Red tape hurts solar industry

By Tom Snyder

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In recent months, solar energy has (finally, again) started (maybe!) to become mentionable in Iowa, especially among the non-believers (some politicians).

Quietly now: One secret is the existing (and non-existent) and contradictory rules, regulations, building codes and even incorrect definitions of solar coming from Des Moines and many other Iowa towns. This secret really can lead you, the homeowner, to believe that only existing construction and plumbing companies are your only choice. Shhh, you can legally do it yourself (DIY).

Another secret: The reason to consider solar thermal is because it has the best payback in the renewable energy business, second only to conservation. This payback for solar domestic hot water can easily be 3 to 5 years, but only if you follow the DIY secret.

Another big secret: There actually is a big difference in designing and building a solar thermal system than most existing Iowa and local codes imply. How does 2 hours of continuing education class equal passing a minimum of 40 hours of class time plus apprenticeship of two to eight installations for a solar license in other cities and states? Wisconsin, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, California, Colorado, and Dubuque, Iowa, are just a few examples where ordinances and licensing correctly define solar thermal energy as different from “just plumbing.”

These solar thermal ordinances and licensing protect the consumer by requiring testing and supervised field work.

The Dubuque ordinance is unique because it requires homeowners to take an 8-hour class on solar installations for their building permit. This is not required for any other DIY construction in Iowa. Safety and knowledge are part of this secret code.

Secret country idea: Romania is requiring all new houses to include solar to be done by licensed solar companies, and existing houses need plans for upgrading specifically by solar companies before selling. In Iowa and the United States, we have no concept of where we are going in solar energy.

Passing a solar thermal class, test and installation apprenticeship for certification and (currently non-existent) license is what should be, but that is another secret.

In this economy of fewer jobs, some would like to start their own solar company to make money and save energy for homeowners in the process. That is the American way, but it is hampered by existing state and some local codes and ordinances - no secret.

Tom Snyder, of Dyersville, is a solar thermal licensing instructor, Northeast Iowa Community College, and was a co-founder of Iowa Renewable Energy Association. He has designed and installed solar projects for 39 years. Comments: studegh@mchsi.com