Hi All -<div><br></div><div>Good discussion indeed and always controversial with differing opinions. I am dual-NABCEP certified for PV and thermal and I'm happy that I've gone through the process. I don't think that being certified has brought on much additional work for our business and most residential customers don't have a clue about NABCEP nor do they really care. Certainly quality of work and design may or may not have anything to do with certification. I sort of think of NABCEP as something that is good for yourself. It's just another feather in your cap. Studying for the test(s) and thinking thoroughly through what we do every day a good thing to do. Bottom line. If you choose not to get certified that is fine and it probably won't cost you much work. If you don't have as much work as you would like, which is probably like most of us, then you have to decide whether it is worth it or not to try to get certified. I've seen a lot of shotty work and have to agree with most wrenches that the work was most likely done by non NABCEP people. But you never know. Best, August<br>
<br><div class="gmail_quote">On Mon, Feb 7, 2011 at 7:45 PM, Warren Lauzon <span dir="ltr"><<a href="mailto:warren@wind-sun.com">warren@wind-sun.com</a>></span> wrote:<br><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0 0 0 .8ex;border-left:1px #ccc solid;padding-left:1ex;">
<div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr">
<div style="font-family:'Calibri';color:#000000;font-size:12pt">
<div>From what I see, NABCEP is heavily hardware oriented, with only a smidgen
of actual problem solving and/or theory. It totally falls apart with battery
based systems, generally way undersizing them.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The actual electrical knowledge required is minimal except for code and
wiring/hardware issues. Being certified will not make you capable of much – if
any – real troubleshooting.</div>
<div> </div>
<div style="font-style:normal;display:inline;font-family:'Calibri';color:#000000;font-size:small;font-weight:normal;text-decoration:none">
<div style="font:10pt tahoma">
<div> </div>
<div style="background:#f5f5f5">
<div><b>From:</b> <a title="nicksoleilsolar@yahoo.com" href="mailto:nicksoleilsolar@yahoo.com" target="_blank">Nick Soleil</a> </div>
<div><b>Sent:</b> Monday, February 07, 2011 2:16 PM</div>
<div><b>To:</b> <a title="re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org" href="mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org" target="_blank">RE-wrenches</a> </div>
<div><b>Subject:</b> Re: [RE-wrenches] NABCEP marketing</div></div></div>
<div> </div></div>
<div style="font-style:normal;display:inline;font-family:'Calibri';color:#000000;font-size:small;font-weight:normal;text-decoration:none"><div><div></div><div class="h5">
<div style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12pt">
To become NABCEP certified, you only need to have installed 2 PV systems.
1 of those systems can be at a training class, and the other can be on your
brothers house. All that NABCEP Certified means is that I studied a list
of questions, and then passed the test. It is good to know that a
handrailing should be 39"-45" tall, and not 36"-42." However, that should
not come with any title, like 'Certified PV Installer.'
<br> The experience requirements should be more
stringent. If it required some real experience, it would mean something,
but NABCEP wants as many participants as possible, so anyone can sit for it.<br>
<div> <br></div>Nick Soleil<br>Project Manager<br>Advanced
Alternative Energy Solutions, LLC<br>PO Box 657<br>Petaluma, CA 94953<br>Cell:
707-321-2937<br>Office: 707-789-9537<br>Fax: 707-769-9037
<div> </div>
<div style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12pt">
<div> </div>
<div style="font-family:times new roman,new york,times,serif;font-size:12pt"><font size="2" face="Tahoma">
<hr size="1">
<b><span style="font-weight:bold">From:</span></b> Dave Palumbo
<<a href="mailto:dave@independentpowerllc.com" target="_blank">dave@independentpowerllc.com</a>><br><b><span style="font-weight:bold">To:</span></b> RE-wrenches
<<a href="mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org" target="_blank">re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org</a>><br><b><span style="font-weight:bold">Sent:</span></b> Mon, February 7, 2011 11:10:21
AM<br><b><span style="font-weight:bold">Subject:</span></b> Re: [RE-wrenches]
NABCEP marketing<br></font><br>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:rgb(31,73,125);font-size:11pt">Larry,</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:rgb(31,73,125);font-size:11pt"></span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:rgb(31,73,125);font-size:11pt">It’s
easy to become frustrated browsing, or studying, anyone’s marketing these days.
