Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone on the Element Mobile Network. -----Original Message----- From: re-wrenches-requ...@lists.re-wrenches.org Sender: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org Date: Mon, 07 Feb 2011 19:56:49 To: <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> Reply-To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Subject: RE-wrenches Digest, Vol 4, Issue 53
Send RE-wrenches mailing list submissions to re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit http://lists.re-wrenches.org/listinfo.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to re-wrenches-requ...@lists.re-wrenches.org You can reach the person managing the list at re-wrenches-ow...@lists.re-wrenches.org When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than "Re: Contents of RE-wrenches digest..." When responding to posts within the Digest, be sure to restore the Subject: line to the original, and please edit out any extraneous lines from the quoted message. Today's Topics: 1. Re: NABCEP marketing (Dave Palumbo) 2. Re: NABCEP marketing (Nick Soleil) 3. Re: Problem with NABCEP ad (Andrew Truitt) 4. Re: NABCEP is Union Based? That's news to me! (Bill Loesch) 5. outback mate question (jay peltz) 6. Re: outback mate question (Maverick Brown [Maverick Solar]) 7. Re: outback mate question (Kent Osterberg) 8. Re: NABCEP marketing (Warren Lauzon) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Message: 1 Date: Mon, 7 Feb 2011 14:10:21 -0500 From: "Dave Palumbo" <d...@independentpowerllc.com> To: "'RE-wrenches'" <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] NABCEP marketing Message-ID: <026d01cbc6fa$b15914c0$140b3e40$@com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Larry, It's easy to become frustrated browsing, or studying, anyone's marketing these days. It's OK to squeak once in a while on topics like this (in my opinion). NABCEP has not been discussed too much lately and your comment brought some good discussion to the group. Sounds like you are doing some good things in your business. Many professionals have not passed the test on the first take. David Palumbo Independent Power LLC 462 Solar Way Drive Hyde Park, VT 05655 www.independentpowerllc.com NABCEP Certified PV Installer Vermont Solar Partner 23 Years Experience, (802) 888-7194 From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of wire...@gmail.com Sent: Monday, February 07, 2011 11:54 AM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] NABCEP is Union Based? That's news to me! I spent about $1500 for prep course, hotel, etc to pass the entry level exam, so I have that. I spent about $2000 for prep, hotel, plane fare for the certification but I failed the test. I am taking it again in March. I'm studying harder this time. I'm 62 and my memory is not what it used to be and was never good at taking tests. When I design I have everything on my desk to refer to so I don't have to rely on my memory. And I just love installing, I've been doing it on boats for 30 years. I'm sorry if you think I'm whining, maybe I'll just stop. I'm just a competitive person and the ad ticked me off. Larry Liesner Wirewiz Westport, CT Phone: 203-644-2404 Fax: 203-557-0556 wire...@gmail.com www.wire-wiz.com On Feb 7, 2011, at 11:16 AM, Bill Hoffer wrote: Larry My PE is not required for the majority of work I do either, but I get a considerable "edge" over my competition because I have invested the time energy and went through the stress of taking the exam. It is the same way with NABCEP, I have shown that I am willing to take the time, energy and stress to get the qualification. I also appreciate the NABCEP taking the time and effort to promote ME in their ads. After going through the time and effort, it is good to get some tangible payback, and you want to take that away from me, because you do not have the time to take the exam...give me a break! You have the right to run your business and promote it as you see fit and so do I! Does any qualification mean that you know everything, of course not. If any one of us think that, then we should get out of the business. Cause guess what, we are in a rapidly changing landscape where we all are continually learning more and growing as an industry. Otherwise there would not be much use in this blog at all. All an exam really means is that you took the time, energy and stress to prepare for and take the exam, which to me is a sign of professionalism. It is about time our industry grows up! Is NABCEP perfect, of course not, but we all have the opportunity to help to make this organization the best that it can be. I applaud the pioneers who had the vision and that were willing to invest the considerable amount of time, energy and stress to pull it off. If you can do without it , more power to you, but don't whine to me about it being unfair that we want to toot our horn about what we are trying to do for this industry! Bill -- Bill Hoffer PE NABCEP Certified Solar PV InstallerT Sunergy Engineering Services PLLC 2504 Columbia Ave NW East Wenatchee WA 98802-3941 suneng...