Jobs In Solar: High-End Solar Sales (Metro Phoenix AZ)

Date: 2011-12-29, 12:15PM MST
Reply to: jobs@skypoweraz.com

Greetings ...

If you have had any solar electric sales experience and now want to work with professional solar engineers on custom, high-end solar design & build, let's talk. We can deliver on your promises.

Jay Leopold
SkyPower
jay@skypower.co
Hiring Organization: jobs@skypower.co

• Location: Metro Phoenix, AZ
• Compensation: Base Plus Commission
• Telecommuting is OK.

Solar Energy Kits

Solar Energy Kits - Harnessing Renewable Energy
By M.S. Rochell

When moving into green living, many homeowners choose to start their journey with solar energy kits. These kits provide a complete alternative energy unit with all necessary parts to collect electricity from the sun.

One of the main benefits of solar energy is that it is free, once you have set up your solar energy system. Many people are turning to DIY solar and solar power kits to defray the expenses involved in setting up their system.

As technology advances, prices tend to drop dramatically. Currently, a small five watt mini unit retails for less than $120 US. The more power collected, the higher the price will rise.

Solar energy kits often include cells, a battery, fuse holder, wiring and assembly instructions. Cells are used to collect energy which is then stored in a battery for later use.

The smallest units can effectively power one household small appliance like a toaster or blender. If electrical power for the home is desired, much larger units will need to be installed on the roof or yard of the home.

Larger units include the same pieces as smaller units with more solar cells and larger batteries. Some units also come with instructions on connecting power supplies to the electric meter of the home.

This is perfect for homes with very little electrical use. Power that is not used can be fed back to the local utility company for credits. When the sun is not shining or home power needs increase, those credits can be used to pay for electrical needs.

Home based units will often include an inverter. Inverters are used to change electrical output from DC to AC. Most homes work with AC power, this is the power that comes out of the sockets in the home. Solar cells collect energy in DC form so in order to use that power, the inverter is needed.

Mounting larger solar energy kits can be accomplished in one of two ways. Roof units often attach to brackets bolted into the framing of the home. Lawn units can be installed with wood, metal or PVC frames.

Lawn units tend to be less common due to the movement of the sun. At some time during the day, solar cells will receive direct sunlight and produce maximum wattage. As the sun moves, that direct sunlight will move and the units will no longer be as effective.

Pricing for kits rise dramatically depending on total energy capacity. Off grid homes, or homes that collect all electric from the sun or other alternative sources, can invest more than $10,000 on units that will provide the needed amount of electricity. For every 100 watts of power, homeowners can expect to pay around $600 per kit.

Some electrical knowledge is useful when trying to construct your own kit. Most, however, can be considered plug and play. Mounting cells on a roof may require outside help in order to ensure unit weight will be properly distributed and safely attached to the frame of the home.

Anyone can move into the green age of energy with a solar energy kit built for quick and easy installation. Online is the best place to start your search for your step into alternative energy production.

M.S. Rochell is the editor of http://www.Go-Green-Solar-Energy.com which offers education and inspiration on the benefits of going green with solar energy. Please visit for more on which [http://www.go-green-solar-energy.com/solar-energy-kits.html]solar energy kits will work best for your needs, and to receive our free Affordable Solar eBooks.

Geese Flying Next to Man Over London

This has nothing to do with the subject of solar power but this is an extraordinary video of a man named Christian Moullec who is a Microlite pilot. He trains Canadian geese and in this video by the BBC he's filming the geese flying along side him over London. Best to watch it full screen:

Jobs In Solar: Part-Time Energy Benchmarker (Financial District New York City)

Date: 2011-12-27, 12:12PM EST
Reply to: jobs@brightpower.com

Please send a resume and cover letter. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. In addition we request a short writing sample and an excel sample displaying organization and simple analysis of data.

The Benchmarking Operations Teams (BOT) at Bright Power, Inc. is seeking an energetic person to assist staff beginning January through May, with possibility of full employment upon completing term.

