IRS will require small wind turbines be certified

IRS will require small wind turbines be certified

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                   
January 20, 2015


IRS will require small wind turbines be certified

Distributed wind industry views performance and quality assurances at the Federal level as a positive step for successful deployment of distributed wind projects in U.S.

WASHINGTON DC –

The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued Notice 2015-4 providing new performance and quality standards that require certification of small wind turbines – defined as having a nameplate capacity of up to 100 kW – in order to qualify for the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC).

“Distributed wind power for homes, farms, and small business is generating clean, affordable and homegrown electricity across all 50 states and as the market grows, it’s of critical importance to ensure high quality products make it to market” said Jennifer Jenkins, Executive Director of the Distributed Wind Energy Association. “These certification requirements provide performance and quality assurance for consumers, government agencies and the industry, and help to ensure the successful implementation of distributed wind projects domestically.”

“The new certification requirement addresses the small, but persistent segment at the fringe of the industry that make wild assertions on efficiency, performance, and the their special ability to work on buildings or very short towers. Now, in order to qualify for the federal tax credits, they will have to prove these claims to third-party experts. That will be very challenging or impossible for unproven designs with exaggerated performance, but will not pose a major barrier for the industry leaders”, added Jenkins.

Effective for small wind turbines acquired or placed in service after January 26, 2015, the guidance requires that qualifying small wind manufacturers provide certification to either: (1) American Wind Energy Association Small Wind Turbine Performance and Safety Standard 9.1-2009 (AWEA); or (2) International Electrotechnical Commission 61400-1, 61400-12, and 61400-11 (IEC). The certification must be issued by an eligible certifier, which is 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.

“As an industry, we have been working for many years to strengthen the credibility and reliability of our products,” Jenkins continued. “I’m proud to note that our membership has been leading the way on this front, actively pursuing certification since 2010 and poised to comply with these new standards.”

Additional Information:

The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) maintains a list of ratings of fully certified turbines for the U.S. market.

A list of Small Wind Certification Council (SWCC) Applicants can be found here.  A similar list for the second certifying body, Intertek, can be found here

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). To help manufacturers and taxpayers understand the new IRS requirements, SWCC will develop and publish a set of FAQs on its website.

 

About the Distributed Wind Energy Association
The Distributed Wind Energy Association is a collaborative group comprised of manufacturers, distributors, project developers, dealers, installers, and advocates, whose primary mission is to promote and foster all aspects of the American distributed wind energy industry. Distributed wind is the use of wind turbines at homes, farm and ranches, businesses, public and industrial facilities, off-grid and other sites connected either physically or virtually on the customer side of the meter to offset all or a portion of local energy consumption or to support grid operations. DWEA seeks to represent members and associates from all sectors with relevant interests pertaining to the distributed wind industry. For more information on DWEA, please go to www.distributedwind.org. Follow us on Twitter @DWEA and like us on Facebook.

Congress has opportunity to restore stability to distributed wind markets

Congress has opportunity to restore stability to distributed wind markets

Distributed wind industry urges Congress to pass a multi-year extension of the Investment Tax Credit and restore stability to the distributed wind market place.

WASHINGTON DC –

As Congress considers extensions of tax policies used by a variety of businesses, it is crucial that it includes a multi-year extension of the renewable energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC) at a minimum through 2015 as included in the EXPIRE Act, passed unanimously on a bipartisan basis by the Senate Finance Committee in April. The short-sited proposal to extend through the end of this year being debated in the House this week is simply not good policy or going to stop job losses and businesses shutting doors.

“Now is a critical moment for our industry,” said Jennifer Jenkins, the Executive Director of the Distributed Wind Energy Association. “Currently, 90% of all distributed turbines sold in the U.S. are manufactured here, creating a robust market place and American jobs. The three-week extension being considered by the House puts these jobs on the line as it does nothing to provide the certainty and stability needed to plan for the future.”

Distributed wind power is generating clean, affordable and homegrown electricity across all 50 states. This segment of the industry, if properly supported, could boast exponential growth as compared to current market penetration rates, particularly using new leasing models.

