The National Wind Technology Center, a wind energy research facility of National Renewable Energy Laboratory, United States Department of Energy is is proposing to independently test small wind turbines at the National Wind Technology Center in Boulder, Colorado, starting next fall/winter. I've attached information on how to access the Pre-Solicitation Notice that gives more information about this new testing program. A RFP will be released this spring.

The objective of the solicitation for independent testing is to provide high-quality, detailed, and independent test results for a number of small turbines and allow them the opportunity to earn a certification granted by an independent certification body, which is the process of being formed by the IREC Small Wind Certification Corporation, a non-profit organization with support from DOE, AWEA, States Energy Offices, and turbine manufacturers.

The solicitation will target commercially available turbines that have a high probability of success in the US market over the next several years.

NREL will select representative models for testing, arrange for installation of the turbine systems at the NWTC, evaluate the turbines through testing and other observations over a period of up to one year, and report its findings on the NREL web site.

To view the presolicitation notice and sign up for the RFP notification list visit the link below:

http://www.fbo.gov/spg/DOE/NREL/NR/RAM%2D7%2D77539/SynopsisP.html

Have a windy day!

-Brian