A look back, a look ahead, a heartfelt thanks from IREC’s Executive Director, Jane Weissman
Jane Weissman
IREC Executive Director
Happy New Year! This time of year gives us a few minutes to catch our breath; take a look at where we’ve been; and make plans for where we’re heading.
We covered a lot of ground in 2011 tallying up measurable gains on the regulatory front, setting a higher bar for renewable energy and energy efficiency training, and working for on-going state support for renewable energy and efficiency rules, policies and practices.
A quick 2011 roundup includes…
- The release of the on-line solar career map (very cool — it’s interactive and more flexible than the typical static career chart);
- The new ANSI IREC partnership for joint accreditation of specialty certificate programs;
- Participated in 19 state utility commission dockets addressing net metering and interconnection;
- Published model community renewable program rules to assist stakeholders in developing their programs;
- Held the 4th National Clean Energy Workforce Education Conference;
- Published the U.S. Solar Market Trends Report;
- Published five newsletters keeping up-to-date information flowing on national and state activities, interconnection and net metering rules and programs, small wind, the IREC’s credentialing programs, and the Solar Instructor Training Network.
- And watched the Red Sox self destruct.
We’re gearing up for an even busier 2012 by…
- Celebrating IREC’s 30th year!
- Expanding market opportunities for solar photovoltaics (PV) by removing restrictions on programs like net metering.
- Eliminating technical and administrative barriers to cost-effective interconnection and transmission of large quantities of solar PV.
- Releasing IREC Standard 14732: 2012 — General Requirements for Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Certificate Programs.
- Publishing an updated and expanded Best Practices in Training document.
- Launching on-line photovoltaic training for code officials.
- Convening the 5th National Clean Energy Workforce Education Conference.
- And, a whole lot more…
Our Board of Directors and Team Members took time in October to sit down to discuss strategic and tactical plans for IREC now and for IREC’s future. We looked at our strengths and weaknesses and shaped ideas for improvement and ways to be more effective. It’s a continuing evolution, one we embrace and enjoy. Watch for some well-focused plans and new directions.
Finally, a heartfelt thanks to all of our funders and members who have confidence in our work and give us the resources to move forward. And a special and deep thanks to the IREC Team, an incredible collaboration of smart and creative people, all of whom are genuinely committed to our efforts to achieve a stable, clean-energy economy.
Jane Weissman