Skills Required:
• Excellent data, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including proposal/report writing.
• Stellar presentation skills, with the ability to tailor dynamic presentations to different audiences.
• Excellent Microsoft Office skills (Word and Excel).
• Self-motivated and self-organizing. Show initiative.
• Must be organized and methodical as the job will entail dealing with a moderately large amount of data and so attention to detail is critical

Skills Preferred:
• Science, Engineering, or Computer Science Background, with work in Sustainability or Energy, as well as experience in coding and data analysis.
• Excellent planning, project and time management skills.
• Experience in the real estate, energy efficiency or building operations worlds.
• Ability to work well in a team oriented environment providing ideas and open feedback.

About Bright Power:
• 25 People
• Founded in 2004 and growing by over 50% each year
• Office located in downtown Manhattan
• Hard-working, casual work environment
• Serious about delivering high quality results, while having fun in the process
• "Realistic Idealists" working to change the world in pragmatic ways
• Projects in New York City, as well as nationally and internationally

Bright Power provides energy services in the following technologies:
• Heating Systems (steam, hydronic, forced air) & Cooling Systems (AC, commercial refrigeration)
• Lighting Systems (including motion sensors and other controls)
• Electrical Systems (motors, industrial machinery, controls)
• Renewable Energy (esp. solar PV and solar thermal)
• Controls and Energy Management Systems
• Remote Energy Monitoring
• Energy Modeling (eQuest, TREAT, Energy Plus, TRNSYS)
• Energy Benchmarking, Measurement & Verification (M&V), and savings analysis

Compensation:  $15/hour at 20-40 hours per week
This is a part-time job.

Solar Companies Help Out Habitat for Humanity

Special education teacher's aide Fatima Martinez is as happy as a clam after she and her son moved into a new home built by Habitat for Humanity. The Phoenix Arizona area woman was approved for a loan that helped her move out of the trailer she was living in and into the Habitat home. Various companies helped her by donating and installing a solar panel system on her roof.

Saint-Gobain Solar donated a 14 panel 3.52 kilowatt system and it was installed by 20 volunteers from Phoenix based Harmon Solar. This is the first Phoenix Habitat for Humanity home to include a solar panel system and receive an Energy Star Rating. The donated panels from Saint-Gobain are worth an estimated $15,500 and the new homeowner can save up to $750.00 per year in energy costs with an electricity bill that could be as low as $30.00 a month.

More details at The Arizona Republic.

Noter Dame Researches Advancing Solar Paint

The idea of solar paint has been kicked around for some time. Nortre Dame's biochemistry, chemistry and nano science researchers are studying how to make the cells-nanoparticles in the paint produce at a higher efficiency rate - currently at 1 percent. Commercial Silicon based cells usually are at an efficiency rate of 10% to 15% so the little quantum dots sitting in a paste have a long way to go before going commercial.

Nortre Dame researchers found that when applied the solar paste to a conductive surface the cells or nanoparticles in the paste produced electricity, at 1 percent efficiency. But, the idea of getting the efficiency rate up and producing the paint commercially with worldwide distribution inspired the scientists to nickname the paint "Sun-Believable."

The substrate or paste/paint can be produced cheaply in large quantities so the focus of these researchers is to improve the efficiency to the point it becomes commercially viable.

More details at Notre Dame.

Photo Credit: ACS Nano.

Here's an unrelated video of "Sun Paint" by Eindhoven University of Technology. In this case the paint is spread on conductive glass. The paint captures the available light and transmits it to a photocell that's attached to the glass. The wire from the photocell is attached to a little fan. The more paint is applied to the glass surface the more light is captured and is sent to the fan which speeds up according to the energy it's receiving.

