Bethesda, MD – The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) are leading industry organizations to bring the 2007 Solar Decathlon to light in an energy-efficient and safe way. NECA National, local NECA chapters, and ELECTRI International (NECA's industry research foundation) are supporting leading Solar Decathlon entries “MorningStar,” from the Pennsylvania State University and "LEAFHouse" from the University of Maryland.
In addition to providing financial and technical support to these two teams, NECA member contractors will be on-site at the event to assist with safe and efficient installation of solar power (photovoltaic) systems for the entire solar village. NECA contractors and electricians will to ensure that power generation, electrical and battery storage systems are set up and function safely. (Energy efficiency, however, will be up to each team's system design and specifications.)
“The demand for energy efficient solutions has really increased in the last few years," said NECA CEO John Grau. "NECA contractors have been a part of developing these solutions, and we are pleased to share our expertise and help the teams set up their innovative systems safety."
The Solar Decathlon is a biannual competition for sustainable residential design sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy and several co-sponsors. Created to raise awareness about solar photovoltaic technology, the competition brings teams from 20 international universities to design and build solar homes. Houses will be judged on energy efficiency and performance, technological application, and design for one week, and all 20 entries will be open to the public on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., October 12-20, 2007.
NECA’s local Washington, D.C. chapter is providing skilled electricians to complete the final wiring for the solar arrays, inverters, batteries, and charge controllers. NECA members such as Truland Systems, headquartered in Reston, Va., will make experienced electricians available to all Solar Decathlon teams throughout the event.
“It will be great to have knowledgeable electricians on hand to help make sure the solar energy systems get set up and running quickly and safely,” said David Riley, associate professor and director of Penn State University’s Center for Sustainability, and coordinator of the Penn State "Morningstar" team.
NECA is a centralized resource for electrical code and regulatory information, combining industry research and management training to provide member contractors with technical and business skills for solving the complete range of customers’ electrical needs. As a partner in the Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee, NECA takes the lead in training electricians in safe and efficient green and sustainable building design and construction. An increasing number of JATC facilities are equipped with photovoltaic (PV) or solar electric systems, providing the opportunity for apprentice and journeyman electricians to gain hands-on solar electricity design and installation experience.
The ELECTRI International Foundation – NECA’s research and management organization – awarded $50,000 to the Pennsylvania State University team in support of its 2007 Solar Decathlon efforts. The Washington, D.C. Chapter, NECA, is sponsoring the University of Maryland team with a $15,000 award. The Penn-Del-Jersey Chapter, NECA, also sponsored "Morningstar" with a $10,000 donation.
NECA is the voice of the $100 billion industry responsible for bringing lighting, power, and communications to buildings and communities across the United States. NECA's national office and 120 local chapters advance the electrical contracting industry through advocacy, education, research, and standards development.
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