SRCC™ Announces New Clean Energy Credentialing Coalition
Cocoa, FL (PRWEB) October 26, 2013 -- In response to groundbreaking growth in renewable energy and energy efficiency industries, the SRCC™ (Solar Rating & Certification Corporation), the leading independent, third-party certification entity for solar thermal products, along with a group of other well-established, nationally accredited credentialing organizations, announces the formation of a unique Clean Energy Credentialing Coalition (CECC). All have joined together to demonstrate and promote the collective importance of third-party quality assessment, and the value it brings to building strong and competent renewable energy and energy efficiency markets.
The announcement was made at Solar Power International (SPI), the solar energy industry’s most powerful, comprehensive educational conference and product exhibition, October 21-24 at McCormick Place in Chicago.
The coalition is creating a campaign to build awareness of the value of credentialing – particularly as a distinguishing tool for consumers, energy incentive programs, employers and industry. A quality credential is a mark of excellence that can boost consumer confidence in renewable energy and energy efficiency professionals, products and programs. A new landing page introduces the coalition and the campaign. http://www.CleanEnergyCredentials.org
The goal of the campaign is to educate, enlighten and elevate interest in the benefits associated with clean energy credentialing – from consumers and educators, to manufacturers and government decision makers.
“Credentialing is the best tool we have to instill confidence in clean energy products and professionals,” says Jim Huggins, Technical Director of the SRCC. “Certification has filtered out inferior products that were unable to improve.”
Eileen Prado, Executive Director of the SRCC, adds one more note for perspective: “Whether we're looking at credentialed people, products or programs, increasing renewable energy and energy efficiency is another way to increase American jobs and our nation’s energy independence.”
As employers look to hire certified technicians who were trained by accredited education and training programs, the full circle that instills confidence in a quality workforce and industry then begins to close.
Recognized quality credentials send a strong signal that a rigorous standard has been met, offering a mark of distinction that strengthens the credential holder. Consumers can look for products that are certified for quality and safety, and credentialed professionals trained for appropriate, effective, safe installation and service. Together they ensure that once products are installed, they do what they were intended to do, save or create energy.
Educational programs can use accreditation to improve enrollment in light of a competitive training market. Installers of solar systems, weatherization products and other home energy efficiency retrofit work can set themselves apart from others who are less qualified. And clean energy programs that provide financial incentives to consumers have an added assurance of safety, performance and reliability to justify their investment.
Other coalition members include:
Interstate Renewable Energy Council, Inc. (IREC)
Building Performance Institute, Inc. (BPI)
The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP)
Small Wind Certification Council (SWCC)
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IREC is the leading credentialing body for training providers and instructors in the energy efficiency and renewable energy industry. An accredited American National Standards Developer, and national director of the Solar Instructor Training Network, IREC leads national efforts to ensure that the clean energy workforce is highly skilled and trained to meet employer needs. (http://www.irecusa.org)
BPI is the nation's premier standards development and credentialing organization for residential energy efficiency retrofit work, leading the development of industry-defining home performance retrofit standards for the past 20 years. BPI's national protocols help reduce risks associated with government incentive programs and increase accountability for the industry and homeowner. (http://www.bpi.org)
NABCEP is widely recognized as the “gold standard” for credentialing renewable energy professionals, including for PV (photovoltaic) and solar heating installation and PV technical sales. NABCEP offers both certification and certificate programs throughout North America. (http://www.nabcep.org)
SWCC certifies small wind turbines, with consumer-friendly labels that make consistent energy generation comparisons and confirm product safety. SWCC certification ratings promote accurate comparison shopping and advance mainstream acceptance of small wind technology to serve increasing demands for distributed generation.(http://www.smallwindcertification.org)
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ABOUT THE SRCC
The SRCC was incorporated in 1980 as a non-profit, independent, third-party certification entity. The SRCC provides authoritative performance ratings, certifications and standards for solar thermal products, offers expert recommendations and advice to governments and other entities, as well as guidance and protection for consumers and stakeholders. They help promote the development of reliable solar thermal technologies and accountable performance claims.
Eileen Prado, The Solar Rating & Certification Corporation, http://www.solar-rating.org, (321) 213-6037 125, [email protected]
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