Solar as Economic Stimulus: Building a Green Workforce

The clean energy industry became a focal point of economic development initiatives during 2015, and the trend towards investing resources in building a green workforce to support renewable energy product development, manufacturing, and system installation gathered steam as statistics and funding rolled out throughout the year. With renewable energy installations accounting for 70 percent of new electrical power in the first half of 2015, and the Energy Department announcing an allocation of $12 million in May 2015 to create a “diverse, well-trained solar support workforce, including professionals in the insurance, real estate and utility industries,” the push to enhance solar capacity in the US doesn’t look to slow down in 2016.

Photo Credit:  Dennis Schroeder/National Renewable Energy Laboratory

As the search for more electrical power options increases, so will the economic impact on regions that provide incentives for renewable energy companies to set up operations. For several communities confronted with the loss of large employers, the erosion of a manufacturing base, and high unemployment, the surge in demand for a green workforce has led to several initiatives that target specific workforce populations. Here are just a few examples of the innovative partnerships and programs happening all over the country:

Sacramento’s Green Capital Alliance: Diversifying Economy Through Workforce Collaboration

Following the steep decline of government and construction industry jobs in the Sacramento region, Los Rios Community College District and a broad group of leaders in education, business, community development, infrastructure, technology and labor created the Green Capital Alliance to improve the health and sustainability of the region’s economy. The colleges work closely with the Green Capital Alliance to ensure that the programs and the curricula offered meet the needs of the region and the needs of businesses.

Community College of Philadelphia: Creating a Job-Ready Workforce

In another example of academic-business partnership in action, the Community College of Philadelphia has created “pathways to rapid employment by recruiting, training and placing qualified veterans, unemployed workers, ex-offenders and local residents in entry-level jobs in the green manufacturing, and construction and weatherization industries.” Students become highly-trained, credentialed professionals who are then assisted with job placement by both industry partners and the college.

“Employers save a lot of time and money by not having to advertise and screen applicants, plus they know what they are getting,” says Project Director Wendy Ardagna. “Philadelphians get employed and companies avoid high turnover costs. We are fighting poverty and all its social and physical consequences to program participants, while doing rapid response training and placement, while also making everything as green as possible!”

Photo Credit Matt Paolelli

Solar Instructor Training Network: Nationwide Access to Professional Development

Created by The U.S. Department of Energy SunShot Initiative and comprised of nine training hubs and over 400 community colleges around the country, the Solar Instructor Training Network provides future solar workers access to high-quality, local training in solar system design, installation, sales, and inspection. At the NC Clean Energy Technology Center, one of the nine training hubs, participants can gain professional development through the Renewable Energy Technologies Diploma Series or Certificate in Renewable Energy Management.

Solar Ready Vets:  Training Military Personnel for Solar Careers

A joint effort between the Department of Energy and Department of Defense, the Solar Ready Vets program trains active military personnel who will be leaving military service and becoming a veteran, and it prepares them to be strong candidates for positions in the solar industry.

Photo Credit:  U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Matthew R. Cole/Released

When communities support partnerships and workforce training programs like those above, they gain access to a rapidly growing industry that offers an expanding source of employment and a stronger, more diversified economy.

SUNRNR Celebrates 10 Years--Part 2 "Introducing a New Energy Product to the Public"

As SUNRNR celebrates its 10-year anniversary providing high-quality, portable solar generators throughout the United States and around the world, we talked to their team about what has kept them in business all these years and their exciting plans for the future. (See Part 1 of the story HERE.)

Scott and Jenny demonstrate a SUNRNR

After nearly five years of research, development, and field-testing, it was time to bring the SUNRNR original portable solar generator to the public. For Phase 2 of the project, Alan would need a team. In 2008, Jenny and Scott French joined SUNRNR. With backgrounds in engineering (Jenny) and business (Scott), the duo began the challenging process of marketing, selling, and distributing a brand-new product from an industry still not well understood by the general public.

What about SUNRNR inspired you to get involved?

Jenny: We believed in the product and trusted Alan – he is a genius in the world of power.

Explain the manufacturing process:

Scott: The learning curve was huge - we were a little naïve in the beginning. Jenny and I spent much time getting a better understanding of the product and all its applications and we participated in assembly while buying and documenting the parts involved. I talk to every customer and/or their dealer and we have had our ears to the ground as to further development of the product according to what customers are looking for.

Why has the SUNRNR been around for 10 years?

Jenny: We have seen other products come and go over the last five years. Many entered, but few are getting past "shake-out" or they are not in the same class as SUNRNR. Our product is an investment - the best of class available and a level above the competition in quality, reliability, design, and system specifications. Scott:  Simply put, the SUNRNR is the best watts per dollar product available.

Jenny:  We also spend a lot of time on customer support - many of our recent sales have been repeat customers adding on to their systems. We’ve never had a customer return a SUNRNR.  We would rather not make a sale than have an unsatisfied or over-expectant customer.

