In the database, licensing requirements for installing photovoltaic and solar thermal systems are documented for each state. These are organized alphabetically. Today, only 14 states have established specific solar license classifications, usually sub-classifications of electrical or plumbing licenses, and often specifically defined to limit the scope of work to direct solar installations and maintenance tasks.   For additional information, resource links to state-specific websites and documents are included. IREC will update the database to keep pace with those changes as they become available.

“As licensing requirements emerge and change in individual states, IREC felt that it could contribute by providing this resource of existing requirements that can be used as a reference tool,” said IREC’s Director of Operations, Pat Fox.

“IREC is broadly recognized as a unique resource and conduit for change in the renewable energy arena. This database is just one of many IREC resources it offers free of charge to the public,” said Fox.

The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) is a non-profit organization accelerating the use of renewable energy since 1982. IREC'­­­­s programs and policies lead to easier, more affordable connection to the utility grid; fair credit for renewable energy produced; best practices for states, municipalities, utilities and industry; and quality assessment for the growing green workforce through the credentialing of trainers and training programs.

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Under an agreement between the Americans and the Israelis, $4.2 million has been made available for cooperative clean energy research projects. The program, called “BIRD Energy,” was created to promote cross-border innovation among companies in the renewables sector.

The U.S. - Israel Energy Cooperation Program was authorized in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, and was approved by the Israeli Government in 2008.

The five projects selected for award help address critical shared bilateral energy-related goals, and will leverage private sector cost-share for a total project value of $12.8 million.

They include:

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The San Jose Employee Solar Group Buy program allows city employees and retirees to purchase systems with a group discount.  So far 130 people are participating.  The group has reportedly achieved one of the lowest group buy pricing schedules for the value of the product to date for both photovoltaic and solar thermal systems.

SunPower Corporation and SunWater Solar were selected by a seven-member volunteer evaluation committee through a competitive bid process to provide systems for the group.  The vendors will work with participating homeowners through their dealer networks to perform site assessments to determine the correct size and design of the photovoltaic and/or solar thermal system.

Installations will take place between September of 2010 and February of 2011. The San Jose Employee Solar Group Buy program aims to install solar electric and solar thermal systems on more than 130 homes, adding over 300 kilowatts of new solar electric capacity throughout the Bay Area.

Similar programs are available in other areas of the country including Portland Oregon where neighbors band together to get group discounts.  This model takes the idea a step further, allowing large groups of organizational employees that are members of a well-respected local credit union to utilize financing tools to go solar no matter what city they live in.

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This year at the Intersolar conference, we had the pleasure of having lunch with Guy Snow, a seasoned installer from Las Vegas. As an installer, he works directly with homeowners and, therefore, has a good understanding of where the general public stands on solar education. We talked about what he sees as the major knowledge gaps for homeowners and what installers can do to provide accurate and transparent solar quotes.

If the installer offers a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA), we would also expect to see the following:

If you are an installer, let us know what you think of this proposal. What would you add or remove? 

By Matthew Ryder-Smith

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