U.S. Department of Commerce has imposed hefty tariffs on imported Chinese solar panels. Antidumping tariffs of 31% or more will now be added to solar panels being brought into the U.S. from Chinese panel manufacturers. One Chinese government energy policy maker Li Junfeng said the decision is “dangerous” and Chinese companies will probably retaliate by fling a case against U.S. polysilicon makers who export their product that’s used by Chinese panel makers.

SolarWorld Industries of America, a collation of U.S. panel manufacturers, said the decision is a very positive step in the process and the tariffs in line what they expected.

“The verdict is in,” said Gordon Brinser, president of SolarWorld. “In addition to its preliminary finding that Chinese solar companies were on the receiving end of at least 10 WTO-illegal subsidies, Commerce has now confirmed that Chinese manufacturers are guilty of illegally dumping solar cells and panels in the U.S. market. We appreciate the Commerce staff’s hard work on this matter.”

Brinser further stated, “Commerce today put importers and purchasers on notice about the consequences of importing illegally subsidized and dumped products from China. We understand U.S. Customs and other federal agencies are already aggressively enforcing the countervailing tariffs in order to prevent circumvention, and we expect they will be equally vigilant with the anti-dumping tariffs.” 

Several Chinese manufacturers have made it known how disappointed they are and will contact the Commerce Department to protest their decision. 

Smaller solar companies who have purchased these Chinese panels and companies who subtract to install them won’t be gleeful to be paying more for panels. The majority will probably be passing along their additional costs to homeowners which will probably slow down installations.

More Chinese solar panel tariff news at the N.Y. Times.

U.S. Imposes High Tariffs on Chinese Solar Panels

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Date: 2012-05-17, 11:27PM MDT
Reply to: jfcgs-3022507361@job.craigslist.org

Solid and rising Denver solar integration company needs a Lead Electrician PV Installer. This position is primarily responsible for the AC installation of the PV project taking account for the proper location and tie in of the service disconnects, meter housings, testing, wiring runs and related system components.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Lead and train crews PV installation implementation, particularly the AC components
• Follow system design specifications insuring quality AC installations
• Problem solve system layouts when field decisions and adjustments are necessary
• Organize and recommend proper team and resources for the project
• Ensure that BOS installation meets AHJ code requirements and quality standards
• Manage installation documentation on all projects
• Ensure crew and job site safety
• Manage specialty resources, tools vehicles and other company property

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
• Must have a RW or Journeyman Colorado Electrical License
• Expert understanding of relevant Residential and Commercial Electrical Code including wiring, sizing conduit, sizing wire, and bending conduit
• Understanding of PV solar installations
• Must be able to lift 50lbs, climb ladders, and work on roof tops in Colorado conditions.
• Ability to read, understand, and edit electrical and structural plans
• Effectively lead, coordinate and communicate with others
• Other relevant certifications are desirable.
• Can do attitude.

COMPENSATION AND TERMS
• Position is full-time
• Wage range is $19-24/hr (depends upon experience)
We are a proud Colorado based company and we offer a competitive total compensation package, and a family-oriented work environment. We are a Can Do company and have resources to extend our boundaries. Our benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability and Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, 401(k) plan and more. Applicants selected for employment will be required to undergo and pass a pre-employment background check and drug screening.
We are an Equal Opportunity employer and comply with all federal and state laws and regulations regarding equal employment opportunity.

• Location: Denver, CO
• Compensation: $19 – $24/ HR

 

Jobs In Solar: PV Solar Electric Journeyman (Denver CO)

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Sixty-six vision impaired people in Europe and the U.S. have solar powered eye implants. A small computer processed images captured by a mini-camera that is integrated into a pair of goggles. The glasses include a projection system that focuses the images into the eye and onto a photodiode array implanted into the retina. The array stimulates retinal neurons and in some cases can restore some clarity of vision.

The research team at Stanford University warn that the surgery to implant the photovoltaic diode is complex and can cause unpleasant side effects such as inflammation. Also the eye is being fed images from a camera through goggles so the eye doesn’t move in a normal way. Patients can use their eyes to scan the scene around them but only within the visual field of the goggles.

Even with the complications this method presents, it is simpler than the older method of patients having to be connected to a wire in order to get their implants charged up. Upgrading to a tiny photovoltaic array has at least to a degree simplified and improved the process.

Researchers predict the implants will be available to the public in one to two years after passing through the regulatory process.

More interesting details about solar eye implants at Nature.com.

Scientists Study Solar Eye Implants

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SREC’s or Solar Renewable Energy Credits are the credits generated in some states from your installed solar panel system. An SREC is a green certificate representing “green attributes” of one megawatt-hour of electricity generated from solar energy.

Living in a sunny climate can help your solar panel system generate 7 or 8 SRECS per year. In most participating states, once you generate 2 or 3 SRECS you’ll be able to start selling these credits.

