Understanding Utility Scale Solar Construction Drawings – Free for HeatSpring Members We need more talented leaders for utility-scale solar construction projects – so starting today, for a limited time, “Understanding Utility-Scale Solar Construction Drawings” is free for HeatSpring Members. The course was developed by Andy Nyce. Andy began teaching because he… Continue reading “Understanding Utility Scale Solar Construction Drawings – Free for HeatSpring Members”
What are the Types of Manufacturer Warranties? Product Warranties. Performance warranties. Labor and installation support warranties. There’s a lot to compare when evaluating solar components for your projects. When home or business owners choose to invest in a solar energy system, the warranties provided by the manufacturers… Continue reading “What are the Types of Manufacturer Warranties?”
New Free Course Announcement: What is RETScreen Expert? Benchmarking, Feasibility, Performance, & Portfolio We all know that we need a lot more clean energy on the grid to curb climate change; although, it’s typically not easy knowing what exactly to do or where to start when it comes to clean energy project development.… Continue reading “New Free Course Announcement: What is RETScreen Expert? Benchmarking, Feasibility, Performance, & Portfolio”
1 NABCEP CEU – Become a K2 Pro Certified Installer for Tile Roofs with New Free Course Any residential solar installer in the Southwest and the coastal South can tell you that installing on tile roofs requires finesse and extra care. If your team is looking to enhance their skills and knowledge around solar installation on tile… Continue reading “1 NABCEP CEU – Become a K2 Pro Certified Installer for Tile Roofs with New Free Course”
New Bundle Announcement: Solar Construction Management & Safety Essentials Bundle Solar construction job openings are growing faster than they are getting filled. In Deloitte’s 2024 Renewable Energy Industry Outlook, it is anticipated that there will be 22,972 annual solar construction jobs created over the next five years. At the same,… Continue reading “New Bundle Announcement: Solar Construction Management & Safety Essentials Bundle”
New Free Course Announcement: Domestic Content Bonus Adder The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has opened up tremendous new incentives for solar projects – including a potentially lucrative 10% tax credit adder for using domestically-made components and products, known as the Domestic Content Bonus Adder. Although, actually qualifying for… Continue reading “New Free Course Announcement: Domestic Content Bonus Adder”
Renewing Your NABCEP Certification? Here’s What You Need Maintaining an active NABCEP certification demonstrates your continued commitment to professional development and expertise in the solar industry. If your NABCEP Professional Certification is coming up for renewal, you may be wondering what’s required for the recertification process. This quick… Continue reading “Renewing Your NABCEP Certification? Here’s What You Need”
Learn the Basics of the Energy Community Bonus Adder Provision When we think about the term energy communities, as in the bonus adder provision included in the Inflation Reduction Act, we’re referring to legacy fossil fuel communities anchored in the extraction, processing, or generation of energy using coal, oil, and… Continue reading “Learn the Basics of the Energy Community Bonus Adder Provision “
What Are the Types of Solar Incentives? Solar incentives often make or break the motivation for a homeowner to get solar. Depending on the physical location, your client may be eligible for various types of incentives at the utility, state, and federal level. It’s important for solar… Continue reading “What Are the Types of Solar Incentives?”
What is Pendulum Distance and Why Does It Matter When Setting Up Fall Protection Equipment? Per OSHA standards (1926.501), solar construction staff installing systems who are exposed to fall distances of 6 or more feet must be protected from falls by using one of the following methods: personal fall arrest systems, guardrail systems, or safety… Continue reading “What is Pendulum Distance and Why Does It Matter When Setting Up Fall Protection Equipment?”
1 NABCEP CEU – New Free Course Announcement: Introduction to Architectural Solar With the ever increasing focus on sustainable, net-zero, and grid-efficient buildings, architectural solar has been and continues to evolve as a key tool within renewable energy integration. But what exactly is architectural solar, and how does it influence the design… Continue reading “1 NABCEP CEU – New Free Course Announcement: Introduction to Architectural Solar “
What’s the Difference Between a Product and Performance PV Module Warranty? Manufacturer warranties on solar PV modules instill confidence for homeowners as well as for the companies who install them. These warranties provide assurance regarding the durability and energy output of solar modules, offering protection against defects and performance degradation over… Continue reading “What’s the Difference Between a Product and Performance PV Module Warranty?”
What is the Purpose of a Residential Solar Construction Agreement? Cultivating a thriving residential solar business involves so much more than installing solar equipment—it requires meticulous attention to the legal and logistical framework that underpins each project. At the heart of this framework lies the construction agreement, a cornerstone document… Continue reading “What is the Purpose of a Residential Solar Construction Agreement?”
What are Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs)? Homeowners who produce solar energy on their property can generate solar renewable energy certificates (often called SRECs or RECs) based on the amount of clean energy their solar panels generate. These SRECs can then be sold to companies or utilities… Continue reading “What are Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs)?”
What is the Purpose of Manufacturer’s Warranties? When prospective solar customers are making financial decisions about their solar equipment, understanding the purpose and coverage of manufacturer warranties is crucial for ensuring peace of mind and long-term reliability. These warranties serve as a promise from manufacturers to stand… Continue reading “What is the Purpose of Manufacturer’s Warranties?”
What is the Residential Clean Energy Credit and IRS Form 5695? If a homeowner is purchasing solar for their home in the United States, undoubtedly, they will want to apply for the Residential Clean Energy Credit. Solar sales professionals need to understand the basics of this tax credit, so that it… Continue reading “What is the Residential Clean Energy Credit and IRS Form 5695?”
New Course Announcement: Solar Construction Safety According to the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) Solar Jobs Census, as of December 2022, there were over 263,000 solar workers in the United States. Across the solar industry, 34% of workers were in installation or repair, which equates to… Continue reading “New Course Announcement: Solar Construction Safety”
The Ultimate Guide to NABCEP’s New Energy Storage Installation Professional (ESIP) Certification The NABCEP Energy Storage Installation Professional (ESIP) Board Certification was created for experienced energy storage professionals who have demonstrated knowledge in energy storage system development, design, installation, commissioning and decommissioning, and operation & maintenance (O&M). Successful ESIP candidates work in… Continue reading “The Ultimate Guide to NABCEP’s New Energy Storage Installation Professional (ESIP) Certification”
New Course Announcement: Customer Contracts & Agreements Residential solar systems come with contracts that span 20-25 years. Solar company staff need to become experts in each of the agreements and contracts that are utilized in the development and execution of residential solar construction projects, so that they… Continue reading “New Course Announcement: Customer Contracts & Agreements”
“Microgrid Design & Implementation” course now included with HeatSpring Membership Starting today, for a limited time, Dr. Andrew Skumanich’s “Microgrid Design & Implementation” course is free for HeatSpring Members. Microgrids are the future of energy production and distribution, but very few people understand how to create a successful microgrid. In this… Continue reading ““Microgrid Design & Implementation” course now included with HeatSpring Membership”