Under a program designed by the Arizona Public Service Co., installation companies can compete for the designation of "Qualified Solar Installer." Thus far, 32 installation firms have received the QSI designation - and more are sure to follow.
APS anticipates that more than 75 companies will receive the designation this year.
There are two separate course tracks for would-be designees: Solar thermal - water heaters, in other words - and solar electric, for panels. The courses cover not only the fundamentals of installation but the specifics of APS' solar incentive program - which provides up to $2 per watt for a residential solar project - and ethics and sales standards.
QSI designees, APS renewable energy director Eran Mahrer said, "understand the complexities associated with the various types of solar installations and are dedicated to the highest level of technical skills, customer service and consumer safety."
Solar-installer qualification programs are likely to become more common around the nation as solar power grows in popularity. APS could be setting a precedent with its QSI initiative.
