SEIA launches O&M working group

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Last Friday, Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) announced that it has launched a new working group to look at operations and maintenance (O&M) issues, as well as re-launching its Installer Safety and Workforce Development working group.

SEIA notes that the address issues surrounding the reliable production of PV modules and what’s required to ensure that they are properly maintained, leveraging the experience of the installers, owners, service providers and operators who are in the working group.

The group also aims to standardize O&M contracts and set service expectations, as well as establishing programs to educate consumers. SolarCity VP of O&M Jimmy Bergeron will serve as chair of the 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,” declared Bergeron in a press statement.

Additionally, SEIA has re-launched its Installer Safety & Workforce Development working group, which will focus on training, insurance, and Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) regulations. The group is comprised of installers, developers, plant owners and operators, and Roof Integrated Solar Energy (RISE) Executive Director John Schehl will serve as chair of this group.

The launch of these two groups follows closely on a commitment by SEIA to step up  its state-level policy advocacy work, in the wake of the departure of long-time President and CEO Rhone Resch.

It also comes a month after SEIA came under fire from industry veteran Barry Cinnamon and visionary Jigar Shah for not sufficiently representing the rooftop PV industry, in an open letter which also called on SEIA to take a more active role in state solar policy and to provide more services to member companies.

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