Here’s a video by SunCraft explaining Solar Renewable Energy Credits:

SREC – Solar Renewable Energy Credits

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Date: 2012-05-11, 10:46AM EDT
Reply to: 8tqm9-3009231240@job.craigslist.org

Territory Manager — Retail Sales — New York Metro

Sunrun is looking for highly motivated team members to join our Home Depot sales program in the New York metro area. You will be part of the nation’s largest residential solar power company, contributing to a high-performing sales team in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. In this position you will be on the front lines, revolutionizing the way American homeowners power their homes.

Territory Managers will be driven, energetic, responsible, high-integrity, and entrepreneurial. You will manage a territory of Home Depot stores — solving day-to-day issues, training and educating associates, achieving sales targets, and delivering the highest level of service to the Home Depot. This position is full-time and is based in the New York metro area.

To apply please send an email introduction and resume to http://newton.newtonsoftware.com/career/SubmitResume.action?id=8a42a12b372c0ea701373bdbba8e1826&source=Craigslist

Responsibilities
• Engage stores to drive sales and achieve territory sales goals
• Train, motivate, and educate store associates
• Act as full-service point-of-contact for Home Depot’s solar program
• Track and report on performance, activity, and opportunities
• Consistently deliver a monthly sales target

Qualifications and Key Attributes
• Positive, high-energy, thrives on working with people
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
• Creative, resourceful, organized, detail-oriented
• Demonstrated ability as self-starter, leader, teammate
• Comfortable with reporting tools and metrics
• Retail experience and comfort with B2B and B2C sales are preferred
• Territory requires travel within New York metro (New Jersey, New York)

• Location: New York Metro
• Compensation:  Competitive base pay and incentive based on results

Jobs In Solar: Territory Manager — Retail Sales — New York Metro (New York Metro)

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Dan Rojas the solar experiment guy has a little fun cooking with a parabolic mirror and a small fry pan:

Solar Cooking Fun with Dan Rojas

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Solar industry studies show that for the first quarter of 2012 seventy percent of Californians who wanted solar power decided to either lease or use power purchase agreements. The trend continues across the U.S. with many homeowners deciding not to buy panels outright themselves but lease from companies large and small who offer these agreements.

There’s an upside and downside to all agreements. The upside for homeowners is there’s no upfront cost of purchasing panels and the installation. The downside is that many of these leases and purchase agreements are based on long-term contracts. If for any reason a homeowner wants out of the deal or wants to sell their home-legal complications will arise for the owner and the panel system provider.

The panel providers are large and small companies who buy panels wholesale from American manufacturers and Chinese importers. There is a rift within the solar industry created by the cheap Chinese panels. American panel manufacturers want to impose heavy tariffs on the Chinese but installation companies argue that the cheap panels allow homeowners to get a better and cheaper installation deal. Solar manufacturers in the U.S. are concerned the dumping of cheap panels will harm their industry.

One New Jersey installer claims that solar panel suppliers are dropping their prices on a daily basis in order to sell their inventory. He claims the drop in panel prices has allowed him to offer an installation at 30% to 40% less then two years ago.

The panel provider companies retain ownership of the panels and are responsible for the maintenance. They also take the tax breaks and any renewable energy credits the homeowner would’ve received. The homeowner pays the company a monthly fee for the electricity the panels generate.

In a slow economy this trend will continue as many homeowners don’t want to invest thousands of dollars in a solar system. Have your lawyer go over contracts that have long-term agreements. Discuss with the installer what the penalties will be if you decide to sell your property or if you want out of the agreement.

Details at the NY Times Energy & Environment.

2012 Year of Solar Lease and Purchase Agreements

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Date: 2012-04-30, 3:37PM PDT
Reply to: see below

REC SOLAR is a solar electric system integrator specializing in the design and installation of residential and commercial solar systems. Our vision is to make solar electricity a part of the mainstream energy supply. While still being a medium-sized employer, REC Solar is a market leader in the solar electric industry, experiencing growth rates in excess of 75%/year. By commercializing energy sources that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on fossil fuels, we can contribute to a more secure and sustainable world.

The Commercial Electrical Foreman installs and directs the work of all electrical portions of commercial solar electric installations by directing the electrical leads and their crews. They provide immediate infield oversight to crews on safety, quality control, and correct installation methods to ensure and efficient installation.

Responsibilities:

Interpret drawings, install, and direct the work of the electrical leads and their crews. This includes all conduit racking and conduit installation above and below ground; pad layouts; electrical equipment installation; roof loading electrical materials; wire pulling, dressing, and terminating; and DC string configuring.
Communicate to the General Foreman, Site Superintendant or Construction Manager potential problems encountered during construction that would affect the schedule or require added materials to be procured.
Manage on site tools to ensure that teams have the correct tools and that tool check-out and check-in procedures are being followed.