Jobs In Solar: Experienced Solar Installer Wanted (Los Angeles Area)

Date: 2011-12-20, 6:15PM PST
Reply to: job-z6k8p-2763268832@craigslist.org

Los Angeles Solar Installers is Hiring qualified and Experienced Solar Installer
http://losangelessolarinstallers.com/

Hourly Pay $20

Responsibilities Include:

A: know how to Locate the structural roof members
B: install stand-off and flashings
C: Installing racking and related components
D: Bend conduit, Installing inverters and land wiring
E: Managing a crew of 2 other installers
F: Final testing and commissioning of the system

Basic Qualifications:

*At least one year of solar installation experience required
* Preference will be given to an installer who has experience managing a crew
* Full dexterity in upper and lower body
* Any additional construction related experience is a plus (roofing, electrical, etc.)
* Ability to work in various positions including, but not limited to: stooping, standing, bending, sitting, kneeling, squatting, on ladders, and in attic areas for extended periods of time
* Ability to lift 50 pounds of weight
* Strong attention to detail
* Good driving record and reliable transportation
* Strong documentation skills
* Professional appearance

Job locations: LA County, Ventura County, Riverside County, San Diego and Orange County

Location: Los Angeles, CA Area
Compensation: $20/hour

Missouri Farmers Drop the Gas Pumps and Turn to Solar

A small group of Southeast Missouri farmers have broken with tradition and have stopped using gas pumps to irrigate their farms. They've rigged up solar panels on trailers to power their irrigation systems instead. Space isn't a problem out on the farm and the panels can be placed anywhere for continued use after their irrigation job is done.

The farmer featured in the article, John Lorberg, said he uses his three solar-trailer rigs for about two months to irrigate his farm. He also has panels on the roof of his home. 

"So I've got these three trailers I use to pump water two months out of the year, do I want to let them sit in the shed? No," he said. "Even on a cloudy day, you'll be generating power."

The group of farmers will benefit from rebates and tax credits to the tune of only paying $4,700 for a $25,000 solar panel system that produces 1,000 kilowatts per month. Out on the farm there's no worries about zoning and getting permits and that has peaked the interest of other local farmers.

You know solar power is becoming mainstream when Ma and Pa Kettle are using panels down on the farm!

More details at the Southeast Missourian. 

Plug 'n Play Solar Panels Coming Soon

Onyx Plug n Play Panel

Solar Power incubator/developer Onyx Service & Solutions is busy setting up a demonstration site in Florida. The site will feature two new Plug 'n Play solar panels for the DIY crowd. The two panels model OS330-1 and model OS330-2 will come in at 330-watts.

The first model will have an incorporated micro inverter and standard U.S. AC power outlet plug. The second model will also include those two features plus sport a high-capacity battery.

They are ready-to-plug-in panel systems. All one has to do is grab your power cord from a TV, microwave, fridge, computer, etc and plug it into the panel to power up the appliance.

People who visit the demo site will see model one providing electricity for a water well pump and panel model two will supply the energy to run the air conditioning system for a residential building.

Onyx has partnered with Chinese a manufacturer to source the panel and inverter but says their battery technology will manufactured in the United States. Each incorporated battery is being designed to produce 5 hours of peak power. The panels are also being manufactured to fit together for a custom configuration.

The goal is to cater to homeowners and business people who have the DIY gene and want to walk into a Home Depot or Lowe's buy these kits and be plugged into a solar panel immediately upon set up. All that's needed is 4 screws to attach the panel to any appropriate surface.

No word on pricing yet which they'll probably also be testing at the demonstration site in January.

More details at Onyx Service & Solutons.

French Solar Company Soitec to Build Plant in San Diego CA

Bernin, France based semiconductor and panel manufacturer Soitec is opening one of the world's largest solar manufacturing plants in San Diego California. The facility will be located in Rancho Bernardo in San Diego's north county. Soitec's $150 million investment will center around producing their Concentrix CPV modules with an initial manufacturing capacity of 200 megawatts. Soitec's CPV modules are manufactured for use by large-scale utilities and the electricity produced by them is bought by utilities through power purchase agreements.

