Sunterra Solar President Earns NABCEP – Solar Industry’s Most Prestigious Certification
Sunterra Solar President Earns Solar Industry’s Most Prestigious Certification
For Immediate Release
November 16, 2010
[Novato, CA]— Sunterra Solar Inc. today announced that President and CEO Chris Bunas has earned the industry’s leading recognition of expertise as a certified installer of solar electric systems (aka “photovoltaic” or “PV” systems) from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
NABCEP is the most respected and well-established national certification organization for renewable energy professionals. Nicknamed by some to be the Master PV Solar Certification, designation as a NABCEP certified solar PV installer is widely recognized to be the most important and meaningful certification of its kind in the renewable energy industry.
“Receiving NABCEP’s Certified Installer status is personally very satisfying,” said Bunas. “The importance of having the certification was elevated to a greater level once I actually began preparing for, and taking the exam. The process showed me where I was strong and where I needed to brush up on technical knowledge. This greater awareness means we can offer our customers the added confidence of knowing their installation will be performed to the highest standards in the solar industry.”
To earn his NABCEP certification, Bunas was required to demonstrate his competence as a solar PV installer by passing a rigorous exam that covers the multi-craft aspects of being a professional PV installer. He needed to demonstrate knowledge on subjects as diverse as system design, electrical and job safety, the National Electrical Code, roofing and construction techniques, system commissioning, and troubleshooting. “Add an emphasis on system design and job safety. Both are very important points that PV company owners should be particularly familiar with, “said Bunas. “In my humble opinion, this is as much a PV Company Owner’s Certification as it is a PV Installer’s Certification. It seems less important if the company owner is not certified since it is the owner that creates the company culture and enforcement of the practices outlined in the certification.”
“It didn’t help that the exam had a reputation of extreme difficulty,” added Bunas. “It is not the type of test that you can pass just by memorizing the content or being a great tester.” Also added Bunas, “It has been a great year for certifications and licensing for Sunterra. Not only have we added this certification, but have also added our California C46 Solar contractor’s license classification along with our Veteran Owned Business and SBE certifications.”
In addition to passing the exam all certified NABCEP installers are required to show that they have real-world experience as a senior person on the installation crew as well as a minimum number of hours of advanced training.
“One thing you can be assured of with NABCEP Certified Installers is that your job won’t be their first,” said Ezra Auerbach, executive director of NABCEP. “Anyone who makes the considerable effort required to earn NABCEP Installer Certification has been required to document their experience and education as part of the eligibility process. They have also made a very real commitment to upholding high standards of ethical and professional practice. We are delighted to welcome Chris Bunas, President of Sunterra Solar to the ranks of the industry’s leading solar installers.”
For more information, email Sunterra Solar, at info@sunterrasolar.com or call (415) 883-6800.
About Sunterra Solar Inc.
Sunterra Solar Inc was founded by solar industry veteran Chris Bunas. After approximately a decade of experience as Vice-President developing grid-tied solar power projects at another organization, Mr. Bunas felt it was the appropriate time to launch his own solar company to focus on commercial solar power projects with a more direct and efficient business model. Sunterra is a fully licensed and insured CA Contractor with a B General and C46 Solar License (940158). Sunterra president, Chris Bunas is a NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer™. Sunterra is a 100% Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business and a registered SBE organization.
About NABCEP
NABCEP is a non-profit organization governed by a board of directors consisting of volunteer representatives of the solar industry, NABCEP certificants, renewable energy organizations, state policy makers, educational institutions, and the trades. NABCEP’s mission is to develop and implement quality credentialing and certification programs for practitioners by supporting and working closely with professionals and stakeholders in the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries. To learn more visit www.nabcep.org.
