Xzeres introduces new way to sell wind power

Wilsonville-based Xzeres Wind Corp. is introducing a new business model that involves installing wind turbines at no cost to the customer and then selling the generated power back to the host.

The model, called the Micro-Generation Utility model, allows customers to gain ownership of wind turbines over time, without the upfront investment. Mirroring similar programs for solar installations, Xzeres Micro-Generation Utility is believed to be the first of its kind.

The company announced the new offering last week, just days before the American Wind Energy Association is set to showcase innovation in small and community wind platforms at a Portland conference, though officials say the timing is purely coincidental, the result of nearly six months of intensive planning for the model.

"Essentially, Xzeres has entered the retail energy business serving as the energy provider to its customers, much like a utility," Frank Greco, CEO of Xzeres, said in a news release.

"The Micro-Generation Utility model allows customers to reap significant long-term cost savings with their energy bills without the long-term risk of rising electricity rates, and Xzeres maintains a high-margin, recurring revenue stream for the duration of the contract. It promises the best-case scenario for all parties," Greco said.

Xzeres designs, develops and builds wind power systems for the small-wind market, sized 2.5 kilowatts to 100 kilowatts. The Micro-Generation Utility model is available for the company's 10-kilowatt wind turbine. Xzeres will conduct site assessment, permitting, installation and grid connection of wind systems up to 50 turbines in size for participating customers.

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Lee van der Voo, lvdvoo*at*gmail.com, is a freelance writer for Sustainable Business Oregon.