How can SUNRNR act as an “entry level solar system” for homeowners?

Scott: The SUNRNR is a generation/storage/output system for electricity. It gathers solar (or wind) energy and stores it to be used at any time – even at night. Because it is small-scale and transportable, it is a convenient and affordable way to add renewable energy to your home and begin reducing energy costs and reliance on the grid. The versatility and expandability of the system make a SUNRNR an excellent way for homeowners to get started without the expense of a major installation. 

What are some of the unique uses SUNRNR customers have discovered?

Jenny:  The majority use them to offset daily grid usage while awaiting a backup power role, but people use them on farms, in greenhouses, for well pumps, cabins, and on construction sites. We’ve had customers from colleges, music festivals, camps and many, many more. James Madison University Wind Center is currently using a small prototype as an electric bike charging station.

Explain why SUNRNR is called the “Cadillac of portable solar generators”

Scott: I think of it more as the “pickup truck of solar generators.” It’s made for anybody. Yes, high-line in quality and some might say cost, but Audi in construction, Tesla in eco-friendliness, Subaru in durability, Jeep in capability, and Model T in simplicity yet effectiveness.

What has been the best part about being involved with SUNRNR?

Jenny: The people we meet. They are diverse – capable, educated either in life or in school, and sometimes wonderfully wacky. Always interesting.

What is in the future for SUNRNR?

Jenny: Now that SUNRNRs are proven, we are in our next phase - we understand more about the market and will incorporate what we’ve learned. Certain related technologies such as battery storage are changing quickly.  We also feel the product has great potential internationally and are looking to increase sales in countries where residents could benefit from a system like this.  A useful yellow box in every house, garage, pickup truck, or outbuilding!

Interview by Jenna Clarke

SUNRNR Celebrates 10 Years--Part 1 "Inventing the First Solar Generator"

SUNRNR Inventor Alan Mattichak putting a unit through the paces.

Ten years ago, on a brisk November morning in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, Alan Mattichak awoke from a deep sleep with the idea for an invention that would change the course of his life.

Since he was a toddler, Alan had been interested in electricity. In 2004, he was enjoying a career developing and installing electrical systems and gas-powered generators. The thought of using solar energy had not entered his mind, but on that morning in November, he awoke with the entire plans for a portable solar generator called the “SunRunner” in his head. 

He quickly set to work translating the plans existing in his brain into a durable, quality product. Ten years later, he and two business partners are now selling SUNRNR portable solar generators throughout the United States and around the world. In the process, Alan created a symbiotic relationship with NeuroRestorative Virginia, a nearby rehabilitative center for individuals who have suffered brain injuries.

However, creating a lasting quality product - when only 1 out of 5,000 inventions have successful product launches - takes more than just a brilliant idea. At a time when solar energy companies have come and gone, here is why SUNRNR is thriving 10 years later:

Tell us a little about the invention process. 

Alan: The idea came to me fully formed – it was a gift given to me from God for a higher good. First I ordered the components and made a prototype that worked. Then I fine-tuned the development and completed more field-testing. At that time I saw that this could be a good, useful tool for the world. Within a year I got the trademark – it went right through the first try. Then I got the patent and started building the SUNRNR. All of this took a few years.

Quick fact: Alan kept his Model T in mind during development, ensuring SUNRNR’s were innovative, rugged, powerful, easy to use, and classic.

How is SUNRNR manufactured and how is the community involved?

Alan: I was familiar with NeuroRestorative Virginia and their program [providing rehabilitation services]. On a whim, I asked the director for help with a small project for SUNRNR. Eventually, it turned into a once-a-week vocational workshop where residents help in the sub-assembly of the solar generators which provides cognitive skills-building, mental and physical stimulation, recreation, non-competitive wages, and useful work. When the guys start doing this work, they start getting better. Everyone was stunned with the improvement that was happening in this program. It’s been a blessing and very rewarding to watch.

Quick fact:  75 percent of the SUNRNR’s components are purchased locally and the generator itself is assembled at NeuroRestorative Virginia’s Weyers Cave facility.

   

What do you see next for the SUNRNR?

Alan: SUNRNR has thousands of potential uses. One of my hopes is that they would end up in places around the world where a little electricity goes a long way. Clean water is the single biggest health issue in most of the world. That could change lives and health situations really quickly. The idea for the SUNRNR was a gift given to me for a higher good. There have been lots of blessings in my life but this is a special chapter.

Quick fact:  Many beautiful yellow boxes are currently producing personal power in Canada, Africa, and Japan.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of the SUNRNR Celebrates 10 Years story!  