@gmail.com (509)470-7762 Cell(509)679-6165 _______________________________________________ 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 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: <http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org/attachments/20110207/5d6a7101/attachment-0001.htm> ------------------------------ Message: 2 Date: Mon, 7 Feb 2011 13:16:59 -0800 (PST) From: Nick Soleil <nicksoleilso...@yahoo.com> To: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] NABCEP marketing Message-ID: <445695.4889...@web44906.mail.sp1.yahoo.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" To become NABCEP certified, you only need to have installed 2 PV systems. 1 of those systems can be at a training class, and the other can be on your brothers house. All that NABCEP Certified means is that I studied a list of questions, and then passed the test. It is good to know that a handrailing should be 39"-45" tall, and not 36"-42." However, that should not come with any title, like 'Certified PV Installer.' The experience requirements should be more stringent. If it required some real experience, it would mean something, but NABCEP wants as many participants as possible, so anyone can sit for it. Nick Soleil Project Manager Advanced Alternative Energy Solutions, LLC PO Box 657 Petaluma, CA 94953 Cell: 707-321-2937 Office: 707-789-9537 Fax: 707-769-9037 ________________________________ From: Dave Palumbo <d...@independentpowerllc.com> To: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> Sent: Mon, February 7, 2011 11:10:21 AM Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] NABCEP marketing Larry, It?s easy to become frustrated browsing, or studying, anyone?s marketing these days. It?s OK to squeak once in a while on topics like this (in my opinion). NABCEP has not been discussed too much lately and your comment brought some good discussion to the group. Sounds like you are doing some good things in your business. Many professionals have not passed the test on the first take. David Palumbo Independent Power LLC 462 Solar Way Drive Hyde Park, VT 05655 www.independentpowerllc.com NABCEP Certified PV Installer Vermont Solar Partner 23 Years Experience, (802) 888-7194 From:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of wire...@gmail.com Sent: Monday, February 07, 2011 11:54 AM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] NABCEP is Union Based? That's news to me! I spent about $1500 for prep course, hotel, etc to pass the entry level exam, so I have that. I spent about $2000 for prep, hotel, plane fare for the certification but I failed the test. I am taking it again in March. I'm studying harder this time. I'm 62 and my memory is not what it used to be and was never good at taking tests. When I design I have everything on my desk to refer to so I don't have to rely on my memory. And I just love installing, I've been doing it on boats for 30 years. I'm sorry if you think I'm whining, maybe I'll just stop. I'm just a competitive person and the ad ticked me off. Larry Liesner Wirewiz Westport, CT Phone: 203-644-2404 Fax: 203-557-0556 wire...@gmail.com www.wire-wiz.com On Feb 7, 2011, at 11:16 AM, Bill Hoffer wrote: Larry My PE is not required for the majority of work I do either, but I get a considerable "edge" over my competition because I have invested the time energy and went through the stress of taking the exam. It is the same way with NABCEP, I have shown that I am willing to take the time, energy and stress to get the qualification. I also appreciate the NABCEP taking the time and effort to promote ME in their ads. After going through the time and effort, it is good to get some tangible payback, and you want to take that away from me, because you do not have the time to take the exam...give me a break! You have the right to run your business and promote it as you see fit and so do I! Does any qualification mean that you know everything, of course not. If any one of us think that, then we should get out of the business. Cause guess what, we are in a rapidly changing landscape where we all are continually learning more and growing as an industry. Otherwise there would not be much use in this blog at all. All an exam really means is that you took the time, energy and stress to prepare for and take the exam, which to me is a sign of professionalism. It is about time our industry grows up! Is NABCEP perfect, of course not, but we all have the opportunity to help to make this organization the best that it can be. I applaud the pioneers who had the vision and that were willing to invest the considerable amount of time, energy and stress to pull it off. If you can do without it , more power to you, but don't whine to me about it being unfair that we want to toot our horn about what we are trying to do for this industry! Bill -- Bill Hoffer PE NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer? Sunergy Engineering Services PLLC 2504 Columbia Ave NW East Wenatchee WA 98802-3941 suneng...