WindStax Wind Power Systems

What WindStax Wind Power Systems does

WindStax Wind Power Systems (dba WindStax Energy) is a Pittsburgh-based, founder-owned developer of integrated renewable energy systems founded in 2011. The company designs, manufactures, installs, and services vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT) and combines them with solar PV and battery storage into turnkey microgrids. Its product line centers on three scalable turbine models — WindStax 20, 40, and 60 (20-, 40-, and 60-foot units) — that the company describes as the largest commercially available VAWTs in the US and that can be vertically extended from 20 to 60 feet as customer power requirements grow, sharing central power electronics. Differentiated technology includes patented high-voltage DC distribution-to-fixture architecture, omnidirectional low-RPM drag-based rotors that operate in winds as low as 5 mph, and the proprietary ZeroFirst® control system that makes wind the primary energy source with utility as backup, switching automatically in 10 milliseconds. The company reports over 2 million operating hours with zero documented bird or bat kills and uses a third-party supply chain capable of producing 50 units per month.

The business model is a turnkey C&I platform: WindStax sells hardware (base turbine units priced at $19,900 for the WindStax 20 and $34,750 for the WindStax 40 before incentives) bundled with design, installation, and integration services, plus recurring managed services including 24/7 remote monitoring and a 48-hour component swap-out. Approximately 80% of the project portfolio is commercial and industrial, with the remaining 20% residential/prosumer, and the company has stated a strategic focus on C&I customers only going forward. Distribution is direct in the US through consultative enterprise field sales, supplemented by a 2017 distribution agreement with BJM International covering African emerging markets and exploration of UAE opportunities. Named customers span logistics (PITT OHIO 113,000 SF Parma terminal microgrid with 32 kW wind, 495 kW solar, 1 MWh battery), government/defense (US Navy Camp Lemmonier, Djibouti), education (Chatham University, EWCTC), nonprofits (Audubon Society of Western PA), and cultural/public art (Rachel Carson Bridge Energy Flow installation, Pittsburgh Public Market).

WindStax is privately held, founder-led (CEO Ronald Gdovic since inception), with 1-10 employees per firmographics (commentary suggests 6-20), no disclosed institutional funding, and a stated 2017 revenue target of USD 8 million. The company has accumulated industry recognition including the HIRE Vets Gold Medallion (2020-21), NAIOP Awards of Excellence (2020), Pittsburgh Business Times Manufacturer of the Year (2015), and the Pittsburgh Mayor's Award for Public Art (2018). Its headquarters, manufacturing, and engineering operations occupy a 10,000 SF facility in Pittsburgh's Strip District.

Name

WindStax Wind Power Systems

Legal name

WindStax Energy

Website

https://windstax.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

WindStax Energy is a Pittsburgh-based, founder-owned developer that designs, manufactures, and installs vertical axis wind turbines and integrated wind-solar-storage microgrids for commercial, industrial, government, and defense customers seeking on-site renewable generation with grid backup.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Wind Energy Systems and Microgrid Solutions

NAICS

Turbine and Turbine Generator Set Units Manufacturing (333611), Engine, Turbine, and Power Transmission Equipment Manufacturing (3336), Wind Electric Power Generation (221115)

SIC

Engines & Turbines (3510), Electronic & Other Electrical Equipment (No Computer Equip) (3600)

akta.pro primary industry

Wind Turbine OEMs & System Integration (Nacelle/Generator/Controls) (EUAMACAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Community & Distributed Wind Power Generation (Behind-the-Meter/Small Wind) (EUACAFAD), Advanced Wind Technology R&D (Floating Offshore, Airborne Wind, New Rotor/Blade Concepts) (EUAMAOAB), Wind Grid Interconnection & Power Systems (Transformers, Reactive Power, SCADA) (EUAMACAK)

Keywords

• Vertical axis wind turbines
• Microgrid energy systems
• Distributed wind power
• Renewable energy solutions
• Hybrid wind solar storage

