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?”
New Course Announcement: Electric Transmission and Solar PV Interconnection Bundle U.S. utility-scale solar installations in 2023 totaled 22.5 GW, an increase of 77% compared to 2022, according to SEIA and Wood Mackenzie. The numbers are expected to continue to increase thanks to the tax incentives and long-term certainty from the… Continue reading “New Course Announcement: Electric Transmission and Solar PV Interconnection Bundle”
New Free Course Announcement: Inflation Reduction Act Solar Provisions: Direct Pay Elective Pay (more commonly known as Direct Pay) creates a pathway for nonprofit organizations to utilize tax credits. It was included as a provision in the Inflation Reduction Act passed in August 2022. Prior to Direct Pay, it was difficult… Continue reading “New Free Course Announcement: Inflation Reduction Act Solar Provisions: Direct Pay”
Siegenthaler’s “Air-to-Water Heat Pump Fundamentals” now free for Members (and their friends) Heat pumps are getting really popular and we need more people to install them. If you know somebody who might make the jump, here’s a fun way to give them a nudge: Starting today, for a limited time, “Air-to-Water Heat… Continue reading “Siegenthaler’s “Air-to-Water Heat Pump Fundamentals” now free for Members (and their friends)”
How to get money for heat pumps in New York The state of New York wants more heat pump installations, so they created the NY Clean Heat Program. NY Clean Heat pays qualified contractors for every heat pump installation that meets their standards. To participate in the program, you need… Continue reading “How to get money for heat pumps in New York”
Around the Solar World in 80 Days A journey into the heart of the growing clean energy sector and what we learned while we were there It’s no secret that the solar industry is facing an unprecedented time in our evolution. The opportunities have never been greater,… Continue reading “Around the Solar World in 80 Days”
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 is the Interconnection Process? Interconnection is a critical and necessary step in the customer journey when seeking to install a grid-tied solar PV system. This is the process by which the customer is able to get permission from the utility to operate their system… Continue reading “What is the Interconnection Process?”
Introducing Green Workforce Connect – A New Platform for Home Weatherization Careers from IREC The team at the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) and a diverse network of partners recently released Green Workforce Connect, a home weatherization career platform that will connect job seekers, students, and contractors to local training providers and employers. With… Continue reading “Introducing Green Workforce Connect – A New Platform for Home Weatherization Careers from IREC”
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?”
Refrigerants: The #1 Biggest Solution to Reverse Global Warming Solving refrigerant emissions is ranked the single biggest solution to reverse global warming (source: Project Drawdown). “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Refrigerants” is a free introduction to refrigerant management strategies and alternative refrigerants – the playbook for deploying heat pumps responsibly, at scale.… Continue reading “Refrigerants: The #1 Biggest Solution to Reverse Global Warming”
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”
What’s Winning Online Solar Sales? When it comes to the online solar buying landscape, the team at EnergySage is well positioned as a thought leader. Founded in 2009, EnergySage was created to educate homeowners about solar and the solar purchasing process. Back in 2012/13, they… Continue reading “What’s Winning Online Solar Sales? “
New Free Course Announcement: K2 Pro Certified Installer Training | Composition Shingle Roofs Are you a residential solar installer looking to elevate your skills and earn credentials to boost your resume? Is your company onboarding new installers and looking to get them exposed to installation fundamentals and the process prior to going onsite?… Continue reading “New Free Course Announcement: K2 Pro Certified Installer Training | Composition Shingle Roofs”
Tim & John’s “Clean Power Hour” Podcast Why did you decide to start your business? What are you hoping to accomplish this year? What makes you tick? Knowing these things are prerequisites for a positive work relationship, and they’re hard to learn from a website or a… Continue reading “Tim & John’s “Clean Power Hour” Podcast”