“I urge congress to act quickly and pass legislation that includes a multi-year extension of the ITC to ensure the continued growth and success of this clean, affordable and homegrown industry for generations to come. Allow us to help keep the lights on and Americans at work,” said Jenkins.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                    For more information
December 3, 2014                                                  Lauren Glickman, Communications Manager
lglickman@distributedwind.org,


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About the Distributed Wind Energy Association
The Distributed Wind Energy Association is a collaborative group comprised of manufacturers, distributors, project developers, dealers, installers, and advocates, whose primary mission is to promote and foster all aspects of the American distributed wind energy industry. Distributed wind is the use of wind turbines at homes, farm and ranches, businesses, public and industrial facilities, off-grid and other sites connected either physically or virtually on the customer side of the meter to offset all or a portion of local energy consumption or to support grid operations. DWEA seeks to represent members and associates from all sectors with relevant interests pertaining to the distributed wind industry. For more information on DWEA, please go to www.distributedwind.org. Follow us on Twitter @DWEA and like us on Facebook.

Congress has opportunity to restore stability to distributed wind markets

DWEA Executive Director Jennifer Jenkins, applauds introduction of Bridge to a Clean Energy Future Act of 2014 by Rep Blumenauer

New legislation extends expired all important clean energy tax provisions including the distributed wind Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

Congress continued to move forward on extending vital clean energy tax provisions that expired earlier this year, which includes the Investment Tax Credit for distributed wind.

“I continue to be impressed with Representative Blumenauer’s leadership in support of our industry,” said Jennifer Jenkins, Executive Director of the Distributed Wind Energy Association (DWEA).  “A renewed ITC will provide business certainty to the community and distributed wind segments of the wind industry that are generally unable to utilize the PTC. This incentive enables them to continue to drive economic development across farms, schools, business, and communities across the country. Distributed wind projects are present in all 50 states, providing clean, homegrown, affordable power; helping to keep the lights on and Americans at work. In order for this industry to continue to grow and expand we urge swift passage of the ITC when Congress returns from recess.”

The bill was introduced with 17 co-sponsors who should also be applauded for their leadership:

Rep Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7]
Rep Kind, Ron [D-WI-3]
Rep Langevin, James R. [D-RI-2]
Rep Larson, John B. [D-CT-1]
Rep Lee, Barbara [D-CA-13]
Rep Levin, Sander M. [D-MI-9]
Rep Lewis, John [D-GA-5]
Rep Loebsack, David [D-IA-2]
Rep McDermott, Jim [D-WA-7]
Rep Moran, James P. [D-VA-8]
Rep Neal, Richard E. [D-MA-1]
Rep Pascrell, Bill, Jr. [D-NJ-9]
Rep Rangel, Charles B. [D-NY-13]
Rep Ryan, Tim [D-OH-13]
Rep Sanchez, Linda T. [D-CA-38]
Rep Schwartz, Allyson Y. [D-PA-13]
Rep Thompson, Mike [D-CA-5]

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About the Distributed Wind Energy Association
The Distributed Wind Energy Association is a collaborative group comprised of manufacturers, distributors, project developers, dealers, installers, and advocates, whose primary mission is to promote and foster all aspects of the American distributed wind energy industry. Distributed wind is the use of wind turbines at homes, farm and ranches, businesses, public and industrial facilities, off-grid and other sites connected either physically or virtually on the customer side of the meter to offset all or a portion of local energy consumption or to support grid operations. DWEA seeks to represent members and associates from all sectors with relevant interests pertaining to the distributed wind industry. For more information on DWEA, please go to www.distributedwind.org. Follow us on Twitter @DWEA and like us on Facebook

 

Congress has opportunity to restore stability to distributed wind markets

Statement from DWEA Executive Director, Jennifer Jenkins on 2013 Distributed Wind Market Report

Department of Energy’s 2013 Distributed Wind Market report highlights American manufacturing success story

“The Distributed Wind Market Report issued today by the Department of Energy underscores what a true American small business success story this industry is and the market is on track to outpace last year’s deployments by a significant margin. This is a true homegrown industry that is generating clean, affordable electricity across all 50 states, while keeping the lights on and Americans at work. It’s important to realize that the vast majority of distributed wind turbines installed in 2013 were built right here in the United States. The U.S. distributed wind energy supply chain is made up of hundreds of manufacturing facilities and vendors spread across the country — supporting jobs in manufacturing, retail, construction and maintenance. This is a critical time for our industry.  In order to see continued and expanded growth of domestic wind manufacturing and related markets at home and abroad it’s imperative that Congress soon pass an ITC extension and make other important renewable energy investments.  These actions will provide the stability that the wind markets need to thrive. New wind leasing and other financing models in combination with improved federal and state policies could increase distributed wind’s competitiveness and market potential to nearly 80 GW by 2025.”

