We welcome applications to transfer certifications to ICC-SWCC. ICC-SWCC usually conducts a Preliminary Review for turbines certified to other standards or by other programs to assess the specific steps needed to certify it under the program. Contact us with more details on your turbine and certification to learn more about the benefits of certifying your turbine with ICC-SWCC.
My turbine is already certified in another country – does ICC-SWCC accept that certification?
ICC-SWCC may be able to use the test report and analyses submitted for certification in other global programs to support an ICC-SWCC application. But we do not automatically grant a certification under the ICC-SWCC program based on certification by another organization. We would be happy to review your existing certification and information through our Preliminary Review process to determine whether additional testing or data is needed. Contact us to learn more.
Where can I find information on U.S. Federal tax credits for wind turbines?
IMPORTANT NOTE: The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Treasury Department are developing updated guidance for wind turbine eligibility as a result of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Draft rules for commercial wind turbine installations under Section 48 of the Internal Revenue Code were published on 11/22/2023, that propose certain qualification requirements for small wind turbines (REG-132569-17). As written, they would expand the list of acceptable certifications to include the ACP 101-1 and IEC 61400-2 standards, while retaining those listed below for the ITC. At the date of writing, these rules have not been finalized.
For residential wind turbine installations under Section 25D of the Internal Revenue Code, see IRS Form 5695 and the Instructions for IRS Form 5695.
The legacy information provided below describes the rules established for the implementation of the Investment Tax Credit (ITC). The ITC was superseded by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA). However, since the final rules for qualification of distributed wind turbines under the IRA have not yet been finalized, the ITC information is provided below for reference.
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 ITC, set at 30% at the time of writing. The guidance requires that qualifying wind turbine manufacturers maintain certification to either:
(1) American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) Small Wind Turbine Performance and Safety Standard 9.1-2009; or
(2) International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61400-1, 61400-12, and 61400-11.
According to the current IRS Notice, the certification must be issued by an eligible certifier – defined as a third party that is accredited by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation or other similar accreditation body. Documentation establishing that the turbine meets the new requirements must be provided to taxpayers in order to claim the credit. ICC-SWCC certifications help manufacturers meet these requirements.
An April 2014 memorandum from the Director of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Wind and Water Power Technologies Office, also encourages that the use of public funds be provided only for wind turbines that have been tested and certified for safety, function, performance, and durability.
Notice 2015-4 is posted at: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-15-04.pdf. The notice reminds manufacturers that an erroneous certification may result in penalties: (a) Under section 7206 for fraud and making false statements; and (b) Under section 6701 for aiding and abetting an understatement of tax liability ($1,000 per return on which a credit is claimed in reliance on the certification).
Disclaimer: All opinions and other postings, are offered for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or tax advice. You should consult directly with an attorney or accountant for individual advice regarding your particular situation.
Does ICC-SWCC test wind turbines?
ICC-SWCC does not conduct tests, but verifies and certifies test results submitted by approved, qualified third-party testing organizations. Applicants should obtain ICC-SWCC approval for the use of a testing facility before commencing work to ensure that the resulting test report can be used for ICC-SWCC certification. Click here for more information on wind turbine testing for certification.
Does ICC-SWCC develop the standards used for its wind turbine certifications?
No, ICC-SWCC is not a Standard Development Organization (SDO). The ACP 101-1 standard used for small wind turbines is developed by American Clean Power (ACP) under their ANSI-approved standard development procedures. The IEC 61400 standards used for medium wind turbines are developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) under Technical Committee TC 88.
Click here for more information on the standards ICC-SWCC utilizes in its certification programs.
ICC-SWCC staff participates in technical committees for the ACP and IEC Standards. ICC-SWCC is working diligently with other wind certification programs in Europe, Asia and North America to minimize the differences between country-specific requirements.
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 using Nominal Power. Nominal Power is designated by the manufacturer for descriptive marketing purposes.
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 organization, the certification can be transfer to the new owner (provided no changes are made to the design).
What are the benefits of ICC-SWCC certification?
Certification enables consumer comparison of the wide variety of wind turbine products on the market. Funding agencies and utilities will gain greater confidence that distributed wind turbines installed with public assistance have been tested for safety, function, performance, and durability and meet requirements of consensus standards. Certification can help prevent unethical marketing and false claims, thereby ensuring consumer protection and industry credibility.
SWCC Certification Ranks: Nine Models and Growing, Medium Turbines Now Eligible
The Small Wind Certification Council (SWCC) has recently issued its fifth and sixth full certifications, with nine turbine models now SWCC-certified. With an additional final report submitted for SWCC certification review, six others under test, and three new applicants, more full certifications are expected soon, further advancing consumer protection against fraudulent claims and faulty equipment and helping to build the industry’s reputation.
Reflecting global momentum in wind turbine certification, SWCC has increased its services and now offers certification for power performance and acoustic performance based on requirements identified in IEC 61400-12-1 and IEC 61400-11 for turbines with rotor swept areas larger than 200 m2 designated “medium” sized. “With more agencies requiring certification for eligibility for state and federal incentives, it’s a big boost for the distributed wind industry to see a critical mass of leading turbine models certified,” SWCC Executive Director Larry Sherwood said. “In the upcoming year, we expect to confirm certification milestones and grant certification for even more small and medium turbine models.”
Two More Turbines Join Certified Ranks
Evance R9000, Eveready Kestrel e400nb join Skystream 3.7 and Bergey Excel 10 in reaching full SWCC certification, four others provisionally certified
Clifton Park, NY – The Small Wind Certification Council (SWCC) has issued two new full certifications and consumer labels to the Evance R9000 and the Kestrel e400nb. Along with recent certification renewals of the Southwest Windpower Skystream 3.7 and the Bergey Excel 10, four turbine models are now fully certified through SWCC to the American Wind Energy Association’s (AWEA) Small Wind Turbine Performance and Safety Standard.
“With more agencies requiring certification for eligibility for state and federal incentives, it’s a big boost for the small wind industry to see two more turbine models reach full certification,” SWCC Executive Director Larry Sherwood said. “In the upcoming year, we expect to confirm certification milestones and grant certification for even more small and medium turbine models.”