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 […]
My turbine is certified by another certification body. Can I transfer that certification to ICC-SWCC?
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 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, […]