One of the increasingly important criteria, when constructing a Small Wind Turbine (SWT), is its sustainable design. It means constructing the SWT in such a way that it can provide a cheap, easy and safe access to clean energy at a specific location for predicted number of consumers. This paper highlights three issues. First, benefits from the application of the rapid prototyping technology are discussed. 3D printers can be used as a durable and relatively cheap means of SWT components production. Also, the possibility of using recycled plastic for 3D-printed components is of big importance. Secondly, the modular construction of the small wind turbine is outlined. This facilitates the product versatility, proneness to adjustments and ease of maintenance. Last but not least, the production costs for individual units as well as multi-unit production are reviewed to show the financial benefits of SWTs and the payback of such investments over the years. The article concludes with a set of recommendations for wind turbine design, conformal with the suggestions of the UN Sustainability Report and Sustainable Development Goal 7.1. The utilization of described concepts is demonstrated basing on the GUST 1.6 m diameter horizontal axis SWT.

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