It’s OK to squeak once in a while on topics like this (in my opinion). NABCEP
has not been discussed too much lately and your comment brought some good
discussion to the group. Sounds like you are doing some good things in your
business. Many professionals have not passed the test on the first take.
</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:rgb(31,73,125);font-size:11pt"></span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:rgb(31,73,125);font-size:11pt">David
Palumbo</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:rgb(31,73,125);font-size:11pt">Independent
Power LLC </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:rgb(31,73,125);font-size:11pt">462
Solar Way Drive</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:rgb(31,73,125);font-size:11pt">Hyde
Park, VT 05655<b></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="color:rgb(31,73,125);font-size:11pt"><a href="http://www.independentpowerllc.com" target="_blank">www.independentpowerllc.com</a> </span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:rgb(31,73,125);font-size:11pt">NABCEP
Certified PV Installer</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:rgb(31,73,125);font-size:11pt">Vermont
Solar Partner</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:rgb(31,73,125);font-size:11pt">23
Years Experience, (802) 888-7194 </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:rgb(31,73,125);font-size:11pt"></span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:rgb(31,73,125);font-size:11pt"></span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:rgb(31,73,125);font-size:11pt"></span> </p>
<div>
<div style="border-bottom:medium none;border-left:medium none;padding-bottom:0in;padding-left:0in;padding-right:0in;border-top:rgb(181,196,223) 1pt solid;border-right:medium none;padding-top:3pt">
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:10pt">From:</span></b><span style="font-size:10pt">
<a href="mailto:re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org" target="_blank">re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org</a>
[mailto:<a href="mailto:re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org" target="_blank">re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org</a>] <b>On Behalf Of
</b><a href="mailto:wirewiz@gmail.com" target="_blank">wirewiz@gmail.com</a><br><b>Sent:</b> Monday, February 07, 2011 11:54
AM<br><b>To:</b> RE-wrenches<br><b>Subject:</b> Re: [RE-wrenches] NABCEP is
Union Based? That's news to me!</span></p></div></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I spent about $1500 for prep course, hotel, etc to pass the
entry level exam, so I have that. </p>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p></div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal">I spent about $2000 for prep, hotel, plane fare for the
certification but I failed the test. I am taking it again in March. I'm studying
harder this time.</p></div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p></div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal">I'm 62 and my memory is not what it used to be and was never
good at taking tests. When I design I have everything on my desk to refer to so
I don't have to rely on my memory. And I just love installing, I've been doing
it on boats for 30 years.</p></div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p></div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal">I'm sorry if you think I'm whining, maybe I'll just stop. I'm
just a competitive person and the ad ticked me off.</p></div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;font-size:9pt">Larry
Liesner</span></p></div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;font-size:9pt">Wirewiz</span></p></div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;font-size:9pt">Westport,
CT</span></p></div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;font-size:9pt">Phone:
203-644-2404</span></p></div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;font-size:9pt">Fax:
203-557-0556</span></p></div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;font-size:9pt"><a href="mailto:wirewiz@gmail.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">wirewiz@gmail.com</a></span></p></div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;font-size:9pt"><a href="http://www.wire-wiz.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.wire-wiz.com</a></span></p></div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;font-size:9pt"></span> </p></div></div></div></div></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal">On Feb 7, 2011, at 11:16 AM, Bill Hoffer wrote:</p></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br><br></p>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal">Larry</p></div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p></div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal">My PE is not required for the majority of work I do either,
but I get a considerable "edge" over my competition because I have invested the
time energy and went through the stress of taking the exam. It is the same
way with NABCEP, I have shown that I am willing to take the time, energy and
stress to get the qualification. I also appreciate the NABCEP taking the
time and effort to promote ME in their ads. After going through the time and
