No neophyte should spend ANY time on a roof in whatever weather conditions. That's dangerous enough for even the most well conditioned and athletic of persons who are also technically proficient and qualified to be there. Sudden strokes, heart attacks and casual falls aren't such good things for business usually. Ask your insurance agent. ----- Original Message ----- From: Peter Parrish To: 'RE-wrenches' Sent: Sunday, July 19, 2009 11:43 AM Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Solar Installers Education
Joel, 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. 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? You also oversimplify: an appropriate apprenticeship for an installer is not the same as that for a design engineer or a salesperson.
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