Headquarters

HQ city

Pittsburgh

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Wind Turbine Hardware Sales: WindStax designs and manufactures three standard commercial turbine models — WindStax 20 (20' tall), WindStax 40 (40' tall), and WindStax 60 (60' tall) — sold as standalone or clustered units. Each unit is built to order with custom colors, gearing, and electronics for specific projects. Systems range from 5kW single units to multi-MW clustered installations. Pricing is publicly listed for base units (WindStax 20 at $19,900; WindStax 40 at $34,750) before incentives, with costs varying by configuration.
2. Microgrid System Design, Installation & Integration: WindStax provides complete turnkey microgrid solutions that include design, fabrication, installation, and service of integrated wind, solar, and battery storage systems. The company installs systems behind the meter at customer sites. Installation services include site preparation (concrete or steel foundations), turbine setting (often within one hour), and full electrical integration. Pricing includes base unit costs plus accessories, upgrades, delivery, and installation.
3. Service Contracts and Support: WindStax offers service contracts including a 48-hour component swap-out service for electronics. The company provides ongoing system monitoring (remote 24/7 monitoring from their office or via smartphone), maintenance services, and custom options including weather stations, control systems, and battery storage upgrades. These represent recurring service revenue opportunities over the 25+ year system lifespan.
4. Solar and Battery Add-On Components: WindStax offers hybrid systems that incorporate solar power, additional battery storage capacity, and advanced control options. These are sold as upgrades and accessories to the core turbine product line, allowing customers to expand existing systems as their power requirements grow.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

WindStax designs, manufactures, installs, and services vertical axis wind turbines (WindStax 20, 40, and 60) and integrated wind-solar-storage microgrid and nanogrid systems for commercial and industrial customers. The company delivers turnkey distributed renewable energy solutions using its patented drag-based rotor design and proprietary ZeroFirst power management technology, enabling on-site wind and solar generation with battery storage and utility backup.

Product overview

WindStax Wind Power Systems is a full-service wind power company offering a portfolio of vertical axis wind turbines and integrated energy solutions. Their product line centers on three scalable turbine models—WindStax 20 (20-foot), WindStax 40 (40-foot), and WindStax 60 (60-foot)—which are the largest commercially available vertical axis turbines in the US. These turbines form the foundation of their microgrid and nanogrid systems, which combine wind and solar generation with battery storage. The company pioneered ZeroFirst® technology, a proprietary power control system that makes wind energy the primary power source with utility as backup. Systems range from 5kW to 1MW and larger, supporting applications from single buildings (nanogrids) to community-wide microgrids and small-scale renewable energy farms. The company designs, fabricates, installs, and services all systems in-house, positioning itself as a turnkey provider rather than just a product manufacturer.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ZeroFirst: Power control technology that uses wind energy as the primary source of electricity with utility power as backup only when needed, enabling customers to maximize alternative energy investments.

Products and services

• WindStax 20 The smallest vertical axis wind turbine in the WindStax product line, approximately 20 feet tall and weighing 2,320 pounds. Equipped with a 120Vac/60Hz 4,000 watt continuous/5,400 watt surge rated inverter. Annual Energy Output of approximately 5,668–9,165 kWh/yr at 12.5 m/s average wind speed. Base price US $19,900. Sold to commercial, industrial, and prosumer customers seeking on-site wind generation; designed for turbulent urban wind conditions and variable weather. Scalable by adding turbine sections vertically to 40' or 60'.
• WindStax 40 Mid-size vertical axis wind turbine approximately 40 feet tall, weighing 4,862 pounds. Comes with 120Vac/60Hz 4,000 watt continuous/5,400 watt surge rated inverter with larger inverters available up to 17,600 watts for clustered installations. Annual Energy Output of approximately 11,336–18,330 kWh/yr at 12.5 m/s average wind speed. Base price US $34,750. Sold to commercial, industrial, and institutional customers for medium-scale distributed wind power projects.
• WindStax 60 The largest commercially available vertical axis wind turbine in the US, approximately 60 feet tall. Annual Energy Output of approximately 17,004–27,495 kWh/yr at 12.5 m/s average wind speed. Can be achieved by vertically expanding a WindStax 20 installation. Sold for large-scale commercial, industrial, and institutional distributed wind projects.
• WindStax Microgrid Large-scale energy management system (over 100 kWh) that aggregates wind turbines and solar panels with battery storage into one centralized control and distribution system. Manages energy from multiple sources and automatically switches between renewable generation, battery storage, and grid power based on demand. Uses ZeroFirst technology so that wind and solar serve as primary power with utility as backup. Sold as turnkey system to commercial and industrial customers for behind-the-meter microgrids powering multiple buildings or community-wide applications.
• WindStax Nanogrid Small-scale energy system feeding one building or factory in the 5 kWh to 100 kWh range. Aggregates alternative energy (wind and solar) into one centralized control and distribution system using ZeroFirst technology. Designed for prosumer applications and single-building commercial/industrial facilities where full-scale microgrid capacity is not required.
• Wind and Solar Hybrid Solutions Combined wind and solar energy generation systems that aggregate multiple energy sources into centralized microgrid control. Wind and solar generate energy on nearly opposite cycles, with wind supplementing solar in marginal solar regions, in different seasons, and at different latitudes, maximizing year-round renewable energy yield. Sold as hybrid configurations integrated with WindStax microgrids and nanogrids for commercial, industrial, and remote-site customers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Zero bird or bat kills in over 2 million operating hours of turbine operation
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core, supporting, major and minor.

