About Roatan Renewable Energy

For more than fifteen years, Vegas Electric has been providing renewable energy products and installation services for the Bay Islands. Since there are no codes or standards governing renewable energy installations, it is difficult to assess the qualifications of an individual or firm offering these services. The Vegas Electric staff includes U.S.-trained and licensed electricians and we guarantee that our installations meet or exceed the requirements of the National Electrical Code. In addition, our background in marine DC wiring enables us to provide a superior installation in even the most extreme environmental conditions, such as those encountered on the Bay Islands. In October, 2006, Charles George received his NABCEP Solar PV Installer Certification, becoming the first solar photo-voltaic system installer outside of the U.S. to qualify for this certification.

Our renewable energy projects range from simple DC lighting to stand-alone pumping systems and large residential installations. We also offer system design and component pre-fabrication for those customers wishing to do their own installation. In addition, we have provided consulting services for the distribution system upgrade of a 50kW renewable energy project in the remote seaside community of Xcalak, Mexico.

To keep abreast of innovations in the electrical industry, we maintain an active affiliation with such leading professional and trade organizations as the National Electrical Contractors Association as well as the International Association of Electrical Inspectors. Our membership in the National Fire Protection Association provides access to continuing education programs and participation in seminars relating to the development of the National Electrical Code.

Vegas Electric is actively involved in community development projects, and we are recognized as leaders in the development of skilled tradesmen.

Charles George (Vegas) North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners Membership: 093006-8 Member Since: October, 2006

OVERVIEW

The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a volunteer board of renewable energy stakeholder representatives. Our mission is to support and work with the renewable energy professionals and stakeholders to develop and implement quality credentialing and certification programs for practitioners.

Consistent with this mission, NABCEP began by creating certification programs for solar electric and solar thermal installers which provide a national standard used to evaluate skills and competency of solar installers. The target candidate for NABCEP certification is the individual responsible for the system installation (e.g., contractor, foreman, supervisor, or journeyman); however, this certification is not intended to replace jurisdictional licensure requirements.

Certification of a profession refers to a voluntary process in which the certifying organization formally recognizes those who meet certain predetermined qualifications and normally includes an examination to assess the candidates' qualifications. The NABCEP process has been designed by carefully following professional credentialing guidelines. Standards, developed by subject matter experts, have been set and the eligibility requirements are reasonably achievable being based on extensive input from stakeholders and installers. NABCEP has built a transparent, non-discriminatory program implemented with fair procedures and due process.

THE NEED FOR CERTIFICATION

Certification offers the public a high degree of protection - because practitioners have to meet standards or qualifications and pass an exam, and they do so voluntarily.

Voluntary certification programs accomplish three important goals:
1. Provide a measure of protection to the public by setting a standard for judging competency.
2. Provide a recognized means to distinguish qualified practitioners from their competition.
3. Improve public perception and increase the prominence of the field of endeavor by raising the standard of quality.

Benefits of certification exist for both installers and consumers:
For installers:
o Recognizes an installer as a professional - instilling consumer confidence in their work.
o Provides value for resources invested in training and time spent gaining experience.
o Increases mobility of certified installers to keep pace with a changing market.

For consumers:
o Provides a means of identifying a qualified installer and a benchmark for judging competency.
o Provides a transparent mechanism for objectively evaluating and selecting an installer.
o Preserves consumer choice by maintaining access to both certified and non-certified installers.

The goal of the NABCEP certification is to improve the safety, reliability, and efficiency of PV installations and by doing so, increase customer satisfaction and confidence in PV systems and encourage increased utilization of solar energy resources.

THE SOLAR PV INSTALLER CERTIFICATION

The NABCEPTM Solar PV Installer Certification is a voluntary certification that provides a recognized standard by which PV installers with proven skills and experience can distinguish themselves. In October, 2003, the initial NABCEP certification exam was held and in December of that year, the first group of successful candidates received their NABCEPTM Solar PV Installer Certification. Through December, 2006, there were a total of 290 NABCEP certified solar PV installers in the United States. In October of 2006, NABCEP began to expand its PV installer program into Central America when a successful candidate from Honduras became the first individual outside the U.S. to qualify for a NABCEPTM Solar PV Installer Certification.

NABCEP eligibility requirements include a variety of experience and training options including experience with PV installations, an electrical apprenticeship program, or electrical contractor experience. Candidates who meet these prerequisites must complete an application, sign a Code of Ethics, submit the required documents and fees, and then take a written exam. After successful completion of this process, the practitioner will be awarded the NABCEP credential.

As with most certification programs, it is necessary to stay current with developments in the field in order to qualify for periodic recertification. Accordingly, NABCEP certified installers are required to obtain a minimum of 18 hours of continuing education credits every three years and to submit fees and documentation for recertification.

THE SOLAR THERMAL INSTALLER CERTIFICATION

The NABCEPTM Solar Thermal Installer Certification has been developed in accordance with the best practices used in the certification field. NABCEP is a member of the National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA) and has endeavored to follow the requirements of ISO/IEC Standard 71024: General Requirements for Bodies Operating Certification Systems of Persons. In September of 2006, the first exam for solar thermal certification was administered and by the end of 2006, a total of 14 individuals had received a NABCEPTM Solar Thermal Installer Certification.

CONTACT US!

http://www.nabcep.org/
For other questions about NABCEP or any of its certification programs:
Pete Sheehan, Executive Director (518) 899-8186
Email: psheehan@nabcep.org or info@nabcep.org

CERTIFIED INSTALLER FOR HONDURAS

AFLLILIATIONS

To keep abreast of innovations in the electrical industry, we maintain active affiliations with the following leading professional and trade organizations. These memberships also provide access to continuing education programs and participation in seminars relating to the development of the National Electrical Code. Vegas Electric performs all work to US National Electrical Code standards. Please visit these organizations to learn more about our code and quality standards.

	National Electrical Contractors Association Membership: 0951158 Member Since: March 1997
	International Association of Electrical Inspectors Membership: 6020998 Member Since: March, 1999
	National Fire Protection Association Membership: 0228576 Member Since: May, 1997
	Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers - Standards Association Membership: 41354756 Member Since: January, 1999
	North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners Membership: 093006-8 Member Since: October, 2006
	Honduran Electrical Contractors Association Membership: 05-001 Member Since: March, 2005