@gmail.com (509)470-7762 Cell(509)679-6165 _______________________________________________ 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 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: <http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org/attachments/20110207/6d430653/attachment-0001.htm> ------------------------------ Message: 3 Date: Mon, 7 Feb 2011 14:48:33 -0700 From: Andrew Truitt <atru...@gmail.com> To: al...@positiveenergysolar.com, RE-wrenches <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Problem with NABCEP ad Message-ID: <AANLkTi=lhrvrjnjqw7jqbmc0zs9nzr409ch5wxxrk...@mail.gmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="windows-1252" In 2008 NYSERDA did a study and found that PV systems installed by NABCEP certified installers had fewer problems at inspection than those installed by non-NABCEP installers. There is a lot of false advertising within our society, and our industry is not exempt, but NABCEP marketing its certificants as more likely to install high quality systems does NOT fit in that category. Soon we will be seeing more marketing from UL and probably others touting the benefits of their certifications. I assure you that they will not be bound by any moral obligation to "look out" for those in the industry that - for whatever reason - do not acquire their certification, and I don't see why we should expect any different from NABCEP. For a brighter energy future, Andrew Truitt NABCEP Certified PV Installer? (ID# 032407-66) Truitt Renewable Energy Consulting (202) 486-7507 http://www.linkedin.com/pub/andrew-truitt/8/622/713 [image: 24 copy.jpg] "Don't get me wrong: I love nuclear energy! It's just that I prefer fusion to fission. And it just so happens that there's an enormous fusion reactor safely banked a few million miles from us. It delivers more than we could ever use in just about 8 minutes. And it's wireless!" ~William McDonough On Mon, Feb 7, 2011 at 9:09 AM, Allan Sindelar < al...@positiveenergysolar.com> wrote: > Larry, > I was glad to read your post. It tells me that the effort to establish > NABCEP is proving to be worthwhile. > > If NABCEP didn't matter, you wouldn't have written, as it wouldn't have > affected you. You have been doing RE work (likely with great skill from the > testimonials on your website) for 20 years, and with your own business for > about seven. NABCEP has been offering certification for about that same > length of time. Now that there is a critical mass of some 1,500 certified > installers, and there has been plenty of time for installers to choose > whether to attempt to become certified or not, it seems to me that it's > perfectly appropriate for NABCEP to advertise to the public that there's a > standard to use to compare installers. Like our president said when asked if > he inhaled, "Of course. That's the point." > > Some longtime Wrenches have chosen not to become certified. That, too, is > the point: it's optional. Yes, some jurisdictions have chosen to make it a > requisite for rebate levels or participation in incentive programs - that's > their right, but NABCEP can't control this beyond discouraging the practice. > It's intended to be a voluntary certification, separate from licensure or > any state requirements. > > In 2000 Trace (before it became Xanthra- er, Xantrex, and long before it > became Schneider) offered the first "Certified Dealer" program in the > industry. I became one back then because it was the only game in town. I saw > the benefit, both to set our company apart with some good marketing > differentiation, and to begin to add to the professionalism of the whole > immature PV industry by supporting professional standards and > certifications. In 2001, NABCEP was just coming into being as a concept, and > I was asked by the organizers to present and support the idea of a national > certification for installers to independent installers on this list, which I > did. There were some really lively discussions in 2001 and 2002. I took the > first exam for the same reasons as with Trace, along with one other - that > it may not mean much now, but someday it will set us apart and people will > have heard about it and will value it. That day came at different times in > different states. > > In New Mexico, that day is just coming around. Suddenly, we too have plenty > of new solar companies. Many claim to be the premier solar installer in the > state, with years or decades of experience. Most will sell a system for less > than we will - that's a common way for new companies to gain a track record. > Anyone can claim anything in their marketing and on their website. What do > we have to back up our own claims? Reputation. Referrals. Published > testimonials. And more NABCEP certificants than anyone in our state. All of > these carry weight and keep us busy. > > Larry, you are being too sensitive. You have been in business long enough > to qualify. It's your own business, so you must have led all of your jobs. > Weigh the pros and cons as they affect your business, and either get > certified or don't, but don't criticize NABCEP for promoting its certified > installers - that's its job. > > On the other hand, how can it be NABCEP's "job to unintentionally cause" > anything? I think that's an oxymoron. > > *Allan** Sindelar* > al...