Installer Certification & Monster- Painful truth[RE-wrenches]

[Joel Davidson]

When Uni-Solar shingles and metal roofing were introduced, there was a heated debate about whether roofers are qualified to install PV and whether electricians are qualified to do roof work. The IBEW tried to claim the whole PV installation, including the roof work.

In California a few years ago, there was concern whether C-46 licensed solar contractors were qualified to do PV. C-10 electrical contractors tried to claim that C-46 was for solar water heater contractors that only did heater controller wiring, but not PV systems.

A license (contractor, engineering, etc.) does not mean a person is competent and experienced, but I prefer a licensed person on the team. A certification course does not mean a person is competent and experienced, but I require professionals to practice life-long learning.

I use the same method to buy labor and materials. Know what you want. Shop around. Select candidates. Ask questions. Ask for references. Look at previous work. Make a decision. Be responsible for your actions.

William Miller wrote:

> At 10:23 PM 7/13/01 -0400, you wrote:
> >>>>
> collar has to include roofing work, or have a licensed roofer make the attachments. I can train a licensed experienced electrician in 8 hours how to install any type of light commercial or residential commercially available solar electric equipment. These carbon based life forms called electricians are
>
> Gator Tom:
>
> I have to respectfully disagree with some of your points. I could train someone on most roof attachments in 2 hours but I sure could not train them to become a PV electrician in 2 hours. You may need to check the integrity of your electrical work if you are regarding it so glibly. The installation procedures and proper selection of materials alone is a complex process. Factor in all of the considerations for proper design and you should realize that even experienced electricians require extensive training to become good PV installers.
>
> Don't think I taught myself the roofing part either. For each unique roofing situation I bring in a licensed roofer to either perform the attachments or instruct me on procedure and materials. I belive strongly in using licensed contractors. Recently, I had to trim some oak trees to provide access for a cement mixer on a job. I brought in a licensed tree trimmer and sure enough, the neighbors complained about the trimming. I was able to point out the fact the work was done by a specialist and the complaints disappeared.
>
> I do agree with your caution about letting bureaucrats set the standards. Lets insist on our tradespeople setting the standards.
>
> The font you used in your e-mail was difficult for me to read. Would you consider submitting to this list with something more legible?
>
> Thanks,
>
> William Miller
>
> __________________________________________________________________
> William Miller
> SLO Communications: Communications and Power Systems Consulting
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> email: wrmiller at slonet.org
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