NABCEP Call for comments [RE-wrenches] -- California Focus

[Max Balchowsky]

Mo, I've been selling for AP and the Home Depot program here in the Cochella
Valley. (but I've not seen 10 hours or peak sun yet, although sometimes it
feels like it). I think the AP HD program is a good one, and I've been
impressed with the Quality of the Sunline Systems and the support of AP and
SMA (they are the only inverter I'll use in the desert). The HD financing
does make the deal do-able for a lot of people that would not take the step
without it. I've also come into homes behind other sales people from a
couple of companies and had to inform customers that they cannot expect 10
hours of daily operation, even here in the desert. On top of that they have
been told that a 4.9 system will suffice, when I do the numbers they need
13.2 to net zero. Large air conditioning loads here and the rate structure
for region 15 makes it really tough on Home Owners here in the valley. (I
didn't realize how spoiled I was buying power from LADWP until I moved to
Palm Springs last January). I think the move towards certification is a
positive thing, I just don't know the best approach and it probably won't
stop a salesmen more concerned with commission that integrity.........

Max Balchowsky

SeeSystems
100 S. Sunrise Wy # 285
Palm Springs, Ca. 92262
760-403-6810

----- Original Message -----
From: <mrousso at urbanrefuge.com>
To: <RE-wrenches at topica.com>
Sent: Wednesday, October 23, 2002 10:04 PM
Subject: Re: NABCEP Call for comments [RE-wrenches] -- California Focus


> I recently lost a 10kw system to Home
> Depot/Astropower.  According to the homeowner, I was
> definitely the most knowledgeable and helpful of all
> of the bidders but Home Depot won the job because of
> their financing and 6 months same as cash -- sigh...
>
> I spent another day in paradise yesterday trying to
> convince a potential buyer that I was not trying to
> gouge her by trying to sell her a larger system than
> my competitor.  Apparantly there are close to 10 hours
> of sun available each and every day in an ideal
> environment of no efficiency losses.  I sure want to
> know where I can buy some of that!
>
> Am I for mandatory certification??  You betchya!
> There is too much schlock being sold and installed
> these days.  With the rebates being streteched thin,
> it has to become incumbent upon the CEC to start
> allocating monies to only those dealer/installers that
> measure up.  Maybe criteria a la SMUD is also an
> option?  Why should I be competing for monies against
> systems that are poorly oriented and located under
> significant shading obstacles?  Why should I be
> competing for monies against systems that are sold as
> 100% efficient or that magically use 10 hours of sun
> per day year round?
>
> I'm willing to sit for the certification test right
> now!  Is CalSEIA a potential avenue to push this??  I
> don't know, they seem to tread softly when it comes to
> potentially alienate existing contractor members even
> though existing contractor licensing requirements are
> inadequate when it comes to PV.
>
> =====
> Mo Rousso
> Urban Refuge, Inc. - A Solar Energy Company
> 760.451.9374 (v) 760.451.9784 (f) 760.845.8843 (c)
> mrousso at urbanrefuge.com
> www.urbanrefuge.com
>
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