@positiveenergysolar.com > NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer > EE98J Journeyman Electrician > *Positive Energy, Inc.* > 3201 Calle Marie > Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507 > *505 424-1112* > www.positiveenergysolar.com > > On 2/6/2011 9:13 AM, wire...@gmail.com wrote: > > Hello Wrenches, > > NABCEP has a full page ad in Home Power magazine that tells potential PV > buyers to "Insist on a NABCEP Certified Installer". That's a great ad if you > are certified but not so good if you are not. I know many of you are but lots > of us are not yet certified. > > NABCEP is doing a great job to ensure that PV is installed by qualified > personal but is it their job to unintentionally cause non NABCEP certified > installers who are otherwise very qualified to lose business. I don't think > so. > > I contacted NABCEP about the consequences of this ad and actually asked them > to stop running it or at least tone it down so it doesn't cause installers > like to me to lose business. They disagreed with me. > > Am I being too sensitive here? > > Thank you. > > Larry Liesner > Wirewiz > Westport, CT > Phone: 203-644-2404 > Fax: 203-557-0556wire...@gmail.comwww.wire-wiz.com > > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > > > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: <http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org/attachments/20110207/074b3208/attachment-0001.htm> -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/jpeg Size: 35142 bytes Desc: not available URL: <http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org/attachments/20110207/074b3208/attachment-0001.jpeg> ------------------------------ Message: 4 Date: Mon, 7 Feb 2011 16:10:59 -0600 From: "Bill Loesch" <solar1onl...@charter.net> To: "RE-wrenches" <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] NABCEP is Union Based? That's news to me! Message-ID: <049901cbc713$e686c890$6401a8c0@solarf1dxi592n> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="windows-1252" Hi Larry, Thanks for your hard dollar numbers (beyond the $400 fee, for one NABCEP test). If you look back in the Wrench archives, the willingness of NABCEP to take their exam to the users was also discussed. I can remember one very specific example where the user was told the exam would be scheduled in their neighborhood and once the fee was paid, the user also had massive travel expenses. Caveat Emptor. Bill Loesch Solar 1 - Saint Louis Solar PS You might take heart that there are some very, very knowledgeable, first class installers on this RE-wrenches List who have expressed their non interest in NABCEP for a variety of reasons. ----- Original Message ----- From: wire...@gmail.com To: RE-wrenches Sent: Monday, February 07, 2011 10:54 AM Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] NABCEP is Union Based? That's news to me! I spent about $1500 for prep course, hotel, etc to pass the entry level exam, so I have that. I spent about $2000 for prep, hotel, plane fare for the certification but I failed the test. I am taking it again in March. I'm studying harder this time. I'm 62 and my memory is not what it used to be and was never good at taking tests. When I design I have everything on my desk to refer to so I don't have to rely on my memory. And I just love installing, I've been doing it on boats for 30 years. I'm sorry if you think I'm whining, maybe I'll just stop. I'm just a competitive person and the ad ticked me off. Larry Liesner Wirewiz Westport, CT Phone: 203-644-2404 Fax: 203-557-0556 wire...@gmail.com www.wire-wiz.com On Feb 7, 2011, at 11:16 AM, Bill Hoffer wrote: Larry My PE is not required for the majority of work I do either, but I get a considerable "edge" over my competition because I have invested the time energy and went through the stress of taking the exam. It is the same way with NABCEP, I have shown that I am willing to take the time, energy and stress to get the qualification. I also appreciate the NABCEP taking the time and effort to promote ME in their ads. After going through the time and effort, it is good to get some tangible payback, and you want to take that away from me, because you do not have the time to take the exam...give me a break! You have the right to run your business and promote it as you see fit and so do I! Does any qualification mean that you know everything, of course not. If any one of us think that, then we should get out of the business. Cause guess what, we are in a rapidly changing landscape where we all are continually learning more and growing as an industry. Otherwise there would not be m uch use in this blog at all. All an exam really means is that you took the time, energy and stress to prepare for and take the exam, which to me is a sign of professionalism. It is about time our industry grows up! Is NABCEP perfect, of course not, but we all have the opportunity to help to make this organization the best that it can be. I applaud the pioneers who had the vision and that were willing to invest the considerable amount of time, energy and stress to pull it off. If you can do without it , more power to you, but don't whine to me about it being unfair that we want to toot our horn about what we are trying to do for this industry! Bill -- Bill Hoffer PE NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer? Sunergy Engineering Services PLLC 2504 Columbia Ave NW East Wenatchee WA 98802-3941 suneng...