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<div class=Section1>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>I second a lot of what Peter says. And believe that it ain’t
gonna get nuttin’ but worse over time as grid-tie PV becomes more
mainstream. I think it’s pretty much inevitable that a serious fire
or two or serious injury or death or two due to incompetence and a poorly
installed system is gonna whack us all over the head one day soon.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>In Hawaii, by law, there’s no such thing as a <i>legal </i>owner-builder
PV system. Only licensed electrical contractors (C-13) can legally obtain
the necessary electrical permits in Hawaii’s four counties to install PV
systems. (We have a specialty Solar Power Systems license, but it’s
a joke and does not carry any mango juice with the state’s electrical
departments.)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>But that has not stopped a tsunami of sometimes well-intentioned,
often-times grandiose thinking local and Mainland yahoos from leaping into the
PV market peddling their _________-brand cheep-cheap modules in this frantic
race to the price and quality installation bottom.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>More education and training is desperately needed. I
know that Ezra and our NABCEP amigos are doing their best, but I have to
say that I’ve been shockingly disappointed with those eager people with
their NABCEP entry level certification in hand hitting me up for a job. ‘Kinda
like offering a diploma to a kid graduating from kindergarten….<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>I also very much appreciate Bill Brooks, John Wiles, Keith
Cronin, my friends at various IBEW chapters and others who are doing what they
can to accelerate the process. But I have a queasy feeling that we’re
falling behind. In the 30+ years I’ve been in the field, nothing
can take the place of experience in the field. (And I’m still
learning each and every day and with each and every installation.) And
I just don’t see the numbers out there as far as enough trained and
PV-competent people in the field.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>marco</span><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
</div>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<div>
<div style='border:none;border-top:solid #B5C4DF 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'>From:</span></b><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'>
re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org]
<b>On Behalf Of </b>Peter Parrish<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Sunday, July 19, 2009 6:43 AM<br>
<b>To:</b> 'RE-wrenches'<br>
<b>Subject:</b> Re: [RE-wrenches] Solar Installers Education<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
</div>
<p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Joel,</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>As
a friend, I have enjoyed your perspectives on our business, even though I
usually don’t agree with everything you say. I have never taken you to
task in a public forum, but I can’t let your latest post go without
comment.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>There
is a reason we call these guys DIYs. They have no experience and limited
knowledge; in other words they are not professionals. And, by the way, what do
you mean by “so-called professional”. I can’t believe you
tell some one who wants to get into the solar business to first put one on
their home as a DIY. Could you in good conscience recommend someone who has
never stepped foot on a roof in their lives to spend a week on one in 90-100
degree weather, in physical contact with modules and other components that are
cooking at 145 degrees, and DC voltages approaching 600 V? Squinting at a
layout/schematic the likes of which they have never seen before? Someone who
hasn’t used anything more than an 8 ft step ladder or doesn’t know
what a safety harness is?</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>You
also oversimplify: an appropriate apprenticeship for an installer is not the
same as that for a design engineer or a salesperson.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>You
don’t need to have installed the PV system you own to appreciate how it
works…</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>I
am personally aware of three DIY solar projects as well as a dozen or so
contractor-installed systems that we have been called out to troubleshoot and
fix. Even the best DIY project was worse than worst contractor-installed job. </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>All,</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>But
here is my main point. I have a pretty good test of what is key in this PV
business of ours. I get a call at least once a week from some one who wants me
to “help them with a PV installation”. In addition to DIYs, I get
these calls from B and C-10 contractors, facilities managers, apartment owners,
and the like. They will take care of [fill in the part that they think they
have covered] and they only need help with [fill in the part they need help
on].</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>They
usually have spent some time on the internet and have an idea of what modules
to use and have teased a quote out of a manufacturer or distributor for
“5-50 kW” of PV; they usually have some un(der)employed
electricians who can read a blueprint, bend and hang conduit and pull wire.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>What
they don’t know is how to </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in'><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>(1)</span><span
style='font-size:7.0pt'> </span><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Specify an appropriately sized system</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in'><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>(2)</span><span
style='font-size:7.0pt'> </span><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Design a system (panel orientation,
shading, structural calcs, string sizing, ampacity calcs, over current
protection, grounding), </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in'><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>(3)</span><span
style='font-size:7.0pt'> </span><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Specify all the speciality BoS
components or where to buy them.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in'><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>(4)</span><span
style='font-size:7.0pt'> </span><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Put together a permit package (that
will pass ARB, Planning, Safety and Fire department muster)</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in'><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>(5)</span><span
style='font-size:7.0pt'> </span><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Perform the mechanical side of the
installation (read roof penetrations)</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>They
usually know about the 30% ITC (or grant) but they just need a little help with
the rebate application, which usually means they have some un(der) employed
back office folks as well.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>So
for me it boils down to (1) Performance-optimized, Code-compliant Design (Bill
Brooks, are you listening?), (2) Plans & Permitting and (3) Mechanical
Installation</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Moreover,
what they usually have in the back of their mind is to buy this expertise once
from us and then do it all themselves from then on. Some have audacity to use
the phrase “I’d like to pick your mind”. Can you imagine
that?</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>I
second the comment about off-grid, and even though we install grid-tied,
battery back-up systems a fair amount – I still don’t pretend to
understand the complete off-grid scenario well enough to properly design one.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Regards,</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>-
Peter</span><o:p></o:p></p>
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margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:50.25pt;height:60pt;z-index:251658240;
mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;
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</v:shape><![endif]--><![if !vml]><img width=67 height=80
src="cid:image001.gif@01CA083D.FF14C920" align=left hspace=12 v:shapes="_x0000_s1026"><![endif]><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:navy'>Peter T.
