to installation. Only four of the 26 sites where test turbines were placed have an annual average wind speed of over 5 m/s, considered a lower limit of commercial viability.

Alex Murley, BWEA Small Systems Manager says: “The overwhelming majority of small wind system installations are a success - when they are sited properly they save money and energy.”

The UK small and micro wind systems sector has been growing at an annual rate of 80%, according to BWEA. Its first annual small systems market report shows that growth will continue into 2009 and 2010.