@gmail.com (509)470-7762 Cell(509)679-6165 _______________________________________________ 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 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ _______________________________________________ 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 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: <http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org/attachments/20110207/03d97ab6/attachment-0001.htm> ------------------------------ Message: 5 Date: Mon, 7 Feb 2011 18:33:05 -0700 From: jay peltz <j...@asis.com> To: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> Subject: [RE-wrenches] outback mate question Message-ID: <b37755de-43c2-4ad6-a316-e708d3108...@asis.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii HI All, I'm curious if anyone can shed light on this one. I've got a customer whos telling me their mate changes from USE to drop on its own. they say they set it on USE, come back and check it and its on Drop? I"ve never seen this one. any thoughts other than user error? system is 6 years old, probably original mate, no AGS, sealed fx thanks, jay peltz power PS the site is a 8hr drive each way, not my install, just trying to help out. ------------------------------ Message: 6 Date: Mon, 7 Feb 2011 20:42:20 -0600 From: "Maverick Brown [Maverick Solar]" <maver...@mavericksolar.com> To: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> Cc: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] outback mate question Message-ID: <f40f93fa-cce2-47ac-9514-6075d72ce...@mavericksolar.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8 Do they have a PC connected to the Mate? Thank you, Maverick Maverick Brown BSEET, NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer ? President & CEO Maverick Solar Enterprises, Inc. Office: 512-919-4493 Cell: 512-460-9825 Sent from an iPhone. On Feb 7, 2011, at 7:33 PM, jay peltz <j...@asis.com> wrote: > HI All, > > I'm curious if anyone can shed light on this one. > > I've got a customer whos telling me their mate changes from USE to drop on > its own. > they say they set it on USE, come back and check it and its on Drop? > I"ve never seen this one. > > any thoughts other than user error? > > system is 6 years old, probably original mate, no AGS, sealed fx > > thanks, > > jay > > peltz power > > PS the site is a 8hr drive each way, not my install, just trying to help out. > > > _______________________________________________ > 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 > ------------------------------ Message: 7 Date: Mon, 07 Feb 2011 19:21:29 -0800 From: Kent Osterberg <k...@coveoregon.com> To: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] outback mate question Message-ID: <4d50b6b9.6010...@coveoregon.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed Jay, I've seen that happen. I concluded that it was associated with an AGS fault status. I also reset the Mate to factory defaults and reprogrammed all the AGS settings for the customer. No problem since then. Kent Osterberg Blue Mountain Solar, Inc. jay peltz wrote: > HI All, > > I'm curious if anyone can shed light on this one. > > I've got a customer whos telling me their mate changes from USE to drop on > its own. > they say they set it on USE, come back and check it and its on Drop? > I"ve never seen this one. > > any thoughts other than user error? > > system is 6 years old, probably original mate, no AGS, sealed fx > > thanks, > > jay > > peltz power > > PS the site is a 8hr drive each way, not my install, just trying to help out. > > ------------------------------ Message: 8 Date: Mon, 7 Feb 2011 20:45:53 -0700 From: "Warren Lauzon" <war...@wind-sun.com> To: "RE-wrenches" <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] NABCEP marketing Message-ID: <431F0491EFDD423CB0AD464D5C386AFF@Warren2PC> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" >From what I see, NABCEP is heavily hardware oriented, with only a smidgen of >actual problem solving and/or theory. It totally falls apart with battery >based systems, generally way undersizing them. The actual electrical knowledge required is minimal except for code and wiring/hardware issues. Being certified will not make you capable of much ? if any ? real troubleshooting. From: Nick Soleil Sent: Monday, February 07, 2011 2:16 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] NABCEP marketing To become NABCEP certified, you only need to have installed 2 PV systems. 