The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) has officially launched two working groups that will be open to the entire association’s membership.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) has officially launched two working groups that will be open to the entire association's membership.

SEIA's new Operations and Maintenance (O&M) working group will address issues surrounding the reliable production of electricity from solar panels and what's required to ensure panels are properly maintained. Marshalling the experience of its members, which include installers, owners, service providers and operators, this group will aim to standardize O&M contracts and set service expectations. Establishing programs to educate consumers will be one point of emphasis in the group's monthly meetings.
"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," said Jimmy Bergeron, vice president of operations and maintenance for SolarCity and chair of the O&M working group. "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."
SEIA is also announcing the relaunch of its member-led Installer Safety & Workforce Development working group. This group focuses on labor topics including installer safety, training, insurance and OSHA regulations. Its members include installers, developers, plant operators and owners.
"Protecting the safety and health of everyone in the solar industry is not only a good business strategy, it's the law," said John Schehl, executive director of Roof Integrated Solar Energy (RISE) and chair of the Installer Safety & Workforce Development working group. "It can be challenging to balance quality, productivity and safety, while also achieving sustainable profitability. The members of the IS&WD 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."
Volunteering for a working group is the most direct way to share your expertise and make a positive impact to advance the industry.SEIA members interested in joining either working group can contact SEIA's director of codes & standards, Evelyn Butler, at ebutler@seia.org for more information.

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About SEIA®:

Celebrating its 42nd anniversary in 2016, the Solar Energy Industries Association® is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry. Through advocacy and education, SEIA® is building a strong solar industry to power America. As the voice of the industry, SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies to champion the use of clean, affordable solar in America by expanding markets, removing market barriers, strengthening the industry and educating the public on the benefits of solar energy. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org.