• PITT OHIOcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2018WindStax designed and built a microgrid at PITT OHIO's new trucking terminal in Parma, Ohio. The microgrid combines 8 WindStax vertical wind turbines (32kW), 495kW solar panels, and 1 MWh battery storage to power the 113,000 SF facility. Wind and solar production combined with massive energy storage allows the terminal to function autonomously, independent of the grid — a major competitive advantage and sustainability milestone for PITT OHIO's Triple Bottom Line strategy.
• Rycon ConstructionsupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 September 2018Rycon Construction was the general contractor for the PITT OHIO Parma terminal project, working alongside WindStax to install the microgrid system. The project won three NAIOP Awards of Excellence including Industrial Construction Project of the Year.
• Oxford Development CompanysupportingOthers · 1 September 2018Oxford Development Company was part of the project team for the PITT OHIO Parma terminal development that incorporated the WindStax microgrid.
• BJM InternationalcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 15 March 2017WindStax signed a distribution agreement with BJM International (offices in New York and Casablanca) to expand into emerging markets in Africa. BJM provides project development, financing, export assistance, and distribution services, relying on local contractors for installation and service of WindStax systems. BJM was selected for its extensive experience with commercial and development banks and export credit agencies globally.
• Andrea Polli (Environmental Artist)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 November 2016Renowned environmental artist Andrea Polli collaborated with WindStax on the Energy Flow bridge lighting installation. Polli designed the visual display that responds to real-time weather and wind conditions captured by a weather station on the bridge. The collaboration won the 2018 Mayor's Award for Public Art and was honored by Americans for the Arts.
• Covestro LLCmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 July 2016Global material solutions provider Covestro sponsored the Energy Flow public art installation on the Rachel Carson Bridge in Pittsburgh. WindStax provided and installed 16 wind turbines and an advanced microgrid system to power the lighting installation. WindStax CEO Ron Gdovic co-led the CEOs for Sustainability executive council with Covestro President Jerry MacCleary.
• City of Pittsburgh / Pittsburgh Bicentennial CommissionmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 July 2016WindStax won an international competition (sponsored by the Pittsburgh Bicentennial Commission) to install the Energy Flow wind-powered digital light display on the historic Rachel Carson Bridge. The City of Pittsburgh and Mayor Peduto supported the project, and WindStax's CEO won the 2018 Mayor's Award for Public Art.
• CEOs for SustainabilitymajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 June 2016WindStax CEO Ron Gdovic co-founded and co-leads the CEOs for Sustainability executive council alongside Covestro President Jerry MacCleary. This is an outcomes-based leadership network of Pittsburgh-region corporate leaders committed to sustainable business practices, triple bottom line outcomes, and regional economic and social prosperity. Facilitated by Sustainable Pittsburgh and former Alcoa VP Bill O'Rourke.
• Aquion EnergysupportingTechnology or Integration · 21 January 2015WindStax integrated Aquion Energy's Aqueous Hybrid Ion (AHI) battery technology — based on a safe saltwater electrolyte and nontoxic materials — into their microgrid systems. Both companies are Pittsburgh-based innovators located blocks from each other in the Strip District and Lawrenceville. The first system was installed in Braddock, PA.
• Neighbors in the Strip / Pittsburgh Public MarketsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 March 2014WindStax installed Pittsburgh's first urban wind turbine on the Pittsburgh Public Market rooftop, funded in part by a Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County Community Infrastructure and Tourism Fund grant. The nonprofit organization Neighbors in the Strip operates the market as a business incubator.
• Eastern Westmoreland Career and Technology Center (EWCTC)supportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 December 2013WindStax installed a WindStax 20 system at EWCTC in Ligonier, PA for STEM education purposes, purchased with a PA Department of Environmental Protection environmental education grant and funding from The Sprout Fund. Students participated in turbine foundation construction and electrical connections alongside WindStax workers.
• Precision Performance Motorsports (PPM)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 6 April 2013WindStax served as an associate sponsor of PPM's #46 Toyota race team in NASCAR K&N Pro Series East events (2012–2013), with driver Brandon Gdovic (son of CEO Ron Gdovic). NASCAR was chosen for its robust environmental sustainability programs including the world's largest solar-powered sports facility and comprehensive recycling programs.
• McGill Smith Punshon, Inc. (MSP Design)supportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerArchitecture and design firm MSP Design was part of the project team for the PITT OHIO Parma terminal, which incorporated the WindStax microgrid and won the NAIOP Industrial Architectural Design of the Year award.
• BDA-EngineeringsupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEngineering firm BDA-Engineering contributed to the PITT OHIO Parma terminal project, collaborating with WindStax on the microgrid installation that won three NAIOP awards.
• PVE, LLCsupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPVE, LLC was part of the project team for the PITT OHIO Parma terminal, working with WindStax on the microgrid and renewable energy system integration.
• Three Rivers Workforce Investment BoardsupportingOthersWindStax partnered with the Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board in 2013 to recruit skilled manufacturing workers for its expanding Pittsburgh facility, receiving nearly 100 inquiries and hiring multiple workers from the program.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Northern Power Systems: Northern Power Systems manufactures vertical axis wind turbines (including the 100kW and 60kW Northwind models) for distributed and remote applications. It is the most direct technical and commercial peer to WindStax, competing in the same VAWT, distributed-wind category with similar end customers in cold-climate and remote sites.
• Urban Green Energy (Enverid / UGE): UGE (formerly Urban Green Energy) is one of the most recognized vertical-axis wind turbine brands for urban and commercial distributed wind. Its 4kW and larger VAWT systems historically competed head-to-head with WindStax for the same behind-the-meter C&I and urban-installation customers.
• Bergey Windpower: Bergey Windpower is a long-established US small-wind turbine OEM (BWC Excel series) serving residential, commercial, agricultural, and remote/off-grid customers. It competes with WindStax in the distributed and behind-the-meter small-wind segment, though with horizontal-axis rather than vertical-axis designs.
• Primus Wind Power (formerly Southwest Windpower): Primus Wind Power is one of the most widely deployed small-wind turbine OEMs globally (Air series), targeting residential, telecom, marine, and off-grid customers. It addresses overlapping end uses with WindStax's residential/prosumer and remote/off-grid segments.