Requirements:

High School or equivalent plus 4 years of commercial electrical experience and 1 year of related commercial PV experience
Required certifications/licenses:
1. Oregon Supervisor’s License
2. Journeyman electrician’s certification
3. Driver’s license in good standing
4. First Aid/ CPR certified
Proficient with computer software programs such as Microsoft word and email

Excellent oral and written communication skills
Proficient in spelling, punctuation, grammar, basic business math
Think critically and ability to solve problems
Handle confidential/sensitive information with discretion
Good judgment
Organizational skills
Customer service skills
Physically able to perform all tasks related to installation
Knowledge of electrical construction, roofing construction, general construction, and NEC codes
Use standard office equipment such as personal computer, laser printer, copy machine, telephone, calculator, fax machine, etc.
Small hand tools

Essential functions include:

Heavy physical effort (usually lifting/moving up to 100 pounds)
Walking
Prolonged standing
Climbing of stairs, ladders and/or scaffolds
Carrying of loads up and down stairs
Reaching and/or grasping
Stooping, kneeling, bending, crawling and crouching
Carrying, pushing and/or pulling
Must work outdoors in all weather conditions
Exposure to noisy or dusty conditions
Exposure to chemicals and solvents
Good vision and hearing
Exposure to mechanical, electrical and/or other hazards

As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.

At REC Solar we consider the environmental impact of our business decisions whenever possible. To minimize paper waste, we request that all candidates send resumes via our website. APPLY ONLINE at http://tbe.taleo.net/NA5/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=RECSOLAR&cws=1&rid=1434

• Location: Portland, OR
• Compensation:  Depending on Experience

Jobs In Solar: Commercial Electrical Foreman (Portland OR)

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This May 13th through the 17th ’12 the World Renewable Energy Forum will take place in Denver, CO at the Colorado Convention Center. The event features the American Solar Energy Society’s National Solar Conference in conjunction with the World Renewable Energy Congress.

Speakers from around the world will be hosting topic specific conferences such as advancements in renewable energy technologies: Concentrating Solar Power, Biomass, Solar Cooking, Solar Hot Water, Water & Hydro Power, Energy Storage Systems, Grid Integration, etc.

There will also be a marketing conference where financing and workforce development will be featured topics. No advancement happens without financing and learning how to market new technologies.

Because Denver is hosting the forum there will be a special conference by the Colorado Renewable Energy Society entitled “Showcase Colorado.”

Speakers include Energy Secretary Steven Chu, Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper and Santiago Seage CEO of Abengoa Solar among other notables.

Below is a short video introduction to the topics that will be discussed at the conference.

More details at the World Renewable Energy Forum site.

World Renewable Energy Forum

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Date: 2012-04-18, 5:52PM PDT
Reply to: see below

REC Solar is a solar electric system integrator specializing in the design and installation of residential and commercial solar systems. Our vision is to make solar electricity a part of the mainstream energy supply. While still being a medium-sized employer, REC Solar is a market leader in the solar electric industry, experiencing growth rates in excess of 75%/year. By commercializing energy sources that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on fossil fuels, we can contribute to a more secure and sustainable world.

The Events Coordinator will support the company’s efforts to maintain its position as the leader in solar electric installation. Responsible for supporting the sales & marketing organization by generating leads through coordinating & working events and through traditional and non-traditional marketing support.

Responsibilities:

•Represent REC Solar at local events & road shows which primarily occur on weekends. Responsibilities include, pre-event set-up, post event clean-up, educating customers, generating leads & contacts, event evaluation, and data entry.
•Generate leads through non-traditional marketing campaigns. Responsibilities include, foot canvassing, door to door sales, flyering, etc.
•Inventory and management of all events equipment.
•Attend weekly sales meetings and provide feedback on events.
•Support marketing initiatives for the specified area.

Requirements:

•High School Diploma or AA degree. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
•Enthusiastic and articulate speaker
•Outgoing personality that enjoys communicating with others
•Enjoys working in a fast-paced environment
•Excellent Trade Show and lead generation capabilities
•Strong interpersonal skills, self-starter, ability to work with little supervision
•Must pass a pre-employment drug test, background check, and have an acceptable driving record

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Standing during event participation is routinely required; bending and kneeling may be required for the operation of event equipment and/or marketing displays. May be required to lift up to 25 pounds.

We offer an attractive compensation and benefits package designed to reward you for your hard work and performance. Our benefits include competitive base pay, paid time off and health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision and 401K. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.

At REC Solar we consider the environmental impact of our business decisions whenever possible. To minimize paper waste, we request that all candidates send resumes via our website at: http://tbe.taleo.net/NA5/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=RECSOLAR&cws=1&rid=1541

• Location: San Diego, CA
• Compensation: $14-$15 per hour.
• Principals only. Recruiters, please don’t contact this job poster.
• Please, no phone calls about this job!

Jobs In Solar: Event Coordinator (San Diego CA)

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