PV industry responsibilities (was SB 2500 rescue) [RE-wrenches]

[Joel Davidson]

>From John Wiles' cover story article, "Photovoltaic Power Systems," in the NEC
Digest, NFPA's Official NEC Magazine: "The most common equipment related problem
is lack of full reliability and durability testing. This new equipment may pass
laboratory safety and minimal performance tests (for listing), but may not have
been exposed to extensive operation under field conditions. The pressures of
market demand sometimes cause manufacturers to rush equipment out the door
without a sufficient testing period, making early users unknowing beta testers."

1. NEC Digest is free to the trade. Go to www.necdigest.org
2. John's article article has many informative and positive comments from an NEC
viewpoint, but I'm disappointed that the editor chose this big print bullet,
"These systems are electrical power systems and have the capacity to damage
property and harm people when installed improperly." I would have wrote, "When
these systems are installed properly, they mitigate environmental damage and
empower the user."
3. Since some PV equipment has not been sufficiently tested, PV professionals
(mailorder, internet and contractors) have a responsibility to help customers
after the sale. Please email me off-list if you have hard evidence of a PV
company not providing after-sales customer service.

Matt Lafferty wrote:

> Keith said:  I want to take my rice patty hat off to the crew at SMA.
>
> All:
>
> I, too, echo Keith's sentiments.
>
> With over 250 SB2500's installed since September 11, 2001, we have
> encountered a few "technical difficulties".
>
> SMA has ALWAYS been extremely responsive, on a technical, service and
> administrative level.
>
> These factors build Customer Confidence, Installer's piece of mind and
> loyalty.  Now if I could only get John to start selling them to me for
> $200......
>
> I have often stated that the way SMA is doing business here in the States is
> a model the rest of the industry should emulate.
>
> Hats off to the growing crew at SMA.  May you never change the diligence and
> commitment to Customer Service!
>
> -Matt Lafferty
> pvpro at attbi.com

- - - -
To send a message: RE-wrenches at topica.com

Archive of previous messages: http://www.topica.com/lists/RE-wrenches/

List rules & etiquette: http://www.mrsharkey.com/wrenches/etiquete.htm

Check out participant bios: www.mrsharkey.com/wrenches/index.html

Hosted by Home Power magazine

Moderator: michael.welch at homepower.com

==^================================================================
This email was sent to: michael.welch at homepower.com

EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?bz8Qcs.bz9JC9.bWljaGFl
Or send an email to: RE-wrenches-unsubscribe at topica.com

T O P I C A -- Register now to manage your mail!
http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/register
==^================================================================