Soitec will begin fitting and upgrading the 176,000 square foot facility early 2012 with an estimated completion date sometime in the fourth quarter of '12. The 200 megawatts worth of electricity produced by their panels will supply power to at least 75,000 homes in the San Diego Gas & Electric utility service area. SDG&E has already made a power purchase agreement with Soitec that was approved of last month. If all goes well the plant can be expanded to produce 400 megawatts of electricity.

Soitec said the plant will provide jobs for 450 employees and at full 200 megawatt capacity an additional indirect 1000 jobs. Soitec's venture into San Diego's high tech industry is welcomed by San Diego's Mayor Jerry Sanders who is happy to see the creation of hundreds of local high tech jobs. San Diego was chosen over Las Vegas because of the large pool of trained tech workers in the area.

André Jacques Auberton-Hervé, chairman and CEO of Soitec. “With strong support from the mayor and the City of San Diego, we look forward to taking part in the local economy amid the area’s large pool of trained and educated high-tech employees, the vibrant business community and the strong cluster of renewable-energy companies. We want to help California meet its Renewable Portfolio Standard, which calls for a third of the state’s utility-scale energy production to be generated by renewable sources by 2020.”

More info about Soitec's Concentrix CPV technology at Soitec.

Photo top left is not associated with any Soitec product.

Photo Credit: U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Larry E. Reid Jr.

Jobs In Solar: SOLAR SALES EXECUTIVE (Orange County CA)

Date: 2011-12-16, 5:00PM PST
Reply to: job-tw4mw-2757058287@craigslist.org

I am looking for a Solar Sales Executive for the Orange County area for one of the largest residential and commercial solar integrator in the US. Most sales consultants are making in the mid six figures with this company. If you are in solar, you will know who my client is.

Prior solar sales experience is highly desired or experience in renewable energy sales.

Please respond with your resume or LinkedIn bio and I will contact you regarding the position and send you a job description. The position is sought to be filled quickly.
I look forward to your response.

• Location: Orange County California
• Compensation: Six Figures - Draw on Commission

Dow's Solar Roof Shingles

Dow's Powerhouse Solar Shingles are now being used by home builder D.R. Horton in their Spring Mesa community in Colorado. Each of the 50 homes in the development will include 3 kilowatts of the Powerhouse Solar Shingles. The homes range from approx. 2K to 4K square feet and start at $485,950.

The roof shingles are made from thin-film solar cell material and will have an efficiency rate of 12 percent. The integrated shingles will appeal to buyers who prefer a low profile view of their rooftop.  The installed shingles are designed to mimic a brick pattern and Dow claims they are strong and durable.

Dow supplies the homeowner with an inverter to convert the DC solar roof electricity to AC for running their appliances. Also included is a monitor that will allow each homeowner to see how much energy they are producing and consuming each day.

More about Dow Solar Shingles.

D.R. Horton Homebuilder.

Here are homeowners who are happy with their solar roof home:

RV Solar Panels - Photovoltaic Panels for The Newbie

RV Solar Panels - RV Photovoltaic Panels For The Newbie
By Brian Shepherd

The benefits and functionality of solar energy is simply something that eludes most recreational vehicle drivers. There's plenty of people that believe things without researching them at all, and they spread that belief, such as saying that RV solar panels simply aren't practical enough, or that they're too expensive, or too complex and wouldn't work for them. Little do these people know, is just how useful photovoltaic solar technology really is, and just how much money it can save them in the long run, and how much more convenience it could supply them with.

For those that think RV solar panels are too complex, the process of converting solar energy into useable electricity is actually fairly simple. It's known as the "photovoltaic process", and how it works is the light from the sun hits the solar cells, which are often made of a silicone material, then the electrons on the semiconductor are go through a process which creates an electrical reaction in the form of a direct current charge, or a DC charge. This direct current charge can either be used immediately for energy consumption, or can be stored inside of the batteries that often come included with your RV photovoltaic panel kit.

