licensed installers [RE-wrenches]

[Bob-O Schultze, Electron Connection]

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Jeff,
As you know, to become NABCEP certified you have to have legally  
installed at least two and up to eight systems. A DIY homeowner is  
unlikely to qualify to sit for the test, let alone pass it.
As to doing a "plans review", it would depend on who and where they  
were. Here in OR, DIYs don't qualify for incentives and a Certified  
OR DOE contractor must sign off on any DIY installation before a tax  
credit is issued. As a result, we have very few DIYs. A good thing,  
all things considered. If the homeowner was in a different state  
where there were no such requirements AND there were no known  
Wrenches or NABCEP Certs. anywhere near him/her (I always check  
nabcep.org) AND it was clear that they were going to do their own  
thing regardless, I MIGHT-for a fee- review their system design, but  
probably not size wiring, conduit, etc. for them unless they signed a  
waiver that all information they provided to me (distances, etc.) was  
accurate. Even then, maybe not. I put big stock in my gut feeling  
about the person to whom I'm speaking.
Since you are not either directly or even indirectly involved with  
the actual installation, I think your liability would be very small.  
And, at least the client has the prescience of mind to realize that  
it's smart to run his design past someone with proven experience and  
intelligence. In that regard, you are rendering a valuable service.
Any licensed electrician in his state willing to sign off on an  
installation that he/she had nothing to do with is a freakin' idiot.
Best, Bob-O

On Aug 23, 2006, at 7:00 PM, Jeff Yago wrote:

>
> I was just contacted by a homeowner who plans to install a $40,000  
> grid connected pv system on his own home as part of his "learning  
> process", and he plans to become certified by NABCEP in the  
> process.   He wanted me to review his design and was upset when I  
> refused.  He said he would pay me to "check" his design, and was  
> willig to sign a "waiver" saying I am not responsible for his system.
>
> I still responded that I was not willing to get involved, as if his  
> house burns down, some letter written by the installer who has no  
> idea what he is doing would not hold up in court if you are  
> considered to be a "licensed solar expert".  I also pointed out  
> that any solar system installed for net metering would require a  
> letter to the local utility stating the system meets code and  
> signed by a licensed electrician who did the installation.   He  
> then replied that he had an electrician that would sign his letters  
> even though the electrician had nothing to do with the design or  
> installation of any of them.
>
> Being a licensed engineer and a licensed electrician, it scares me  
> that other "professionals" are willing to provide this type of  
> assistance to people who clearly do not know what they are doing.   
> I also know the state's licensing laws forbid "certifing" or  
> "approving" work you are not directly involved with from start to  
> finish.
>
> Have any of you been approached to "review" somebody elses solar  
> installation and if you do, arn't you taking a big risk?
>
> Jeff Yago, P.E., C.E.M
> NABCEP certified installer
> licensed electrician


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