PV Gap

Ella Said:

How can I calculate the cost savings of having energy efficient options on my new home vs. traditional options?

We Answered:

Take a look at what your energy consumption has been for the last few years. Chances are that the cost of energy will not be going down.
There may be tax advantages to have the cost as part of your mortgage rather than as a household expense.
The local utility company may be able to provide statistics of average energy use in similar sized homes with and without the upgrades.

Rodney Said:

After completing a photovoltaic course, can you start working right away or do you need to do more?

We Answered:

If you pass the exams for a Solar Contractor's license (I think it's a C-10 license in California, could be wrong on that), and get a business license, insurance, you could start right away, I believe. Could be competitive finding customers.

If your'e just going to work for someone else, I'm not sure if there are any requirements, as long as you're under the supervision of someone that has the right licenses. You may find that practice is different from theory taught in a course. For example, if you're drilling a pilot hole for a screw to hold a mounting rack, what happens if you hit a nail? What do you do if the rafters aren't exactly 24 inches apart, or the roof isn't flat? What happens if there are no open spaces in the service panel?