Solar Slavery [RE-wrenches]

Jeff Yago jryago at netscape.com
Fri Dec 22 23:42:51 PST 2006


I have no doubt that as a non-California installer, I probably do not have the right to offer advice to those of you who are. So instead of advice, I will settle for just asking a few questions as I have no answers.

I understand there is a need in this young industry to make sure non-qualified contractors don't muck it up for the rest of us, and provide the public with a better way to identify those who are trained. I assume NAPCEP is trying to fill that need.

However, the issue is not just protecting the public from us. 

Who is going to protect us from un-realistic demands and requirements from state agencies?   

Who is going to make all states have the same installation requirements so we do not have a different system design for each state?   Just take a simple exterior dis-connect for example, and you see what I mean.

Who is going to protect us from other installers who do not "play fair"? 

Who is going to protect us from some utilities that still think their mission in life is to block as many grid-tie systems as they can? 

Who is going to set up bulk buying programs so the smaller installers can benefit from larger volume discounts for things we need like advertising, insurance, web site development, and why not even for bulk buying modules and inverters?   

Why does it seem like we are always "begging" somebody to sell us what we need at whatever price we have to pay, assuming anybody actually has the stock to sell in the first place?  Who is bringing us together to fight collectively?

Bottom line, if this industry keeps growing as fast as it is now, if NABCEP or some other trade association does not step up to the plate and help the dedicated solar installers for a change, then someone else will, and maybe sooner than later.

Jeff Yago

_____________________________________________________________
Netscape.  Just the Net You Need.


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