The Solar Interconnection Process 101 The “interconnection process” is the processes by which an electric generating facility (solar, wind, biomass, coal, etc) is allowed to connect to and supply the grid with power. The interconnection process is sometimes overlooked by new solar companies but it’s very important… Continue reading “The Solar Interconnection Process 101”
What is on the NABCEP? What and How Should you Study? The NABCEP exam is becoming more and more standard for professionals who are looking to work within the industry at small, medium and large size solar EPC contractors. Even salespeople are seeing pressure to have the NABCEP. A quick glance… Continue reading “What is on the NABCEP? What and How Should you Study?”
What’s Special About IGSHPA Geothermal Installer Certification? Do you Really Need it? It’s a good and valid question. If you’re curious what certification is, you can see here: What is the IGSHPA Certification? But more importantly, what is the value of IGSHPA certification in the marketplace – who is it valuable for… Continue reading “What’s Special About IGSHPA Geothermal Installer Certification? Do you Really Need it?”
5 Basic Elements You Need to Know to Finance any Solar Project If you’re new to the solar industry, go to the Solar 101 Reading list. It has free tools and articles on solar design and installation, sales and marketing, policy, finance and best practices. Second only to long term, clear and… Continue reading “5 Basic Elements You Need to Know to Finance any Solar Project”
The Economic & Environmental Case for Standing Column Wells HeatSpring instructor, Dr. Al Koenig, discusses the promise of standing column well geothermal systems in this three minute video. This short video was taken from Dr. Koenig’s ‘Standing Column Wells for Geothermal Professionals‘ course. As the video starts, Al is… Continue reading “The Economic & Environmental Case for Standing Column Wells”
16 Questions Every Profitable Solar Startup Should Be Able to Answer We recently installed a chat feature on HeatSpring so that we could better assist visitors and customers with any questions they may have. Last week, I had a great conversation with a fellow from New Jersey who was looking to… Continue reading “16 Questions Every Profitable Solar Startup Should Be Able to Answer”
HeatSpring TV Episode 1: General Contractors Getting into Renewables The first episode of HeatSprint TV, known as HS TV from now on, is live! In the first episode of HS TV, I discuss 5 current new stories of importance and welcomed our first guest, Jamie from S+H Construction. We discuss… Continue reading “HeatSpring TV Episode 1: General Contractors Getting into Renewables”
Sizing Heat Pumps to Maximize Geothermal Economics in the Design Process [Video Tutorial] Yes, that’s my picture from my first video tutorial. Last week, I wrote a article on the 4 basic steps to deseigning a geothermal heat pump system for a residential home. To refresh your memory, those steps are 1) perform… Continue reading “Sizing Heat Pumps to Maximize Geothermal Economics in the Design Process [Video Tutorial]”
The IREC 2010 US Solar Trends Report, 3 Things It Means for Solar Contractors. A few week’s ago, I wrote about SEIA’s solar market research and what this means for you, the solar contractor. Recently, IREC released their annual solar market report with the optimistic title: “Solar Markets in the US: Big, Booming, And… Continue reading “The IREC 2010 US Solar Trends Report, 3 Things It Means for Solar Contractors.”
Getting Your Business Found: SEO Techniques for Home Energy Professionals. According to research by BIA/Kelsey and ConStat, 97% of consumers now use the internet to find local businesses, or to research local businesses before making purchases. What this means for your business — which is, after all, an inherently local… Continue reading “Getting Your Business Found: SEO Techniques for Home Energy Professionals.”
4-Step Guide to Designing Geothermal Systems The first part to understanding any aspect of the geothermal industry, whether it be marketing, sales, design or installation is to understand how the technology works and it is designed. By understanding the design process, even if you are never… Continue reading “4-Step Guide to Designing Geothermal Systems”
7 Must Read Books for the Clean Energy Professional (or Enthusiast) I’m not a huge fan of lists, but I think this topic fits the structure well. The vast majority of people I speak with are eager and excited to learn about this new industry, either for personal interest or for… Continue reading “7 Must Read Books for the Clean Energy Professional (or Enthusiast)”
Solar is the Fastest Growing Industry in the US! So What? According to the last report put out by the Solar Energy Industry (SEIA), solar, specifically solar pv is the fastest growing industry in the US. So what? What does this mean for your business or job prospects? How you can… Continue reading “Solar is the Fastest Growing Industry in the US! So What?”
Geothermal Designer Tax Credit: Don’t Leave Money on the Table “Your database of completed geothermal projects is a goldmine.” That was the message at tonight’s New England Geothermal Professional Association member’s meeting. Charles Goulding, from Energy Tax Savers, gave a compelling presentation about some underutilized government programs that directly benefit… Continue reading “Geothermal Designer Tax Credit: Don’t Leave Money on the Table”
2 Things Electricians Should Ask Themselves When Going Solar At HeatSpring Learning Institute, we do a lot of NABCEP solar training for electricians who are going to be starting companies in solar or moving their existing business into solar. After 4 years and 500 solar alumni who have gone through… Continue reading “2 Things Electricians Should Ask Themselves When Going Solar”
Five Key Items for Writing a Solid Renewable Energy Sales Proposal If you’re currently a contractor and interested in entering or expanding your business into the renewable energy industry, there are four main hurdles you will face. Understanding the technology. See this free course to learn more about the technology basics.… Continue reading “Five Key Items for Writing a Solid Renewable Energy Sales Proposal”
How You Can Use Geothermal To Gain LEED Certification Here is an excerpt from a white paper I just published on how and where a ground source heat pump can be utilized to gain LEED certification. By now, nearly everyone has at least heard of LEED but not many… Continue reading “How You Can Use Geothermal To Gain LEED Certification”
6 Ways to Not Waste Your Money on Solar Training BUYER BEWARE; when purchasing training, there are a lot of training providers coming into the market. Some are good, but some are bad. You’re smart–just do your homework. Everyone looking to get into solar industry should take some quality technical… Continue reading “6 Ways to Not Waste Your Money on Solar Training”
Enphase and Micro-Inverter Benefits Are Becoming Clear Over Traditional String Inverters If you’re new to the solar industry, go to the Solar 101 Reading list. It has free tools and articles on solar design and installation, sales and marketing, policy, finance and best practices. According to the Solar Energy Industry Association, the residential market… Continue reading “Enphase and Micro-Inverter Benefits Are Becoming Clear Over Traditional String Inverters”
The 9 Best Geothermal and Solar Resources on the Internet This is a simple post. Here are our favorite solar and geothermal resources we’ve run into (or created!) over the past couple years that are really useful resources for understanding the technology, basic design, policy and sales of solar and… Continue reading “The 9 Best Geothermal and Solar Resources on the Internet”