An RV solar panel kit often comes with...
- A RV Photovoltaic Panel
- A Battery For Energy Storage
- A Charge Controller
- An Inverter

Do note that you're not technically limited to a single kit when it comes to RV photovoltaic panels, as your photovoltaic panels can be wired together to increase the maximum solar energy that can be gathered, and to generate and convert even more solar power for a higher output. One thing to consider when making a purchase of any type of RV solar panels, is the semiconductor material. Silicone is by far the most common semiconductor material, but a material like crystalline is more efficient than silicone, and tends to have a longer lifespan than most other semiconductor materials.

If you do decide to wire several RV solar panels together, then you should consider what would be the most beneficial to you and your recreational vehicle. For example, if you were to two 12 volt photovoltaic panels that produce 5 amps of energy in a "series" connection, you would then have a total of 24 volts and 5 amps. However, if you were to wire the same two RV photovoltaic panels together in a "parallel" connection, you would then wind up with a total of 12 volts and 10 amps.

Do your homework, and find out not only what RV solar panels would be best suited for your needs, but the best ways to install and wire them as well. Don't shirk on your research, because when you've gone through the effort to ensure you made the best purchase for you, it will pay you back in spades.

RV solar panels are an excellent advancement in modern green energy technology. If you'd like to learn more about green energy, learn how it can save you tons of money, and how you can bring the power of these Photovoltaic Solar Panels into your home and lifestyle, then go here to find out more about RV Solar Panels.

Jobs In Solar: Solar Energy Company Seeks Construction Coordinator (Irvine, California)

Date: 2011-12-12, 12:49PM PST
Reply to: job-gfmuv-2749643317@craigslist.org

Job Title: Construction Coordinator

Wage/Hour Status: Hourly

Reports to: Director of Construction

Qualifications:

Education:

Bachelor's degree required in architecture, construction science or related field with emphasis on construction management OR similar on-the-job experience

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Knowledge of basic photovoltaic system design and construction systems
Knowledge of construction estimating and procurement processes
Ability to read construction documents and specification manuals
Ability to interpret and apply state law, local policy and administrative procedures
Ability to compile and analyze data
Ability to manage personnel and budgets
Strong organizational and communication skills
Willingness to be a member of a dedicated team
Demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in working with computers and other types of technology

Experience:

Three years of experience in managing multi-million dollar construction projects.
Photovoltaic system design and construction experience.
CAD / AutoCAD experience a plus.

Evaluation:

Performance of this job will be evaluated annually.

Additional Requirements:

Must be able to pass a criminal background check
Must have a clean driving record and reliable transportation
Proof of citizenship and / or ability to work in the United States required
Major Responsibilities and Duties:
Review project scope and assist in developing project budgets.
Coordinate architect, engineer, and construction consultant selection according to business requirements.
Write requests for qualification and requests for proposals.
Review and negotiate professional services contracts.
Develop and communicate design guidelines and outline specifications to insure project compliance.
Participate in planning meetings with design professionals.
Conduct regular reviews of schematic design drawings, design development drawings and construction documents.
Develop timelines and critical path scheduling, including phasing to facilitate ongoing service activities.
Make recommendations in project delivery and contract award designation process.
Coordinate selection of general contractor or construction manager through CM at-risk, CSP or other procurement processes.
Review proposals and assist with ranking according to established criteria.
Present recommendations to management for contract award.
Review contracts and agreement documents.
Review insurance certificates and insure compliance with state law.
Coordinate pre-construction planning with design team, contractors and other stakeholders.
Attend construction job site meetings and communicate progress reports.
Oversee on-site construction observations and document progress.
Provide periodic construction progress reports for administration and Board of Trustees.
Review payment applications and change order requests and present recommendations.
Verify architect's recommendation for substantial completion and submit to the Superintendent.
Coordinate walk-through inspections.
Assist in development of punch lists and oversee successful completion.
Facilitate project start-up and commissioning.
Coordinate training of installers and service crews on use of photovoltaic, hot water and solar swimming pool systems.
Coordinate project completion, collection of close-out documents, and processing final payments.
Coordinate warranty administration.
Assist in client assessments to help plan future construction programs.
Develop training programs for construction department staff.
Conduct annual evaluations of construction department staff.
Process paperwork required for daily operations of department.
Coordinate with other departments to ensure business needs are being met.