 

For more information on the latest report visit https://distributedwind.org or http://energy.gov/2013-wind-report


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About the Distributed Wind Energy Association
The Distributed Wind Energy Association is a collaborative group comprised of manufacturers, distributors, project developers, dealers, installers, and advocates, whose primary mission is to promote and foster all aspects of the American distributed wind energy industry. Distributed wind is the use of wind turbines at homes, farm and ranches, businesses, public and industrial facilities, off-grid and other sites connected either physically or virtually on the customer side of the meter to offset all or a portion of local energy consumption or to support grid operations. DWEA seeks to represent members and associates from all sectors with relevant interests pertaining to the distributed wind industry. For more information on DWEA, please go to www.distributedwind.org. Follow us on Twitter @DWEA and like us on Facebook.

Representatives Blumenauer (OR-03) and Cole (OK-04) applauded for introducing Rural Wind Energy Development Act

Representatives Blumenauer (OR-03) and Cole (OK-04) applauded for introducing Rural Wind Energy Development Act

New legislation expands limits on small wind ITC to include broader distributed wind industry

 

Washington, DC – Today, Representatives Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) and Tom Cole (OK-04) introduced the Rural Wind Energy Development Act to provide an investment tax credit to ranchers, farmers, and small businesses to offset the up-front costs of owning a distributed wind turbine.  This modest expansion of current law will keep small business energy jobs growing across the United States.

Distributed wind projects are present in all 50 states, providing clean, homegrown, affordable power and economic development across the United States.  These systems are commonly, but not always, installed on residential, agricultural, commercial, industrial, and community sites and can range in size from a few-hundred-watt, off-grid turbine at a remote cabin or a 5-kW turbine at a home to a multi-MW turbine at a manufacturing facility.

“I applaud Representatives Blumenauer and Cole for their leadership at this critical time for our industry,” said Jennifer Jenkins, Executive Director of the Distributed Wind Energy Association. “This industry is bigger than just one job or one type of turbine. We have an entire supply chain here in the U.S. providing parts for a wide range of distributed wind systems, while employing Americans and providing American-produced electricity. This legislation will provide stability and certainty for the entire distributed wind market and allow this American success story to go on.”

The Congressmen issued the following statements earlier today:

“Community wind energy not only creates American-produced electricity, but American jobs as well,” said Blumenauer. “Approximately 90% of distributed wind turbines sold in the U.S. are made here, according to domestic manufacturing content, creating non-exportable, family wage jobs.”

“I am pleased to once again work with my friend and colleague in furthering the success of the same credit we worked to create in 2008,” said Cole. “Not only does the credit play an important role in encouraging and developing an all-of-the-above energy approach for our nation, but it also ensures that America continues to be a leader in innovation. By modestly increasing this credit, we can continue to encourage economic development, especially in our rural communities.”

The existing investment credits, which may be taken in lieu of the federal Production Tax Credit for large-scale wind projects, have worked very well, but are too limiting. This bill strikes the existing 100 kilowatt nameplate limitation for small wind systems, and expands the maximum wind turbine size to 20 megawatts, in line with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission definition of distributed wind power.

This will provide stability and certainty for the distributed wind market and unlock the necessary investment to grow our global leadership role in distributed wind power, while helping Americans take advantage of clean, renewable, affordable power.


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About the Distributed Wind Energy Association
The Distributed Wind Energy Association is a collaborative group comprised of manufacturers, distributors, project developers, dealers, installers, and advocates, whose primary mission is to promote and foster all aspects of the American distributed wind energy industry. Distributed wind is the use of wind turbines at homes, farm and ranches, businesses, public and industrial facilities, off-grid and other sites connected either physically or virtually on the customer side of the meter to offset all or a portion of local energy consumption or to support grid operations. DWEA seeks to represent members and associates from all sectors with relevant interests pertaining to the distributed wind industry. For more information on DWEA, please go to www.distributedwind.org. Follow us on Twitter @DWEA and like us on Facebook

 For more information
Lauren Glickman, Communications Manager
Lglickman@distributedwind.org