effort, it is good to get some tangible payback, and you want to take that away
from me, because you do not have the time to take the exam...give me a
break! You have the right to run your business and promote it as you see
fit and so do I! Does any qualification mean that you know everything, of
course not. If any one of us think that, then we should get out of the
business. Cause guess what, we are in a rapidly changing landscape where
we all are continually learning more and growing as an industry. Otherwise
there would not be much use in this blog at all. All an exam really means
is that you took the time, energy and stress to prepare for and take the exam,
which to me is a sign of professionalism. It is about time our industry
grows up! Is NABCEP perfect, of course not, but we all have the
opportunity to help to make this organization the best that it can be. I
applaud the pioneers who had the vision and that were willing to invest the
considerable amount of time, energy and stress to pull it off. If you can
do without it , more power to you, but don't whine to me about it being unfair
that we want to toot our horn about what we are trying to do for this
industry!<br><br>Bill</p></div>
<div>
<p style="margin-bottom:12pt" class="MsoNormal">-- <br>Bill Hoffer PE<br><span style="font-family:'serif';color:black;font-size:9pt">NABCEP Certified
Solar PV Installer™</span><br>Sunergy Engineering Services PLLC<br>2504 Columbia
Ave NW<br>East Wenatchee WA 98802-3941<br><a href="mailto:SunEngSer@gmail.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">SunEngSer@gmail.com</a>
(509)470-7762<br>Cell(509)679-6165</p></div>
<p style="margin-bottom:12pt" class="MsoNormal">_______________________________________________<br>List
sponsored by Home Power magazine<br><br>List Address: <a href="mailto:RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org</a><br><br>Options
& settings:<br><span><a href="http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org" target="_blank">http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org</a></span><br><br><span>List-Archive:
<a href="http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org" target="_blank">http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org</a></span><br><br>List
rules & etiquette:<br><a href="http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm" target="_blank">www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm</a><br><br>Check out participant
bios:<br><a href="http://www.members.re-wrenches.org" target="_blank">www.members.re-wrenches.org</a></p></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p></div></div>
</div></div></div><br>
</div></div><p>
</p><hr><div class="im">
_______________________________________________<br>List sponsored by Home Power
magazine<br><br>List Address: <a href="mailto:RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org" target="_blank">RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org</a><br><br>Options
&
settings:<br><a href="http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org" target="_blank">http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org</a><br><br>List-Archive:
<a href="http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org" target="_blank">http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org</a><br><br>List
rules & etiquette:<br><a href="http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm" target="_blank">www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm</a><br><br>Check out
participant bios:<br><a href="http://www.members.re-wrenches.org" target="_blank">www.members.re-wrenches.org</a><br><br></div><p></p></div>
<div style="font-family:'Calibri';color:#000000;font-size:12pt">
<p>Northern Arizona Wind & Sun - Electricity from the sun since
1979<br>--------------------------------------------------------------------<br><a href="http://store.solar-electric.com/" target="_blank">Online Solar Store</a><br><a href="http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/" target="_blank">Free Solar Discussion
Forum</a><br>--------------------------------------------------------------------</p></div></div></div></div>
<br>_______________________________________________<br>
List sponsored by Home Power magazine<br>
<br>
List Address: <a href="mailto:RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org">RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org</a><br>
<br>
Options & settings:<br>
<a href="http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org" target="_blank">http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org</a><br>
<br>
List-Archive: <a href="http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org" target="_blank">http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org</a><br>
<br>
List rules & etiquette:<br>
<a href="http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm" target="_blank">www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm</a><br>
<br>
Check out participant bios:<br>
<a href="http://www.members.re-wrenches.org" target="_blank">www.members.re-wrenches.org</a><br>
<br>
<br></blockquote></div><br><br clear="all"><br>-- <br>August Goers<br><br><br>Luminalt Energy Corporation<br>1320 Potrero Avenue<br>San Francisco, CA 94110<br>O: 415.641.4000<br>M: 415.559.1525<br><a href="mailto:august@luminalt.com" target="_blank">august@luminalt.com</a><br>
</div>