Last year I started a rant that we installers had no real trade association that looks out for the interests of solar installers. I pointed out that I felt SEIA spent most if its time related to the solar manufacturer's interests and congress. Yes, this is needed, but does not address our issues. I then suggested that NABCEP was perfectly positioned to create a spin-off or assist with starting a national trade association since they were the front door for the professional solar installer and probably received most of the initial contacts from new-bees. As you recall, I had my head handed to me from NABCEP who made it clear that they were a TESTING group, that their entire efforts were for TESTING, and they wanted nothing to do with installers after they passed their test.
Yes, there are some very experienced solar installers on the board (Bob-O), but NABCEP made it pretty clear that as a entity, they wanted nothing to do with installers, installer issues, or anything to do with what happens after somebody passes their test. I take them at their word and say fine, you all stay with the testing process and we will form our own installers association that will deal with INSTALLER concerns. I say there is nothing wrong with letting the other NABCEP board members who are also on this list to post her comments, and I see no reason to allow someone to be an active member of a solar installer list just because they hold an office position in a testing group. I say if someone passes the NAPCEP test, actually goes out and sizes and installs a few systems on their own including hanging from a rope on a steep roof for many hours, then by all means they are welcome to our list! As far as a few manufacturer's reps that were allowed on this list, I know most of them and know they paid their dues long before working for a manufacturer. Does anyone think Chris at Outback is not qualified to provide installation advice? Jeff Yago _____________________________________________________________ Netscape. Just the Net You Need. _______________________________________________ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
