SEIA launches two working groups
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) launched two working groups on Friday to work on solar panel topics and labor topics.
The new Operations and Maintenance (O&M) group will work on solar panel reliability and maintenance while the Installer Safety & Workforce Development group (ISWD) will focus on labor topics.
“The topics we’re going to discuss in this group are critical to the industry’s success and I’m eager to help facilitate that conversation,” Chair of the O&M Working Group Jimmy Bergeron said. “I’m hopeful we will see advancement in the creation of reasonable contracts, defining a benchmark for quality O&M, as well as taking on any other topics which our members want addressed. We’re looking forward to learning from the collective knowledge that SEIA members bring to the table.”
The new O&M working group will examine how reliable solar panels are at generating electricity. The O&M group will also investigate the requirements for proper panel maintenance. The group aims to standardize O&M contracts and establish service standards. Members will also looking into consumer education programs.
O&M members will consist of installers, owners, service providers and operators.
“Protecting the safety and health of everyone in the solar industry is not only a good business strategy, it’s the law,” Chair of the ISWD Working Group John Schehl said. “It can be challenging to balance quality, productivity and safety, while also achieving sustainable profitability. The members of the ISWD working group are dedicated to developing strategies, programs and tools that all solar installers—rooftop and ground-mount—can embrace to help achieve these goals.”
The member-led ISWD working group will focus on labor topics, including installer safety, training, insurance and OSHA regulations. ISWD members will consist of installers, developers, plant operators and owners.
