• Posted: May 17, 2023
• Bob Hattier, Connelly Electric, Fitzgerald's Electrical Contracting, IBEW Local 134, Illinois IBEW Renewable Energy Fund, Joe Kilcoyne, Mindy Nowakowski, Nick Pupich, photovoltaic (PV) system, Ryan Fitzgerald, Solar, Solar eBook, solar infrastructure, Solar installation, Triton College

Fifteen years ago, driving past a solar panel-equipped building might have been a surprising sight. These days, renewable energy is everywhere—from sprawling fields of wind turbines to high-powered hydroelectric dams. Renewable energy has a tremendous impact on how we live.

While the array of renewable energy systems available are vast, photovoltaic (PV) systems, commonly known as solar electric systems, have garnered more interest than most. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, the amount of solar capacity installed in Illinois alone is projected to grow by more than 1,700% in just five years—in no small part because of lucrative federal and state incentives.

With both economic and environmental reasons for considering PV systems, Powering Chicago developed a new e-book, Determining if a Solar Electric (Photovoltaic, PV) System is Right for Your Facility, to outline the business considerations of a solar installation at your organization.

Here’s what’s inside.

Solar at a glance

Determining if a Solar Electric (Photovoltaic, PV) System is Right for Your Facility is split into six sections, which include:

• Solar Power 101: How it Works
• Exploring the Pros and Cons of Solar Power
• Bringing Solar Power to Your Business
• Costs, Rebates and Incentives
• Finding a Qualified Solar Contractor
• Additional Resources

This new e-book will provide readers valuable insight to consider before installing a solar energy system at your facility.  Key sections of this publication include considerations for solar energy safety, system performance factors, installation and maintenance, and how to find a qualified electrical contractor for your project. You will also learn about the economic benefits of generating solar electricity, plus tax incentives or grant programs available to offset the cost of the project.

Take it from the experts: Powering Chicago’s finest solar specialists

Rather than reading questionable information from unlicensed energy contractors online, Determining if a Solar Electric (Photovoltaic, PV) System is Right for Your Facility consists of insights from reputable solar specialists throughout the electrical industry. Experts you’ll hear from include:

• Bob Hattier, Business Representative at IBEW Local 134, Executive Director at Illinois IBEW Renewable Energy Fund, IREC Certified Master Trainer™ PV, NABCEP Certified™ PVIP, PVTS, PVSI, and Adjunct Professor at Triton College
• Joe Kilcoyne, Business Representative at IBEW Local 134, Treasurer and Trainer at Illinois IBEW Renewable Energy Fund, and Adjunct Professor at Triton College
• Ryan Fitzgerald, Project Manager at Fitzgerald’s Electrical Contracting, Inc. 
• Mindy Nowakowski, President of Eco Lighting Services and Technology, WBE, SBE, DBE & WBDC Certifed, Full Service Electrical Contractor
• Nick Pupich, Director of Controls and Specialized Solutions at Connelly Electric

Invest in free PV expertise today

Whenever new technologies sweep the market, it’s important to take stock of what those technologies offer—and how they can best be implemented within your organization so that your business can remain an industry-leading provider of goods and services.

With the right knowledge and expert advice, implementing a PV system can boost your bottom line while ensuring your organization contributes to a healthier, more sustainable future.

Download Determining if a Solar Electric (Photovoltaic, PV) System is Right for Your Facility today to start planning your approach to solar.