SMarT TowersÔ are being developed by AnemErgonics in cooperation with the Department of Energy’s Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) program.  These hybrid fiberglass-steel monopole towers are expected to weigh less and cost less than the steel towers currently available. The technology is applicable to most small wind turbines, but the first commercial application will be for Southwest Windpower’s Skystream 3.7 turbine. Because SMarT Towers will weigh approximately half as much as steel towers, they will be easier to ship, handle and erect with gin poles and lightweight winches.  SMarT Towers will be packaged with SMarT Foundation kits, further reducing the cost of purchase, shipping and logistics. They will be finished with extremely durable, pigmented resin and two-part urethane paint in natural earth tones. An important element of the SBIR research will be accelerated-life tests to be conducted at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Boulder, Colorado in September 2009.  The first demonstration units should be installed shortly thereafter.