The American Wind Energy Association has released so
me facts from their annual report, as well as two charts, in a press release: America's wind power industry grew by 15% in 2010 and provided 26% of all new electric generating capacity in the United States. With the 5,116 MW added last year, U.S. wind installations now stand at 40,181 MW, enough to supply electricity for over 10 million American homes.
In addition to wind power's increased affordability, the 1603 investment tax credit program contributed to new project starts in 2010. On top of new construction starts, 2010 saw new manufacturing as well. A virtuous cycle was in play—manufacturers continued to respond to the demand and set up shop in the U.S. The industry brought 14 new manufacturing facilities online, consistent with 2009.
The U.S. wind market entered 2011 with 5,600 MW under construction—more than twice the megawatts under construction at the start of 2010. The extension of the 1603 tax credit in December 2010 provided a signal to investors to continue growing wind in the U.S., as this strong performance indicates.
Read the full press release here
However in addition to its full report, the association also maintains a set of freely available Wind Energy Fact Sheets, which it regularly updates, and makes its quarterly reports available to the public as well.