ICC-SWCC certifies small and medium wind turbine systems to the ACP 101-1, AWEA 9.1 and IEC 61400 standards, respectively. Towers and foundations are outside the scope of the standards. SWCC certification reports may provide tower and mounting information for the convenience of the user. But this information has not been evaluated by SWCC and is […]
Does SWCC certify wind turbines for electrical safety?
No. ICC-SWCC is accredited to certify wind turbines to the ACP 101-1, AWEA 9.1 and IEC 61400 standards for structural safety, durability, acoustics and power production. Electrical safety for distributed wind turbines in North America is addressed in the UL 6142 standard. Electrical listings may only be provided by Nationally Recognized Test Labs (NRTLs) per […]
What’s the difference between testing and certification?
When a manufacturer gets a product tested by a test laboratory, it’s a one-time activity. The test lab will test samples of the product and check that they conform to the requirements of a standard or other specification. When it is completed, the manufacturer receives a test report that indicates whether the product complied with […]
Where can I find information on the Federal tax credit for wind turbines?
The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Notice 2015-4 requires that small and medium distributed wind turbines, with a nameplate capacity of 100 kW and less, be certified in order to qualify for the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), currently set at 30%. The guidance requires that qualifying wind turbine manufacturers maintain certification to either: (1) […]
What is the difference between the Rated Power and Nominal Power for a certified turbine?
Small wind turbines certified to the ACP 101-1 standard are required to provide the Reference Power in kilowatts (kW) in the certification and on a consumer label. This standardized performance rating is the wind turbine’s power output at 11 m/s (24.6 mph) per its certified power curve. Manufacturers may still describe or name their turbine […]
What happens to a turbine certification if the manufacturer goes out of business?
Wind turbine certifications are valid so long as the certification renewal conditions listed in the ICC-SWCC certification policies are met. Certification must be renewed annually. Therefore, if the manufacturer goes out of business, the certification would not be renewed upon expiration and the certification would be withdrawn. Alternately, if the manufacturer is purchased by another […]
What is the difference between the AWEA Rated Power and a Nominal Power listing for a certified turbine?
Small wind turbines certified to the AWEA Standard are required to publish the AWEA Rated Power in their specifications. This rating is the wind turbine’s power output at 11 m/s (24.6 mph) per its certified power curve. Manufacturers may still describe or name their turbine using Nominal Power. Nominal Power is designated by the manufacturer for descriptive marketing purposes.