Broad incumbents

• Vestas: Vestas is the world's largest wind turbine OEM, focused on utility-scale onshore and offshore wind. While not competing directly in the C&I behind-the-meter vertical-axis segment, its scale, brand, and any movement into distributed-wind shape the competitive landscape WindStax operates in.
• GE Renewable Energy: GE Renewable Energy is a top-3 global wind turbine OEM with utility-scale onshore and offshore platforms. It is not a direct competitor in WindStax's distributed VAWT niche but defines the boundary of the larger wind industry WindStax competes for talent, supply chain, and policy attention.
• Siemens Gamesa: Siemens Gamesa is one of the largest wind turbine OEMs globally, serving onshore, offshore, and service markets. As a broad incumbent, it contextualizes WindStax's distributed-wind niche and would be a relevant comparable if it ever moved into small/medium distributed wind.
• Schneider Electric (EcoStruxure / Microgrid): Schneider Electric offers integrated microgrid and energy management solutions (EcoStruxure) for C&I and utility customers, often incorporating third-party generation assets. It is a competing platform for the integrated microgrid value WindStax sells, particularly where solar-plus-storage is the primary generation mix.
• Tesla (Energy / Solar + Powerwall): Tesla Energy sells commercial-scale solar, Powerpack/Megapack battery storage, and microgrid control software targeting the same C&I and behind-the-meter customers as WindStax. It is the dominant competitor in solar-plus-storage microgrids, which WindStax often couples with its wind turbines.

Emerging players

• Helix Wind: Helix Wind is a small-scale vertical axis wind turbine developer focused on distributed and residential applications. It overlaps with WindStax's VAWT product positioning, though it is a smaller and less commercially deployed player.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses3 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/windstax
• Facebookfacebook.com/windstax

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about WindStax Wind Power Systems