PV Gap

Marian Said:

How do I start my own solar panel installation business??

We Answered:

Yes. Doing an electrical engineering agree is essential is you want to understand, design and build the SP systems.

If your goal is just to start the business, handling only the business aspects of it, and getting engineers to design the systems and electricians to install it then it is OK to be without the technical knowledge (although it will always help you).

Installing the systems would probably require a wire-mans license (not sure if that is also the term used in the US) which means that it will need to be done by a professional electrician, as the solar panels are only one aspect of a system. The power generated by the solar panel has to be stored, conditioned (DC to AC conversion) and interfaced with the current power source of the home or business you are installing the system in.

I recommend that you do lots of research into this before diving head first into it.

Good luck.

Lois Said:

Does anyone know of a school to take solar panel installation classes in Georgia?

We Answered:

NABCEP is a national organization that certifies solar installers. They require taking classes that are ISPQ accredited by IREC (Interstate Renewable Energy Council) . To see a list of accredited class providers, check out http://irecusa.org/irec-programs/ispq-tr…

Solairgen has Accredited Training Program for PV Systems Design and Implementation in GA, http://www.solairgen.com/.

Lydia Said:

What is the current status of solar panel installation for homes?

We Answered:

I assume you're talking about photovoltaic arrays?

You can go on Ebay and check out the going prices for photovoltaic array panels. You will find out very quickly what their current status is.

You can buy the inverters you'd need there also. Then there's cabling, deep cycle batteries. Some of that you might have to get locally, but it's all off the shelf stuff.

And then you can hire an electrician to install all that stuff for you, if you don't know how to do it yourself.

Mainly its the cost of the photovoltaic cells themselves that keep such systems from being really viable. It would simply take too long to recoup the cost from reduced electrical bills, to make the project worthwhile. Except to your occasional rich hobbyist.

I do believe production of these cells is increasing quite a bit in recent years however, and perhaps in time the magic of mass production and refined manufacturing techniques will change the costs involved.

Anyway, just check out what the stuff is going for on ebay, and figure out for yourself what it would cost you for the kind of system you'd like to have.

Now if you mean passive solar heating or solar water heaters, well, those are relatively cheap.

OK, just went up on ebay and did a search on 'soar panels.' Found this.

http://cgi.ebay.com/100w-Solar-Panels-48…

It's a 100w solar panel for $485. That's a typical price. Ten of these will get you a kilowatt of power on a bright sunny day. Think you can run your house on that? You might want three or four kilowatts. Maybe more.

I wouldn't be surprised if a three or four kilowatt system would end up costing you well over twenty thousand dollars.

So, how long do you suppose it would take you to recoup that?

Of course, if you're lucky, you might be able to sell your excess electricity back to the grid.... at the wholesale rate.....

Still, if you put it all together yourself, and you don't mind spending some cash, it would be interesting.

I'm sure one day it will be more affordable.

Jesse Said:

What does human resource management do in a solar panel installation company?

We Answered:

Yes my dear friend

here i can Give with full detail of your question .

I made up with my own solar and wind energy with the support of this site.

Penny Said:

solar panel installation certification in sf bay area?

We Answered:

http://www.jobtrainworks.org/for-clients/adult-services/adult-vocational-training/solar-training

this may give you a starting point!