Josh Peterson
DCL
I recently attended the Alternative Building and Design Expo in Santa Monica, California. While I was there, I listened to a lecture on solar powered hot water heaters, why solar power was important for California and how electricians were becoming more and more familiar.
My favorite line of the day was (this is not verbatim) installing a solar panel is similar to installing a light fixture in reverse. A light fixture uses electricity to make light. A solar panel uses light to make electricity. The speaker went on to say that if he closed his eyes and randomly pointed to a spot on a map of the United States and Canada, he could find someone who is familiar with alternative energy.
So, I thought I'd put his claim to the test. The speaker was from an organization called The National Electrical Contractors Association, and he was right. Using the NECA website you can find an electrical contractor in all fifty states. Furthermore, you can search for specialists in solar power, wind power, geothermal, green building and sustainable design.
If somebody says that they won't be able to find a contractor who can install solar panels in Davenport, Iowa, point them to the NECA site.
