pv and thermal [RE-wrenches]

[Jeff Yago]

We started out in commercial solar thermal in 1973, and designed and
installed many large solar hot water projects for hospitals and military
bases thru early 1980's.  After the solar tax credits were passed, solar
thermal got a bad name as hundreds of in-experienced installers jumped into
the market and "siding salesmen" using high pressure phone sales sold
thousands of cheap, leaking solar hot water heaters for $8,000 to $12,000 to
people only thinking about getting the tax credit who would never recover
these high costs in utility savings.

As we moved into solar PV in the late 80's, we found that the staff who
install wiring requires  different skills, parts, tools, and code knowledge
than installing pipe.  We also found that the typical clients in our area
interested in pv were interested only in a backup power system (reduce their
utility bills was not primary due to low electric rates), or to power second
homes located in areas not served by the grid.   Of course many of these pv
clients could also benefit from a solar DHW system, but it was the solar pv
driving our sales.

If we have a customer contact only interested in solar thermal, we refer
them to one of several plumbers in the area that advertise as solar hot
water installers.   We always try to include passive solar in any home
design, but this is usually more related to glazing, thermal mass, and
orientation than selling hardware.

Bottom line - although we could also install solar thermal, we decided years
ago to concentrate on solar pv.  We have lots of solar thermal installers
around who do a good job and have chosen to stay out of solar pv.   We refer
customers to each other and this seems to be good for everybody.  I think
your local market conditions, not your installation abilities, will
determine if you do one or both.

Jeff Yago

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