IBEW's need for a huge jug of prune juice [RE-wrenches]

[Matt Lafferty]

Wrenches:

I should have mentioned that my girlfriend not only passed the test at the
end of the course but ACED it, with no prior electrical experience.  She not
only got the electrical theory, PV theory and "hands-on" stuff, but the
rebate, net-metering and associated issues as well.  PTC, STC, AC, DC, etc.
Her quest for knowledge and the various ways it can be implemented has not
ceased.

If a blackjack/craps dealer, outdoors loving, people loving, tree-hugging,
fun seeking chick from Lake Tahoe can get it and get it good sitting amongst
a bunch of Contractors (she was admitted to the course only because a
Contractor said she was his wife and business partner), some of whom didn't
pass the test by the way (no favortism here), then the course is valid.  The
content is relevant.  It is up to the student to reach for their own
understanding and apply it.

This, in my opinion, demonstrates that we shouldn't close our minds to
anything.  I am, for one, open to things I don't know.  Open to things I
haven't considered yet and welcome them.

I can defend, and will, if need be, the fact that my girlfriend applied her
talents and God-given gifts (not what you're thinking) to expand her
knowledge and understanding in order to apply them to something that
benefits those outside her immediate circle.

I challenge all to adopt that attitude.

Just thought you all shouldn't read too much into my post...I try to apply a
fair, unbiased approach to my perspective.

Best,

-Matt Lafferty
pvpro at attbi.com


----- Original Message -----
From: "Matt Lafferty" <pvpro at attbi.com>
To: <RE-wrenches at topica.com>
Sent: Sunday, June 02, 2002 2:43 PM
Subject: Re: IBEW's need for a huge jug of prune juice [RE-wrenches]


> Jeff / Wrenches:
>
> I, too, have had similar experiences.  I teach a 3-day, Contractor's Only,
> Grid-Tied Only, course.  I do this outside of my "Day Job", through a
> non-profit energy efficiency organization.
>
> They originally approached me with the idea of "General Public" training.
I
> was able to convince them that the real, broadbased impact would be better
> directed to Electrical Contractors unless the course was a month-long
affair
> (I wouldn't put my personal name on the course if I wasn't convinced that
I
> was able to "get the point accross".)
>
> The relationship of "Amps/Volts/Watts" & "Series/Paralell" circuits is
> literally foreign to these guys/gals (Yes, a couple of gals do attend, in
> fact, one of them is my girlfriend now, but that's another story!
Pictures
> available at......just kidding!  :-)  )
>
> I have modified the course in its content and the timing of the
presentation
> to address this.  The feedback I get from the class and the support I
offer
> afterward is extremely important to me.  I, too, believe that electricians
> are and will be a significant "backbone" of the installations of PV and
need
> guidance initially.  My hope is that the information they receive leads
them
> to follow up, ask questions where they aren't sure, and succeed in their
> endeavor to add PV to the services & products they offer their customers.
>
> I further believe that if those of us with the proper experience
acknowledge
> and accept the responsibility to guide the newcomers, we and our industry
as
> a whole stands a better chance of success.
>
> On the topic of common sense, I defer to a statement I made to my
> grandfather when I was about 12......"Why do they call it common sense
when
> it is so uncommon".
>
> Pray for Sun!
>
> -Matt Lafferty
> pvpro at attbi.com
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Jeff Yago" <jryago at earthlink.net>
>
> > Last fall I was asked to teach a two day weekend solar installer course
> for
> > a community college that only allowed licensed electricians to attend.
At
> > the start of the class I was amazed that so many did not understand the
> > "basics" of series/parallel circuits, current verses voltage
> relationships,
> > how to use a meter to check a circuit, and common sense equipment
location
> > concerns.
> >
> > By the end of the second day, most were on track and I believe could do
a
> > good job with a typical 1 to 4 kW residential system.  I agree with you
> all
> > that most electricians still need guidance before taking on their first
pv
> > system, however, I think it is still easier to teach an electrician the
> > parts they don't know, than to teach a non-electrician "want to be" pv
> > installer which end of a wire stripper to hold.  The same was true in
the
> > 1970's with licensed plumbers verses solar hot water dealers.
> >
> > We have found licensed electricians still do the best work on our pv
jobs,
> > but we watch them very closely during the installation and meter check
> their
> > wiring before system startup.
> >
> > Jeff Yago
> > Dunimis Technology Inc.
> > 804-784-0063
>

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