[RE-wrenches] NABCEP - grid tie---Off grid
Dave Click
daveclick at fsec.ucf.edu
Mon Nov 30 04:44:04 PST 2009
> Speaking of IBEW, how
> about the installation done in Dorchester, Ma., do you mount your arrays
> vertically?
That (relatively small--5.4kW) array was installed vertically to improve
its visibility from I-93. It was understood that vertical PV facing
somewhat SE wouldn't have been as efficient as a 30 degree slope facing
south, but visibility was more important than increasing the energy
production by $60/yr.
DKC
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] NABCEP - grid tie---Off grid
From: Tump <tump at hughes.net>
To: 'RE-wrenches' <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
Date: 2009/11/26 10:03
> Having worked for many years educating my clients, legislators and other
> officials of the value of a NABCEP certification,NABCEP IS important to
> me. I have invested many hours working w/ the early supporters,
> developing a national certification program which morphed into the
> NABCEP program. I also work on various NABCEP committees working to
> insure NABCEP,the test & the test questions are relevant AND continue to
> address the real world of PV installations I personally find your lack
> of support for the NABCEP certification undermining.
> Recently while developing new test questions for /_both on & off grid
> applications_/, myself & the installers working w/ NABCEP, the testing
> lab & some other HIGHLY qualified individuals got into a row about how
> tough we were making the entry level questions. "This isn't what those
> kids will know". The installers argued that NABCEP is the best
> benchmark & the test was a method of helping our industry weed out those
> people that want a easy transition into our/your solar world. We were
> finally able to convince the dissenters that the tough questions WERE
> the right way to go.
> I think that many folks see the NABCEP program "a way in",the actual
> certification test is NOT an easy.
> It is true that NOTHING will prevent some low balling jerk (NABCEP
> certified or not) from getting the job.
> There are those of us who see the value in the certification, while the
> St. of Maine sees it (the NABCEP test) as too tough a test so what did
> they do? They have developed one of their own tests,something that
> allows very poor quality of work to be accepted for rebate funds, (some
> of it performed by IBEW & licensed electricians). Speaking of IBEW, how
> about the installation done in Dorchester, Ma., do you mount your arrays
> vertically?
> Yeah I loose jobs too, because I charge a competitive rate,install a
> quality a product,value my insurance, both health & liability.I
> also value my reputation as someone that is considered "one of the
> better installers" in the state where I live & work!
> There are many of us that have worked to improve the value of the
> NABCEP program, you may have seen my personal attack & praise of the
> NABCEP program.
> I find presently that the increasing awareness of the NABCEP program
> comforting,BUT, I too find the lack of support from the industry & some
> States frustrating.
> Certification is NOT for everyone, its expensive & time consuming but w/
> continued interest from folks that may be on the fence & the continuing
> hard work marketing the certification program "as the one to have", we
> will continue to see the quality minded customer looking for that NABCEP
> certification.
> Please review some of the questions on the test, perhaps one of these
> days you too will see the value of NABCEP & become one of the proud,
> frustrated NABCEP certificate holders.
> Were you also someone that said that computers were too costly and a
> waste of time?
> OK I've gotta go & saddle bend up my horse & ride off to turkey land.......
>
> *Tump at swnl.net* <mailto:Tump at swnl.net> _*www.SWNL.net*
> <http://www.swnl.net/>_
> Solarwinds Northernlights
> */ Serving Mid Coast Maine & Northern California
> Me.# 207-832-7574 Cl.# 610-517-8401/*
>
> /* Blair "TUMP" May*/
> */ ******** MAINE'S CHARTER ********
> _ NABCEP "Certified PV Installer"_/**/_
> _
> ******** MAINE'S CHARTER ********
> /**/_Trace Xantrex "Certified" Dealer / Installer"
> _ /*
> */ /*
>
> -----Original Message-----
> *From:* re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org
> [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] *On Behalf Of
> *William Miller
> *Sent:* Wednesday, November 25, 2009 2:48 AM
> *To:* RE-wrenches
> *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Nabcep - grid tie---Off grid
>
> Friends:
>
> I'd like to make two brief points on the training/NABCEP debate:
>
> 1. If I thought NABCEP certification would get me one more job I'd
> normally lose to a low-ball bidder, I'd be inclined to sit for the
> test, but it won't.
>
> 2. Most solar electric installers could not be considered
> electricians. Until they learn the trade, they are not qualified to
> install the most basic grid tie system. Conversely, many
> electricians with the most basic electrical skills think they know
> all that needs to be known to design and install solar-electric.
> Wrong again.
>
> I don't support the IBEW concept of taking over the solar industry
> by force, but I do respect their concept of actually encouraging
> well rounded electrician's skills. How many solar installers can
> actually lay an offset into a stick of EMT? Not many. Most are
> glorified stereo installers, plugging and praying.
>
> Respectfully,
>
> William Miller
>
>
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