Astropower [RE-wrenches]

[Bill Brooks]

Wrenches,

This AstroPower thread is interesting, but I think some of the assessments
are misguided. AstroPower has been in major trouble for six months to a
year. The majority of the problems were a result of poor judgment on the
part of the executive officers. As unpopular as the HD method may be to some
wrenches, it was never a program that allowed DIY or just any electrician.
All installers received extensive training from one of the best trainers in
our industry (not me) which is more than can be said for many PV installers.

While I am on that subject, the vast majority of DIY systems are sold by
mail order outfits, not manufacturers. AstroPower had a very strict dealer
policy over the past 3 years. This policy caused them to have much lower
installation problems than many other manufacturers. With all do respect to
the good folks at Backwoods, AstroPower purposely did not want to sell to
those types of resellers because of concerns that DIYers would cause them
numerous headaches that they experienced 4-6 years ago.

Keep AstroPower in your prayers. They are one of the few truly independent
PV manufacturers (for now) and hopefully this chapter 11 bankruptcy will
help them get back on their feet.

Bill.

-----Original Message-----
From: Bob-O Schultze, Electron Connection
[mailto:econnect at snowcrest.net]
Sent: Friday, February 06, 2004 11:44 AM
To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
Subject: Re: Astropower [RE-wrenches]


Along the same lines, I wonder just how much the Astropower/Home
Depot thing hurt their product. They were, of course, shooting for a
packaged "appliance" that the DIY folks or a "regular" electrician
could install. Bad idea, IMO. The CEC apparently thought that way too
and cut the rebate for DIY....

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