About IREC
Who is IREC?
The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) is a premier resource for current information, education, credentialing and best practices regarding renewable energy.
IREC is a non-profit organization creating renewable energy programs and policies targeted at the adoption of uniform guidelines, standards and quality assessment.
IREC has worked aggressively to remove barriers to renewable energy use since 1982. Throughout its 28-year history, the organization has been instrumental in rulemaking for connecting distributed power to the utility grid, workforce development, consumer protection and stakeholder coordination.
What we do
IREC works to ensure that renewable energy becomes a fundamental power option in communities across the U.S. Known for tackling difficult renewable energy issues, IREC brings together technical and policy experts to produce innovative solutions.
IREC sets the bar high for renewable energy training programs and provides credentialing programs to fairly assess instructional quality.
In addition:
IREC provides a national forum in which public and private agencies involved with renewable energy may gather, disseminate and exchange information and engage in cooperative efforts.
IREC’s Model Interconnection Standard and Net Metering Rule (updated in 2009) is the primary resource available on current best practices. These model procedures incorporate the comprehensive evolution of best practices drawn from states across the U.S. – and serve as a template for regulators and utilities to develop or update local and state standards.
IREC has been a participant in more than 30 state utility commission rulemakings regarding interconnection and net metering of distributed generation.
IREC has been a pioneer in interconnection and net-metering issues since 1997, when the first edition of its publication “Connecting to the Grid” was released (updated in 2009). Then, fewer than 20 states had implemented net metering. Today, more than 37 states have adopted interconnection standards; 42 states have adopted net metering standards for distributed generation (DG).
Easy hook-up to the grid ensures timely interconnection of systems and full, fair compensation for all electricity produced. Net metering provides a simple, inexpensive, easily administered mechanism for encouraging the use of small-scale energy systems, which provide important local, national and global benefits to the environment and the economy.
IREC took the lead in forming the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners and continues to be active in this credentialing body. The result is the building of a stronger and more competent installer workforce, a priority for states and industry alike.
To ensure that training is set to the highest industry standards and the right skill sets are taught, IREC has worked to bring the Institute for Sustainable Power’s International Standard to the U.S. by accrediting training programs and certifying instructors.
IREC’s telephone seminars, workshops, conferences and newsletters are a valued resource for renewable energy stakeholders.
IREC organized and chaired the third national conference on Workforce Education for Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency in November 2009.
IREC facilitated the development of the Small Wind Certification Council and spun it off as a separate corporation in 2008.
IREC Programs and Initiatives
- Model Interconnection & Net Metering Standards and Rules
- ISPQ Accreditation for Training
- Solar Market Trends
- Small Wind Energy Initiatives
- Renewable Energy Workforce Development
- Annual Innovation Awards
- National Conferences and Workshops
- The Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), operated and managed by the North Carolina Solar Center at NC State University.
More specific information about IREC’s programs, initiatives and publications can be found throughout this web site.
Or contact us by e-mail: INFO@irecusa.org.
Disclaimer: The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) does not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product or process that is referred to or linked to in this web site. Reference in this web site or in any links to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply IREC’s endorsement or recommendation. The views and opinions expressed in this web site do not necessarily state or reflect those of the Interstate Renewable Energy Council.
