New License requirements, Burn-out, etc. [RE-wrenches]

Baran Galocy livewire at c-zone.net
Fri May 11 09:20:16 PDT 2001


Lynn,

I empathize.  The political climate out here expects women to succeed at
business, and CA. still has programs for assisting minorities and women in
business (and you are the wrench most likely to have experienced the "why"
of these programs), but I digress . . .

I think your idea of a separate classification for renewables is right-on!
I would go so far as to reclassify hydro, wind, and photovoltaics into
sub-categories of a license, and passive solar and geo-thermal heating and
cooling into another.  Obviously, this is a state issue, so you will
probably see it here, first  [California] ;-)   I would be very interested
in what other wrenches feel about this.  Should a licensed, bonded, insured
electrician be required to attain another license, or separate
certification, or should we not be so concerned about him/her?  If they have
done their homework, they really can do a good installation.  It all boils
down to integrity.  Of course the wrench is in it for the money (all
martyrs, go jump off the cliff - together, now . . .)  But is the wrench
focused on the cash, or the quality?  I believe that all of us, right along
there with water, seek our own level.  If you are riding high enough,
focused on the quality and appropriateness of your work and you truly care
about your customers, you won't even notice any backlash against the
industry because you will be setting the standard.

This leads me to an opposing point of view.  I AM a great believer in the
sink-or-swim approach to life.  Natural selection in the renewable
industries jungle looks like poor jobs, no referrals,  license reports,
cancelled liability insurance, etc.  I can easily use the shoddy work of a
dozen fly-by-nighters as an example of why people should hire me.  I guess
what I am saying is that "they" can't drag us down, make us look bad, etc.
The F.B.N.'ers will come, do poor work, get weeded out, and those of us who
are integrous and knowledgeable will prosper and thrive.  The much feared
passive heating debacle of the 70's will not repeat itself to the same
degree for several reasons. 1)  The technology involved in RE is an entirely
different world from passive heating. 2)  The cost of the equipment is huge!
How does a shoddy, FBN'er pay for systems, collect final payments, pass
inspections, etc?  3)  RE is worldwide, and it can not go away, it can only
re-package itself into something much more spectacular, i.e. fuel cells!
I strongly urge all wrenches to join their local Chamber of Commerce.  The
networking opportunities are incredible.  I have received tips, been invited
to lecture on renewables, and gained useful and applicable knowledge from my
business associations.  When the carpet-baggers come streaming in, I will be
the local "pro from Dover" because of the groundwork I am now laying.  We
all need to stake our claims and establish ourselves in the eyes of our
communities.   I believe the universe supports us to the extent of our
commitment.  Look around you and you will see just what you believe in.
This is either good news or bad news.

Allan,

Thank you for your words of encouragement.   As you can see, I am in no way,
shape or form discouraged.  I pretty much play 24/7.  I get goosebumps
equally from a freshly installed 2 KWH system or a snow-capped mountain
scene.  Go figure, eh?

Namaste, Baran

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