Sunny Outlook for Solar Industry
from SignOnSanDiego
Even with the global financial crisis, industry analysts predict the solar market will expand dramatically in the next decade and generate hundreds of thousands of “greentech” jobs nationwide. The growth will be fueled by government mandates for utilities to use low-polluting sources of energy by innovative financing for buying solar power systems and by a projected boom in the availability of solar panels. More

Are We Grounded Yet?
from IAEI Magazine
Photovoltaic (PV) systems will be producing hazardous voltages and currents for 50 years or more. Over that period of time, they may or may not be operational and they may or may not be maintained. Proper grounding of all exposed metal surfaces in the system that may be energized by internal faults, poor terminations or failing conductor insulation is one of the most important requirements in a code-compliant system. Heating ventilation and HVAC systems are exposed to the same environmental conditions as PV systems, but there are differences in the grounding requirements and procedures between the two systems. More

Time is Ticking, are You Ready for Jan. 1, 2009?
from 24-7 Press Release
Many of the deaths and injuries are completely preventable with the proper preformed arc-flash analysis and the correct level of personal protective equipment worn. January 2009 is just around the corner and time is ticking for companies and their workers to comply with NESC (National Electrical Safety Code) rules 410A3 and 42012. More

White Paper Outlines Arc Flash Loss Prevention Program
from EC&M
A white paper recently published by M.C. Dean, Inc., an Atlanta-based electrical construction and engineering firm, outlines six core steps businesses should follow to protect their workers and companies from arc flash explosions. “Establishing an Arc Flash Loss Prevention Program” uses easy-to-understand language to discuss arc flashes, arc flash loss, and the importance of having a definitive arc flash loss prevention (AFLP) program in place. More

Military Improves Education on Electrocution
from the Merced Sun-Star
The U.S. military is creating an electrical code for U.S. facilities in Iraq as part of an effort to prevent future electrocutions in Iraq. The deaths of at least 18 U.S. service members and contractors in Iraq are under investigation as possible electrocutions. The code is being created by certified electricians hired by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. More

North Carolina Sets Goal of 30 Percent Energy Savings for Major Buildings
from the Triangle Business Journal
Energy-saving strategies being adopted by the public are now being touted by North Carolina’s General Assembly. With the passage of Senate Bill 668 last year and Senate Bill 1946 in May, the state has set stringent energy-conservation standards for all new construction and major renovations of state-owned buildings. More

Oregon Measure Would Scale Back Required Permits for Home Remodeling
from the Minneapolis Star-Tribune
Oregon residents would face fewer restrictions on do-it-yourself home improvements under a measure on the Nov. 4 ballot that loosens permitting requirements, but opponents say construction done without permits can be dangerous. Electrical work would still have to be performed or approved by a licensed electrical contractor. Opponents say that's not enough. More