Other:

Participate in professional growth activities.
Perform other duties as assigned.


Equipment Used:

PC computer with word processing, spreadsheet and e-mail software, audio-visual presentation equipment, fax and other office equipment, two-way radio and cell phone.

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environment Factors:
Maintain emotional control under stress. Maintain positive attitude when dealing with sales force and clients. Use available resources to define issues and solve problems. Frequent travel and occasional statewide travel. Occasional prolonged and irregular hours. Requires physical stamina in addition to bending, stooping, climbing, and walking. Exposure to outdoors and construction sites. Ability to climb a ladder and work on roofs at various heights is a must. This is very much a hands-on position.

Working conditions are normal for an in-field construction environment. It is an exciting time for the solar industry as more and more people realize the importance of switching to the clean, abundant energy of the sun. Are you ready to make a global impact, while working in an exciting and rewarding environment?

Your career can accelerate without limitations as a member of Suntrek's growing team. We are seeking talented and energetic people who are passionate about earth-friendly energy solutions. An equal opportunity employer, Suntrek offers compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.

If you think you have what it takes, we want to hear from you!

Location: Irvine, California
Compensation: Competitive salary based on experience.

Warren Buffett Buys Topaz Photovoltaic Farm

Warren Buffett's MidAmerican Energy Holdings is purchasing the 550 megawatt Topaz photovolatic farm from First Solar Inc. The large solar panel farm will be located on the Carrizo Plain in San Luis Obispo CA and will have the capacity to provide electricity for 160,000 nearby homes.

As part of the agreement, First Solar will construct and operate as well as maintain the panel farm for MidAmerican Energy.  MidAmerican Energy Holdings says it's increasing it's interest in and ownership of alternative energy projects and already provides natural gas and electricity to customers in Iowa, South Dakota and Illinois.

No water will be used to generate the electricity and there is existing transmission lines in the area. The site will be located on non-prime agricultural land that is tilled but isn't currently productive. 

The economic benefits from property tax and sales tax for the county, employee wages and supply chain revenues will add up to an estimated $417 million.

The construction of the ground mounted panel farm will provide jobs for at least 400 during construction and 15 long-term workers. Ongoing payroll and local purchases of material are estimated to be $3 to $4 million per year. Sales and property taxes paid to San Luis Obispo County will be in the $16 million range. Cal Poly and local schools will be benefit from joint research and educational programs in association with First Solar.

Pacific Gas and Electric will purchase the electricity produced by the Topaz panel farm through a 25 year power purchase agreement.

Visit First Solar.

And MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company.

Photo top left: Carrizo Plain San Luis Obispo County California

Video profile of the Topaz Solar Farm project:
 

Solar City Given 2011 Green Jobs Award

San Mateo California based SolarCity was one of the companies awarded the 2011 Green Jobs Award given out by SJF Institute. SolarCity employs 1,350 people full time and provides a full health package and retirement plan.

Within 12 to 24 months of being hired, new entry level PV installers can move into supervisory and operations management positions.

“Our more than 1,300 employees make it possible for many homeowners and businesses to switch to clean, solar power for less than they pay for utility power,” said Linda Keala, SolarCity’s vice president of human resources.

“Every SolarCity employee supports and plays a key role in increasing the use of clean power or using power more efficiently to make our country less dependent on energy sources that pollute our environment.”

Despite a slowing economy SolarCity has more than 20,000 clean power projects completed or underway in 11 states.

"By acknowledging the tremendous work these companies are doing, we hope to both support their efforts and inspire other businesses to follow their lead' said Bonny Moellenbrock, SJF Institute Executive Director.


www.sjfinstitute.org.

