MREA supports rules to require certified installers on solar electric projects

by | Dec 19, 2008 | Uncategorized

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Two visitors at the MREA Energy Fair in June 2008 check out a solar oven on display in front of the MREA’s solar training structure.

From a statement of the Board of Directors of the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) concerning proposed rulemaking by the Wisconsin Department of Commerce regarding Act 63, relating to a state electrical wiring code; regulation of electricians, electrical contractors, and electrical inspectors:

The Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) would like to point out that it is in the best interests of the people of Wisconsin for the Department of Commerce to take steps to ensure that renewable energy systems that generate electricity:

1. are installed in a safe and reliable manner;
2. are properly & efficiently configured to maximize energy production, and equipment lifespan;
3. are not unduly burdened with unnecessary labor and installation costs. . . .

Based on the collective experience of the solar professionals at the MREA, the best way to ensure the safety of Wisconsin’s citizens (with respect to solar electric systems) would be for the Department of Commerce to require that all solar electric systems be installed by NABCEP certified installers or persons who are legitimately in the final stages of NABCEP certification as recognized by the Wisconsin Focus On Energy program. We believe that requirements of Act 63 can be fulfilled by having a licensed electrician make the final connection to the AC power system.

Our many years of experience have shown that the Department could allow NABCEP certification to suffice for the installation and connection of solar electric systems without any compromise to the safety of the people of Wisconsin, if Act 63 allowed such leeway.

Installation of safe and reliable small wind power systems (up to 100 kW), also requires a very specialized set of skills that are not taught to electricians. Unfortunately, NAPCEP certification does not yet exist for the installers of small scale wind systems, although it is likely that a certification system will be in place by 2010. When this certification standard is available, Department of Commerce adoption of this standard will be the best route to ensuring safely installed small wind systems. Presently, utility-scale wind systems usually are installed in custom engineered systems by licensed electricians, but utility-owned systems are already exempt from Act 63.

Four steps to slow climate change

by | Dec 16, 2008 | Uncategorized

From an article by Nick Paulson in the Wisconsin Rapids Tribune:

STEVENS POINT — The average American has gained 10 pounds in the past decade, and the extra weight is helping cause climate change.

“What that means is that the airlines that crisscross this country burn 350 million more gallons of jet fuel every year, schlepping around that extra weight,” said Terry Tamminen. “If all of us, myself included, would lose that 10 pounds, the planet would be better off and so would we.”

The idea may be a little harsh, but it is the kind of forward thinking Tamminen is known for and has helped him land some of the most prestigious climate jobs in the country. He has worked as the Secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency under Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Thursday night was part of a conference call with the transition team for President-elect Barack Obama.

Tamminen was Friday morning’s keynote speaker at the Wisconsin Climate Change Summit at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

From ideas such as his weight loss theory to broader changes like converting 1.2 million buildings nationwide to more efficient systems, Tamminen shared four steps he believes will stimulate the economy and create a more sustainable country: renewables, efficiency, markets and democracy.

Central Wisconsin villages, city review ordinances to deal with wind, solar power

by | Dec 14, 2008 | Uncategorized

From an article by Brian Reisinger in the Wausau Daily Herald:

Alternative energy is something officials in the Wausau area say they want to encourage among residents, but properly regulating such technology remains uncharted territory.

From wind turbines to solar panels to electric cars, enabling the use of alternative energy comes with benefits and challenges.

Kelly Warren, a volunteer with Wausau’s Commission for a Greener Tomorrow, said energy alternatives only will be feasible if people and government scale back consumption.

“The first thing should always be to conserve,” he said.

In the meantime, local governments are addressing the issue to varying degrees.

Weston’s Village Board could consider an ordinance Monday that identifies wind as an important resource while placing height and other restrictions on turbines.

Administrator Dean Zuleger wants the village to foster such alternatives, possibly by using money from business development districts.

“You have to be willing to be forward-thinking with those folks in the business community that want to give that a shot,” Zuleger said.