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SWCC certifies that small wind turbines meet the requirements of the AWEA Small
Wind Turbine Performance and Safety Standard.
Notice of Intent and Pending Applications
The first step in the SWCC application process is submitting a
Notice of Intent form together with a Configuration Description
form for each turbine, supporting documentation, and a
Preliminary Review Fee. SWCC encourages applicants to submit NOIs
before beginning testing to ensure that all requirements are met
and documentation is obtained during testing. Especially for
non-accredited test sites, it is advisable for SWCC to begin the
site evaluation and test witnessing early in the process in order
to avoid delays and added costs.
After the applicant signs a
customized Certification Agreement with SWCC detailing the
turbine seeking certification, the test plans, requirements of
the structural analysis, and Certification Fees, the applicant
can choose to allow SWCC to publicly identify the Applicant's
name and small wind turbine model and listed on the SWCC website
with the status of "application pending" prior to becoming
certified.
Testing
Certification applicants may choose to use an accredited or
non-accredited laboratory or to conduct the testing themselves.
Non-accredited testing organizations are required to sign a
testing agreement with the SWCC, agreeing to perform appropriate
tests on the turbine to be certified and agreeing to the test
plans and SWCC test site evaluation. All testing must comply with
the AWEA Standard and SWCC Policies. All testing costs will be
the responsibility of the certification applicant.
You can download a list of potential test organizations
that intend to test small wind turbines for the North American
market. The list may not be all-inclusive. The list is not an
endorsement of any test organization, only an informative list.
Certification
Certification applicants submit a test report and other
application materials to SWCC to complete the application
process. Certification fees are available in the SWCC
Certification Policy. The SWCC Certification Commission will make
the final certification decision.
Once a product has been certified, SWCC issues a summary report,
which contains the Rated Annual Energy, Rated Power and Rated
Sound Level as well as other technical information. The report
also notes that the turbine meets the durability and safety
requirements of the AWEA Standard.
For more details, visit see the SWCC Application & Fee page and the FAQ for Manufacturers page.
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