SolarCity.com

Jobs In Solar: Solar Energy Career Opportunity - Part Time/Flexible Hours (Sacramento CA)

Date: 2011-12-06, 9:44AM PST
Reply to: see below

Join us in our Energy Revolution!

With 15 office locations and counting and a commitment to improving the planet, REC Solar provides a genuine ground-floor opportunity with a conscience. We are seeking to build a team of energetic and professional foot canvassers to set appointments with homeowners and our Sales Team. This job provides the entry-level opportunity you have been waiting for!
If you are excited about the Solar Industry, have excellent communication skills and a willingness to learn, we want to hear from you!

REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE:

- High School diploma plus some college-level education required;
- Must have excellent verbal communication skills;
- Must be well groomed and presentable, with a friendly personality;
- Able to walk and stand for 4 to 8 hours while canvassing.

Position can average $300/week! Flexible hours and days.

Final candidates will be required to pass our background check, drug test, and have acceptable driving history.

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 HERE

• Location: Sacramento, CA
• Compensation: $10/hour plus $50 per appointment
• This is a part-time job.

Naval Air Station Whiting Field Adds Solar Power

The addition of more self-contained solar power units to Naval Air Station Whiting Field is going to save an estimated $60,000 per year. Milton Florida based Whiting Field is the busiest Naval Air Station in the world. As a center for naval aviation training, the base has chosen to make use of alternative energies to deal with fast rising energy costs.

On November 29th the ribbon cutting ceremony celebrated new solar arrays that will provide electrical power for a building that houses air training squadrons. The new array is also being used by a facility housing helicopter training squadrons.

A second array was activated that will add to the cost savings for the facility and both systems are integrated with the air station's power grid. When the self-contained units generate enough energy for the immediate buildings, the meter will run backwards and the surplus electricity will be distributed to other facilities on the base.

Whiting Field installed solar powered parking and traffic lights in 2009 as well as tested a solar water heating plant in their Wings Club facility. The solar water heater was sidelined for a time but recently the base has come up with plans to re-commission the heater. The idea to add additional solar photovoltaic generators is currently being explored as well.

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus has laid out the energy goals for the Department of the Navy. They will include increasing alternative energy afloat and ashore where by year 2020, the Department of the Navy will be drawing 50% of land-based energy requirements from alternative energies such as solar. Secretary Mabus also wants 50% of the Department of the Navy installations to be registering net-zero.

Visit the site for Naval Air Station Whiting Field.

Jobs In Solar: Solar Installers Needed - NOW HIRING! (Downtown San Diego CA)

Date: 2011-12-01, 4:28PM PST
Reply to: resume@suntreksolar.com

Provide support to the foreman / project manager of the installation team, communicate job status, and complete installation of all roof top systems.

Responsibilities:

- Pull stock for installations, maintain truck inventory, and pre-assemble job components
- Ability to follow plans and electrical drawings
- Layout and assemble solar arrays, racking systems, and hardware
- Mechanical/ structural mounting of solar racks, modules and equipment
- Knowledge of roofing principals
- Electrical wiring of arrays, AC/DC circuits
- Document and photograph installations
- Job site clean-up
- Insure and maintain a safe work environment by utilizing company and personal protective equipment

Job Requirements:

- Basic understanding of AC/DC circuits
- Experience with safe operation of hand and power tools
- Ability to work in harsh environments for extended periods of time (e.g. Rooftops, hot sun, small spaces)
- Must be able to lift 50lbs
- Must have clean DMV record
- Must be able to pass a criminal background check
- Roofing, general carpentry, and general construction experience preferred
- Knowledge of OSHA compliance (Preferred OSHA 10) preferred
- Previous solar energy / photovoltaic installation experience a plus but not required
- California Journeyman Certification a plus but not required

Location: Downtown San Diego, CA

Compensation: Hourly compensation is based on experience - ranges from $12 to $22 per hour

DIY: How to Install Copper Coil for Solar Water Heater