groSolar and IEC Chesapeake Partner to Provide Solar Training Seminars

“IEC Chesapeake is very excited about this partnership with groSolar, as it will allow us to offer skill upgrade training in the areas that each organization offers expertise,” said Grant Shmelzer, Executive Director of IEC Chesapeake. “groSolar provides a unique business model to the IEC Chesapeake as they are both an installer and distributor of renewable energy services and products. The insight they provide to current and future issues of the industry will benefit both organizations.”

On February 10, 2010, groSolar and IEC Chesapeake will offer a new course entitled “Trouble Shooting PV (Solar) Systems”. The course provides an overview of the basic processes necessary for installing PV (Solar) systems, and is offered to both IEC members and non-members. The course will cover:

• Typical System Design Errors and Performance Problems
• Associated Performance Problems with Typical Causes
• Equipment needed for Typical System Performance Analysis
• Compare Actual System Power Output to Expected Output
• Typical Locations for Electrical/Mechanical Failure 

“Maryland is an important distribution market for groSolar, and our partnership with IEC offers a great chance for electricians to advance their careers and benefit from groSolar’s leading presence in the renewable energy marketplace,” said groSolar’s Jeff Gilbert, the course instructor. “Given the federal and state tax incentives available today, not to mention the energy savings that solar systems provide, homeowners and businesses are more interested in solar than ever before. Electricians looking to take advantage of this opportunity should seriously consider taking this course.”

Gilbert is Training Manager for groSolar’s comprehensive dealer-training program, and is the co-founder of Chesapeake Solar, now a groSolar company. He is a NABCEP-certified Solar PV Installer, and has sixteen years of experience with renewable energy systems, including design, installation and repair, and project management of hydropower, wind energy, solar photovoltaic and solar heating systems.

The course will take place in IEC Chesapeake’s Training Center in Odenton, MD.

Date: Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Location: IEC Chesapeake - Odenton Training Center 1424 Odenton Road Odenton, MD 21113

Registration: http://www.iec-chesapeake.com/new/Education/class_details.php?id=241

# # #

About groSolar:

groSolar is North America’s premier distributor, installer and integrator of solar energy solutions for residential and commercial installations. Founded in 1998, groSolar is the largest 100 percent U.S.-owned distributor in the solar industry, and is the fourth-largest installation company in North America. The company has offices and warehouses across the US, distributing solar electric and solar hot water systems from offices in VT, NJ, NY, CT, MA, MD, DE, PA, and CA. groSolar integrates components from leading solar manufacturers including Canadian Solar, Motech, Heliodyne, SMA, Fronius, and UniRac into simple solar energy solutions for customers that generate clean, reliable energy for decades. groSolar is a mission-driven company dedicated to providing high quality solar energy solutions and whole energy appreciation. groSolar’s venture capital investors include NGP Energy Technology Partners, SJF Ventures, and Calvert Social Investment Fund. Learn more at groSolar.com or call 800.374.4494.

About IEC Chesapeake: 

The Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) is a trade association representing 3,000 electrical contractors in 60 chapters across the U. S. The I.E.C. Chesapeake has more than 120 members throughout Delaware, Maryland, Central and Northern Virginia, Greater Philadelphia Area, West Virginia, Upper North Carolina and Washington DC.

Its members and partners represent an estimated 50,000 small businesses engaged in the installation and maintenance of electrical wiring and devices for homes, schools, stores, highways, industrial plants, and similar projects.

For more than 40 years, the association has served as the voice of the electrical contracting industry on policies affecting its membership. IEC attempts to further the growth of our economy, providing skilled manpower, and promoting the principles of free enterprise. www.iec-chesapeake.com