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Sun Volt Solar

earth, the final frontier

Clean Energy, Clean Environment

We are at a cross roads in human history, we can choose to continue on as we have been, or we can make a change to improve our future and quite possibly the future for several generations to come. We are here to promote energy independence, a better environment, a secure future and a higher return on investment for your hard earned dollar. It is what I believe in, it is why I am in the solar business.

How will Solar change the electrical contractor business

16 Feb 10 | Solar Electric

I read an interesting article yesterday regarding how the solar industry will change the job of electricians.  My experience is thus:  Electricians get asked a lot of questions about solar (photovoltaics mostly) by their customers.  Some attempt to give good answers, some may even look into doing solar installations a little, but most are not interested.  At least right now.

In the future, perhaps solar installation training will become part of electrical apprenticeship programs.  The main skill sets that a solar installer has, which an electrician does not, is the site analysis, system design and intimate knowledge of available incentives and grants.  System design is getting easier with the advent of microverters.  In new construction, at least some of the system design aspect should be up to the architect, e.g. a roof facing true south tilted at latitude.  In retrofitting existing buildings, however, compromise is often the case.  With performance based incentives, such as what is available in New York state, that can increase the system’s cost.

In general, green construction requires an integrated approach.  All of the various systems need to work together to reduce or eliminate traditional energy inputs.  Electrical contracting is but one part of that equation.  There are many other green technologies available to electricians, such as reduced power lighting, variable speed motor controllers, energy efficient appliances, smart building systems, etc.

The article is an interesting read and brings out many good points.

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16 Feb 10 | Solar Electric | Comments (0)