Interview by Jenna Clarke

Nine Reasons Solar Can Be Less Expensive Than You Might Expect

Even with all the talk of “dollars per Watt” being 100 times less expensive than it was 20 years ago for solar, the stigma that solar is expensive remains. According to solar industry data published by the Solar Energy Industries Association only half a million US homes or businesses have “gone solar.”  Now is the time to rethink that out-dated perception and realize anyone can choose their own shade of green.  A little effort to traverse the learning curve and make a reasonable investment can lead to significant rewards. Here are nine reasons to reconsider solar!

Graph fromeconomist.com

The solar industry has broken away from the one size fits all model, giving individuals and companies a variety of options tailored to fit their needs, from small portable systems to large-scale permanent megaWatt installations, with many choices in between.  

1) The end of year is a great time to take advantage of federal tax credits for home and business. 

In 2006, the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) was enacted to encourage the installment of solar modules on both residential and commercial properties. This 30 percent tax credit expires on December 31, 2016, making today a great time to think about investing in solar and adding a tax credit to your 2014 return. For the sake of round numbers, a $10,000 investment reduces your taxable income by $3000!  If you are taxed at 33% like many Americans, you just DIDN’T pay $1000 in taxes.  Read more on solar investment tax credits and federal tax incentive forms - residential and commercial.

2) And don’t forget state tax incentives… 

There are also a variety of state residential and commercial financial incentives for renewable energy applications and installations. For example, Massachusetts offers a 15% state tax credit for a number of systems including solar water heat and solar space heat.  

3) Many states and localities also give property tax breaks for energy or pollution control equipment.  

In Virginia, 19 different counties exempt or partially exempt solar energy equipment from local property taxes and many other states have similar programs: http://www.dsireusa.org/ and VA DEQ 

4) Solar cooperatives are springing up everywhere  

If you are considering a solar project for your home or business and are not sure where to begin, look for (or start!) a solar cooperative near you. Solar cooperatives have been forming across the county as a way to pool purchasing power and share resources and best practices around financing and installing solar projects. As part of group of homes or businesses, you are more likely to get a bulk discount on solar modules and installation, which could translate into savings of 30% or more on systems.

 Find a cooperative near you:  cleantechnica.com or transformgov.org  or google “Solarize (your city here)”!

5) Low-interest financing through credit unions or local banks is becoming popular.  Some even offer rebate programs.

Solar is an investment that will save you thousands of dollars over time and although systems are more affordable than ever, they do come with upfront costs. Check in with your local bank or credit union to see if they participate in PowerSaver Loans, a program of the U.S. Department of Energy to finance residential energy efficient systems and renewable energy upgrades.

In Colorado, a credit union partnered with local company EnergySmart to provide low-interest financing along with rebates to homes and businesses interested in installing renewable energy systems.

6) Your business may qualify for a federal grant like those offered by the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).  

The REAP program provides “financial assistance to agriculture producers and rural small business for the specific purpose of purchasing, installing and constructing renewable energy systems.”

7) The recent availability of portable and/or expandable systems can offer a lower-cost, “toe-in”, lighter shade of green entry into solar power.  Powerful portables like SUNRNR can be used to lower energy bills by running everyday appliances, business equipment and tools as well as providing backup power in the event of a power outage, all without the expense of a full installation.  One SUNRNR unit offers 5% of an average American household’s energy consumption daily.

This educational article introduces technical specifications and definitions while this one is more general and comparative.  Both are great starting points to determine if a small-scale system would meet your needs.

To recoup your expense and even profit from it, you might want to look into whether your solar generator system company offers “Brand Ambassadorship”, like a sales rep getting a commission for referrals.

8) Use available resources to ask the right questions and get the best possible answers. (AKA The reason it might be MORE expensive than you might think.)

Did you know full residential installations that do not incorporate battery storage or special circuitry can offer NO electricity during an outage even if the sun is shining?

Or that a leased system might make it challenging to sell your house in the future?

Or that you may have to pay a fee to sell your excess grid-tied solar power back to the utility since you are using their grid to do it?

The renewables industry is just gaining momentum and there are many resources available, such as at Energy.gov, to avoid making mistakes that may cost you money or not fulfill your expectations.   Probably the most difficult part of all of this is first defining your own power needs or wants.

9) Lastly, the Return on Investment(ROI) is so much more than financial.  

Each solar “installation” is unique, as are the applications for that installation.   There is always the average $100/mo electric bill, 20-year payoff spiel, but there is so much more.  For one, because you did not buy 11MW one year from your utility, you saved them the cost and 7.5 tons of CO2 emissions to make it.  If you are using a portable solar generator in place of fossil fuel, the equivalence is 120 gallons of gas not burned per year, ~$400 not spent and 1.1 ton of CO2 not emitted!  (Save one freezer load of food and gain another ~$350 credit.)  If you are avoiding running a new power line to an off grid location, you just saved $15,000 to $50,000 per mile!  There are hundreds of ways to look at it, maybe all are correct.  Check out this fun calculator from the EPA for evaluating one aspect of ROI. 

Blog contributor: Jenna Clark