
Evance R9000 and Eveready Kestrel e400nb join Skystream 3.7 and Bergey Excel 10 in reaching full SWCC certification; four others provisionally certified.
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,” says Larry Sherwood, Executive Director, SWCC. “In the upcoming year, we expect to confirm certification milestones and grant certification for even more small and medium turbine models.”
Four other small wind turbine models have achieved major milestones along the certification path. SWCC has approved a Limited Power Performance (LPP) certification for the Endurance S-343, and has granted Conditional Temporary Certification for the Gaia GW 133 – 11kW, the Kingspan Renewables KW6, and the Xzeres 442SR based on review of their certifications from the UK’s Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS).
The optional SWCC Limited Power Performance certification is an intermediary step for small wind turbine models that have completed power performance testing in accordance with SWCC and AWEA Standard requirements. LPP certified models have 18 months after receiving LPP certification to complete full SWCC certification. Conditionally certified and LPP certified turbines must meet additional requirements of the AWEA Standard and submit a full application package to SWCC for evaluation as described in the SWCC Certification Policy before receiving full SWCC certification.
The Bergey Windpower Excel 10 and the Southwest Windpower Skystream 3.7 were the first two turbines certified and received consumer labels through SWCC in 2011, and both have renewed their SWCC certifications for another year. The consumer labels for each certified turbine show the Rated Annual Energy, the Rated Sound Level, and Rated Power. SWCC Summary Reports provide each turbine’s respective tabulated power curve and acoustic data, tower design requirements, and confirm that each meets all the AWEA Standard’s requirements on durability, mechanical strength, safety, and function.
Six additional turbines are currently collecting data at their respective testing sites, with several others in the process of taking steps towards certification. SWCC has received 43 notices of intent to pursue certification since its inception. “As more turbine models are certified, consumers are gaining more confidence in the small wind industry,” says Sherwood. “Certification is helping to expand the small wind market, and ensuring its growth for the future.”
SWCC certification is an independent confirmation that a small wind turbine has been tested and designed according to the requirements of the AWEA Standard. SWCC updates the application status table on its website as milestones are reached. Consumer labels, ratings and summary reports for SWCC certified turbine models, including tabulated power curves, acoustic data, and tower design requirements, along with a complete list of pending applicant turbine models.
SWCC
www.smallwindcertification.org
Filed Under: News
I installed a 442SR from Xzeres 4 years ago. The wind generator came with a 5 year warranty. Living in a remote area of Colorado, it was/is important to me to have a reliable/dependable source of alternative energy. We chose the 442 in the belief that the product was reliable and that the Company, Xzeres, would stand behind the 442. Both of our beliefs were gravely misplaced. The four years since installation have been an absolute nightmare. The last time our 442 worked was early spring of 2014. We finally got a technician from Xzeres to come out to the field in October, 2014. He determined that internal parts in the generator needed to be replaced and that he would be “back in two weeks” to repair. He finally came out the week of May 11, 2015, a full 7 months later. After reviewing the installation, he determined that he did not have the right parts and would be “back in 2 weeks.” Guess what, 2 weeks have come and gone and he still hasn’t come out. Now he is saying another technician will come but can’t give us a date.
Please understand, we have documented a four year history of dealings with Xzeres. My installation contractor, who has been a life-saver, estimates that during the last 4 years, the generator has only been operational for 12 of the last 48 months. I personally believe it is somewhat less than that. I want to warn others against dealing with Xzeres. I would hate for others to spend as much as I have and receive a defective product and deal with an unprofessional, uncooperative company.