MCS only covers kit up to 50 kW. Anything above is open.

Although the manufacturers advertise the Endurance as exactly 50 kW that is at 9.5 m/s wind speed whereas the MCS standard is 11 m/s. So at the higher speed it is rated at approx 55 kW - meaning that it doesn't need to be MCS registered.

I have a Proven 6kW.

If you have a 3 phase supply then I think the Gaia 11kW is a top contender - although there is supposed to be a single phase version coming soon. Bergey also have a well founded reputation, though they are not on the MCS list.

I haven't looked at 50kW machines in enough detail to say.

Windy lamb/Windyboy,
From my knowledge of larger machines I would never buy a new model. Most of the testing is done in the field and you can pay the price with long periods of lost production. Go for a machine with a proven track record every time. It should have all the teething faults sorted before you install then,
Gusty.

This is what the MCS MIS 3003 standard says - updated just a few weeks ago (but previous versions used similar wording):

"For the purposes of this standard, Micro and Small Wind Turbine systems are defined as those having an electrical output up to 50kW (measured at a wind speed of 11.0 metres per second as defined in BWEA etc)."

The BWEA do have a safety and performance standard for small turbines that applies based on swept area - up to 200m2, but that is not what the MCS are using as their definition. Above that size different BWEA standards would apply. But the FiTs legislation requires that the MCS limit is based on 50kW Declared Net Capacity.

Re windylamb........After doing a lot of research in 2010 I opted for a Gaia, 11kW, which was installed in June. Has had no problems, just a few error messages on the computer which are easy enough to reset. I've had 7200kWh since June, 1500 in June, 1100 July, 1200 Aug and 2600 in Sept. Then 800kWh so far in Oct. My annual, measured, average wind speed last year was 4.5m/s at hub height.
I was going to go for an Evoco but they kept putting the price up so the Gaia worked out much better £/kW. The Bergey comes with a 10 year warrantee but no FITs and is better suited to high wind areas. The Gaia owners I visited and spoke to whilst doing my research were all very positive. I do know of a couple of Gaias that do/did have software issues which took time to solve. Think of it like buying a car. Do you go for a new model from a new manufacturer or do you go for an existing model with a track record. Either way you could buy one that's built on Friday afternoon but you can reduce the risk by doing your homework. And remember, Choosing the right installer is as important as the turbine.

Thanks for this WL.........RE OUTPUT FIGURES......Are these what you expected on the Gaia Windylamb? Projecting for the 12 months are you expecting say 20-25000 Kwh ? Based on your estimated average windspeed is this about right or are you currently disappointed ? Regards Windyboy.

Hi Pauler........thanks for the above info.....your intel on cracked flanges last time was spot on so I'm not doubting your info this time.......looks like another mail to Ben Harrison at Evoco on this one.....will report back with response......thanks again Pauler.

Windyboy
Re my Gaia; Yes the output/production is about what I expected. I estimated an annual generation of 24,000kWh which was based on my 2009-2010 measured wind speed of 4.5m/s. I'm hoping it may be a bit more but we'll see. Most installers said it would be 30,000kWh. I'm averaging about 95kWh/day since the start of September but in total, since installation (June), it's averaged 63kWh/day - so it's around 22,000kWh/year.

There's an Evoco a few miles away from me which has been up about the same time and seems always turning - I should go and ask him how he's doing, shouldn't I ?

Some talk about EVOCO Blade issues here:

http://farmingforum.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=59950

Looks like 3 Evoco turbines had problems with blades breaking etc:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2083149/Wind-turbines-cope-UK-weather-3-blown-pieces.html

Their press relase says they have 150 of these things installed, and only the ones in Yorskshire broke (but 3 of them did there). So either they have a batch of duff blades or it's been windier in yokshire than anywhere else.

Hi Windyboy,
My Gaia is fine (except for that "rotor overspeed" error message coming up all the time but I'm getting a new controller to sought that - finally).

It's done 17,470kWh since June so no issues with production. I've also had no down time or breakages and without the overspeed error message I wouldn't have had to touch it. That's the only niggle - a false error message which stops the turbine in very light winds meaning I have to go to the turbine controller and press the reset button before it'll restart. Luckily it's not a long walk.

In those strong winds we had it just kept going at 56rpm but you could hear the brake coming on in very strong gusts. Not sure if I would be as confident with a high rotor speed design - thought my little Rutland wind charger was going to take off and that's only about 1m wingspan!

What a shame, these bad news stories do no good for anyone. Followed the link and checked out some of the comments posted, they pretty much all say how bad wind farms/turbines are even a link there for an on line petition to stop all wind turbine development. Anyway I bet you PV guys are loving this sunny weather however here in sunny north Cornwall not a breath of wind, freezing cold and only the job of carrying out water to the animals to keep me warm (and a candle or two!)

Another knee jerk reaction by a planning department and as for the local MP wanting a blanket ban on all wind turbine applications. It's a bit like having a blanket ban on applications for houses because there was a house fire in Bradford last week - moron.