We’ve visited this subject before, but it’s an issue that’s been coming up regularly: Anybody can buy Panasonic solar modules from a distributor and install them. But not everybody should. That’s why Panasonic’s Authorized Installer Program exists. At least one installation company in West Virginia and Northern Virginia has been downplaying this program while they offer…
Category: West Virginia
Choosing a solar installer: No one more cares more than you do
Despite the effects of the recently imposed tariff on imported solar products, courtesy of SolarWorld and Suniva, most people in the industry are still predicting a big year in 2018 for residential solar. The big commercial integrators – the people that buy solar modules by the thousands – will certainly take a hit. But they…
Thank You for a Milestone Year (pun intended)
In one way, 2017 was a fairly typical year for Milestone Solar. But in other ways, it saw some major milestones. It was typical in that, like the past five or so years, the total number of installations has been extremely consistent – somewhere between 40 and 50 – while the distribution of the systems…
What it takes to be a Qualified Solar Installer
In a recent post I wrote that an Electrician license alone – even a Master Electrician license – does not qualify you to design and install solar systems. I totally respect the fact that a Master license is a great achievement that requires significant experience and training, but it’s not solar specific. Some took exception…
Clarification from NABCEP
In an earlier blog post, I referred to the relatively new NABCEP Associate program and called it an Associate Certification. Since then, I’ve received the following clarification from NABCEP: NABCEP’s Associate exams provide qualified applicants with a credential, not a certification. Unfortunately, while the difference may seem small to some, it is significant…