Small wind incentive programs adopt certification requirements and help drive market acceptance of this emerging technology

02 Dec 2011

At a recent small wind panel discussion and podcast hosted by Intertek in September 2011, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) announced a deadline of September 31, 2012 for small wind turbines to obtain certification in order to participate in its popular small wind turbine incentive program.

The panel of industry experts participating in the Small Wind Certification Podcast and other key stakeholders in the industry agree certification will be a major factor in the growth of the small wind industry, driving adoption and acceptance of the technology as reliable and safe for the public and the environment. NYSERDA is one of three leading government agencies who are building certification of small wind turbines as requirements for state incentive programs.

Following NYSERDA's announcement, on November 9, 2011 the California Energy Commission announced its new guidelines within its Emerging Renewables Program (ERP) incentives by limiting the list of approved small wind turbines to include those certified by a Nationally Recognized Test Laboratory, like Intertek or other small wind certification providers. A year from now, in November 2012 any turbine that does not meet AWEA 9.1 power curve requirements will be removed from the ERP list of eligible equipment.

In addition to these strategic decisions by two of the leading wind energy states, New York and California, a third decision is soon expected. The New Jersey Office of Clean Energy announced proposed changes to its Renewable Energy Incentive Program (REIP) that would require all small wind turbines be certified by a third-party like Intertek. Currently the change is under review.

For a list of wind turbines in the certification program visit the Small Wind Certification Directory.

For more information on Small Wind Certification contact us at icenter@intertek.com. Is there a particular subject that your organization would like to learn more about? Or would you like to speak with one of our renewable energy experts about one of the topics that this blog has covered in past months? If so, please leave a comment below and one our experts will respond.