Legislators may finally be getting serious about solar energy

By Tom Snyder

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I get excited every year around mid-March about how the Iowa Legislature might finally get some things correct regarding renewable energy legislation. This year, a Senate subcommittee passed a solar thermal licensing bill, SF 2274, based on Dubuque's city ordinance. Following is a list of some politician- and union-confused thoughts concerning an Iowa solar thermal license.

First: Some think we don't need consistent rules and regulations for solar businesses in Iowa. The seriously bad humor of that idea is that some Iowa municipal utilities do require only electrical permits to qualify for a solar water-heater installation rebate. Others require only a contractor's license from the installer. I always compare this to having an electrician install your toilet so it can be flushed by an electrical switch. One Iowa website stated (incorrectly) that to install solar hot water heating in Iowa you need an electrical license.

Second: the accountability of a solar thermal installer. There is missing accountability when a reputable plumbing company suggests $15,000 to tear out a solar heating system that will run correctly with a $300 new control. Where is the accountability when plumbing companies have no idea how to fix a solar heating system, or don't want to work on solar because too many other people are involved?

Third: Solar for your water heater is a source of energy, therefore only local plumbers can do it. I consistently hear that as a reason to not have solar licensing. I do hope that local plumbers also know how (have a license) to hook up the natural gas to your furnace or install a nuclear reactor.

Fourth: Some states require as much time as an apprentice plumber or electrician to qualify for a solar license. Some require 2,000 hours of on-the-job solar training plus two years' class time. No less should be expected from Iowans to qualify to install a solar heating system. But in Iowa, the desired default for this is 1 1/2 to 8 hours of continuing education class time, except in Dubuque. A few national solar companies are offering five-day classes for $1,700 just to qualify for the national certification test, with no guarantee of a job in Iowa because we have no solar license. I wish I could qualify for an electrical or plumbing license with just 8 hours of continuing education class time.

Fifth: Actually understanding that solar heat and PV (Photovoltaics - electricity from the sun) are not the same. Some Alliant Energy lobbyists have thoughts that hot water and electricity are the same, so combine the classes and make one license.

It finally appears that solar is almost seen as a serious energy source in Iowa.

It should be accepted for the energy it is instead of trying to reinvent the wheel, fighting over control, and ignoring the last 80 years of solar heat systems operating in the United States. Consumers and solar companies need knowledge, consistency and accountability in Iowa to make this happen.

Tom Snyder, of Dyersville, is a solar thermal licensing instructor, Northeast Iowa Community College, operates Alternate Energy Systems, and was a co-founder of Iowa Renewable Energy Association. Comments: studegh@mchsi.com