Hello Solar Enthusiasts!
Today, I’m thrilled to tell you about some exciting news from the solar industry that will provide greater transparency and safety for all those contemplating having a solar array for home installed.
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), which I like to refer to as solar’s guardian angel, is releasing two robust and comprehensive industry standards that focus on protecting you, the customer, from any deceptive or unethical practices while also enhancing the quality and safety of installations. Now, isn’t that impressive?
Let’s dive deeper into these two standards, known as 401 and 201. First up is the Standard 401, an outstanding guideline which will direct training requirements for solar salespeople – the folks you’ll interact with at your chosen solar company. This standard is aimed at cementing ethical sales practices and making sure you have a full-bodied understanding of your investment before you commit. Sounds great, doesn’t it? Not only will companies and salespeople trained under this standard disclose all costs clearly and detail key contract terms, but they’ll also provide all necessary technology information in a manner that’s comprehensive and lucid. A third-party will evaluate whether a company or individual has met these rigid requirements once this standard is published.
Cue in standard 201. This is the one that gets me giddy as a solar enthusiast; it envisions a new baseline for how residential, as well as small commercial solar and storage systems, should be installed. The emphasis? Enhancing safety quality and minimizing risk to your home or business while boosting grid reliability. Think of it as the ultimate armor designed to protect solar panels for your home from any installation-related mishaps. Companies standing by this standard will welcome a third-party audit of their written practices and field installations, further ensuring safe practices and creating a more rewarding and worry-free experience for you throughout the life of your system.
As a homeowner considering joining the solar revolution, or perhaps even a business seeking to harness the power of the sun, these standards assure that every step of the process, from inquiry to installation, is executed with your best interests in mind. Both these standards epitomize the solar and storage industry’s commitment to ensuring that turning solar is a seamless, enjoyable, and most importantly, a secure journey for you.
With over five million American homes sporting a solar system, and a prediction of at least another five million joining in by 2030, according to SEIA, it’s more important than ever that ethical and safe practices are firmly in place. It’s undeniable that the majority of homeowners are content with their solar installations; however, it’s crucial to snuff out the rare, yet existing, instances of bad experiences. This creates a stronger, trust-based relationship between consumers and solar companies.
Now, for those who have thoughts or suggestions on these standards, there’s a chance for you to make your voices heard. SEIA is inviting public comment on both standards for a limited 45-day period. All comments can only be accepted via their official Standards Public Review Comment Form.
As I always say, with great (solar) power comes great responsibility. And you can rest assured knowing that the solar Industry, guided by the SEIA, is thoroughly embracing this responsibility. So, folks, it looks like it’s a brilliant time to go solar!
Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/07/16/solar-trade-group-sets-standards-for-ethical-solar-practices/