Parrish, Ph.D., President<br>
California Solar Engineering, Inc.<br>
820 Cynthia Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90065<br>
CA Lic. 854779, NABCEP Cert. 031806-26<br>
<a href="mailto:peter.parrish@calsolareng.com"><span style='color:navy'>peter.parrish@calsolareng.com</span></a>
<br>
Ph 323-258-8883, Mobile 323-839-6108, Fax
323-258-8885
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:navy'> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>
<hr size=2 width="100%" align=center>
</div>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'>From:</span></b><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'>
re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org] <b>On Behalf Of </b>Joel
Davidson<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Saturday, July 18, 2009 8:50 AM<br>
<b>To:</b> RE-wrenches<br>
<b>Subject:</b> Re: [RE-wrenches] Solar Installers Education</span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>I
agree. I have DIY customers who know more about PV systems than a lot of
so-called PV professionals. Designing and installing PV systems is a
continuous learning experience. We are practitioners because,
like doctors, we practice our trade, expand our knowledge,
and hone our skills. I tell people who wants to get in the
PV business to put a PV system on their own
home. People who tell me that they want to sell PV but
can not go solar personally for whatever reason have less
credibility. They get less respect from prospective customers who
use the same reasons or excuses for not going solar. They either
don't last long in the business or are in it only for the money. Granted, there
are less operational nuances to a batteryless, grid-tied PV system than a
battery-based system or wind or water generator, but living with your work
is essential. It makes you keenly aware of unique subtleties and helps you
better understand your customers concerns.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Joel
Davidson</span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<blockquote style='border:none;border-left:solid black 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 3.0pt;
margin-left:2.5pt;margin-top:5.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:5.0pt'>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>-----
Original Message ----- </span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal style='background:#E4E4E4'><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>From:</span></b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> <a href="mailto:walters@taosnet.com"
title="walters@taosnet.com">R. Walters</a> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>To:</span></b><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> <a
href="mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org"
title="re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org">RE-wrenches</a> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Sent:</span></b><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> Saturday, July 18,
2009 12:05 AM</span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Subject:</span></b><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> Re: [RE-wrenches]
Solar Installers Education</span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal>For Off grid, no one should even attempt being a designer/
installer without living for a full year on their own off grid system. <o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal>GT w/ batteries, you need off grid smarts and understand GT.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal>Training newbies, I can't imagine them being able to do
anything other than schlep modules/ do grunt work for a couple of years.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal>I could see a licensed electrician with a year of full time
training being able to do GT w/o batteries.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal>Most of the market and all the growth is in the GT w/o
batteries, so I think your training should concentrate there.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal>I've taught a semester long PV class, and all I was able to
do was create well educated consumers.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:6.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";
color:black'>R. Walters</span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:6.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";
color:black'>Solarray.com</span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:6.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";
color:black'>NABCEP # 04170442<span class=apple-style-span> </span></span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span class=apple-style-span><span style='font-size:6.0pt;
font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";color:black'> </span></span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:6.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif";
color:black'> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></p>
</div>
<p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p>
<div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal>On Jul 17, 2009, at 9:44 AM, Keith Cronin wrote:<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></p>
<div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal>Hi gang<br>
<br>
I was wondering, what percentage do you believe represents the ratio of
classroom training to field training for PV and what percentage you believe
should be performed by licensed electricians vs what is deemed mechanical work?<br>
<br>
Residential Grid Tie w/out batteries<br>
___% classroom- electrician<br>
___% field- electrician<br>
<br>
Residential Grid Tie w/out batteries<br>
___% classroom- mechanical<br>
___% field- mechanical<br>
<br>
Commercial Grid Tie w/out batteries<br>
___% classroom-electrician<br>
___% field-electrician<br>
<br>
Commercial Grid Tie w/out batteries<br>
___% classroom-mechanical<br>
___% field-mechanical<br>
<br>
Residential GT with batteries<br>
____% classroom-electrician<br>
____% field-electrician<br>
<br>
Residential GT with batteries<br>
____% classroom-mechanical<br>
____% field-mechanical<br>
<br>
Any takers on the off grid market percentages?<br>
<br>
Commercial w/ batteries is utility scale and I don't think it can be quantified
today as the projects are generally design build and perhaps hard to put an exact
# on these.<br>
<br>
Thanks<br>
<br>
Keith<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
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