Ramona Schmelmer and Petra Denk investigate whether vertical small wind turbines represent a financially viable investment under the current conditions in Bavaria. The authors provide an overview of the international small wind sector and highlight the obstacles faced by the German small wind industry. The economic analysis is conducted based on a planned pilot project. In this context, the total investment costs, energy yield, and resulting profitability are determined for various types of small wind turbines, and the parameters necessary for economic operation are presented.