1 of those systems can be at a training class, and the other can be on your brothers house. All that NABCEP Certified means is that I studied a list of questions, and then passed the test. It is good to know that a handrailing should be 39"-45" tall, and not 36"-42." However, that should not come with any title, like 'Certified PV Installer.' The experience requirements should be more stringent. If it required some real experience, it would mean something, but NABCEP wants as many participants as possible, so anyone can sit for it. Nick Soleil Project Manager Advanced Alternative Energy Solutions, LLC PO Box 657 Petaluma, CA 94953 Cell: 707-321-2937 Office: 707-789-9537 Fax: 707-769-9037 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Dave Palumbo <d...@independentpowerllc.com> To: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> Sent: Mon, February 7, 2011 11:10:21 AM Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] NABCEP marketing Larry, It?s easy to become frustrated browsing, or studying, anyone?s marketing these days. It?s OK to squeak once in a while on topics like this (in my opinion). NABCEP has not been discussed too much lately and your comment brought some good discussion to the group. Sounds like you are doing some good things in your business. Many professionals have not passed the test on the first take. David Palumbo Independent Power LLC 462 Solar Way Drive Hyde Park, VT 05655 www.independentpowerllc.com NABCEP Certified PV Installer Vermont Solar Partner 23 Years Experience, (802) 888-7194 From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of wire...@gmail.com Sent: Monday, February 07, 2011 11:54 AM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] NABCEP is Union Based? That's news to me! I spent about $1500 for prep course, hotel, etc to pass the entry level exam, so I have that. I spent about $2000 for prep, hotel, plane fare for the certification but I failed the test. I am taking it again in March. I'm studying harder this time. I'm 62 and my memory is not what it used to be and was never good at taking tests. When I design I have everything on my desk to refer to so I don't have to rely on my memory. And I just love installing, I've been doing it on boats for 30 years. I'm sorry if you think I'm whining, maybe I'll just stop. I'm just a competitive person and the ad ticked me off. Larry Liesner Wirewiz Westport, CT Phone: 203-644-2404 Fax: 203-557-0556 wire...@gmail.com www.wire-wiz.com On Feb 7, 2011, at 11:16 AM, Bill Hoffer wrote: Larry My PE is not required for the majority of work I do either, but I get a considerable "edge" over my competition because I have invested the time energy and went through the stress of taking the exam. It is the same way with NABCEP, I have shown that I am willing to take the time, energy and stress to get the qualification. I also appreciate the NABCEP taking the time and effort to promote ME in their ads. After going through the time and effort, it is good to get some tangible payback, and you want to take that away from me, because you do not have the time to take the exam...give me a break! You have the right to run your business and promote it as you see fit and so do I! Does any qualification mean that you know everything, of course not. If any one of us think that, then we should get out of the business. Cause guess what, we are in a rapidly changing landscape where we all are continually learning more and growing as an industry. Otherwise there would not be much use in this blog at all. All an exam really means is that you took the time, energy and stress to prepare for and take the exam, which to me is a sign of professionalism. It is about time our industry grows up! Is NABCEP perfect, of course not, but we all have the opportunity to help to make this organization the best that it can be. I applaud the pioneers who had the vision and that were willing to invest the considerable amount of time, energy and stress to pull it off. If you can do without it , more power to you, but don't whine to me about it being unfair that we want to toot our horn about what we are trying to do for this industry! Bill -- Bill Hoffer PE NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer? Sunergy Engineering Services PLLC 2504 Columbia Ave NW East Wenatchee WA 98802-3941 suneng...@gmail.com (509)470-7762 Cell(509)679-6165 _______________________________________________ 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 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- _______________________________________________ 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 Northern Arizona Wind & Sun - Electricity from the sun since 1979 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Online Solar Store Free Solar Discussion Forum -------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... 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