Solar Power World May 2020 Digital Edition is sponsored by CPS North America | Chint Power Global

SPW is here for you in this time of change

I DON’T HAVE ANY sage advice to give you at an unprecedented time like this. I originally planned to tell you about my time at the NABCEP Continuing Education Conference — about the practical knowledge that was shared at that event through sessions and networking. People were supposed to leave St. Charles, Missouri, in March with NABCEP education credits, but the event was subject to early COVID-19 cancellations.

When interacting with another person outside of your home could be a risk to your health and the health of those around you, it’s best to hunker down if you’re able. But solar installers have been deemed essential workers in most states, and I’m glad to have heard many companies are incorporating social distancing and extra sanitizing measures into installs.

So, instead of offering some newfound knowledge, I’ll offer you some practical advice. While industry events like NABCEP CE have been canceled or rescheduled, there are still opportunities to come out of the coronavirus pandemic with new solar expertise. There’s a wealth of individual companies and solar organizations offering online resources (especially NABCEP) to keep installers up to scratch.

Search for your preferred racking, inverter or panel manufacturers, and it’s likely that they’ve started a webinar, podcast or online course. Everyone across the industry is trying to stay engaged in any way they can.

Do what you must to stay healthy, and if you have the time and energy, seek out webinars (like the ones we host on solarpowerworldonline.com) and online coursework. Meeting someone in-person is always preferable when you’re exchanging ideas, but lots of good information is now being shared online instead. If coronavirus levels out, NABCEP CE is rescheduled for July 6-9 in St. Charles. But for the time being, installers can earn credits from home at nabcep.org.

Every issue of Solar Power World gives our readers the latest in solar news and installation guidance, from the comfort of their homes — or hopefully at least 6 ft from other people. This month’s issue is focused on solar O&M, with stories from us covering proper panel cleaning, mounting inverters on carports and keeping animals away (or near) solar arrays. Plus, there’s an entire special section of stories from O&M industry experts. So, read on, and be sure to wash your hands.

Billy Ludt
Associate Editor
bludt@wtwhmedia.com
@SolarBillyL
@SolarPowerWorld