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Local 332, San Jose, California, electricians install 23-kilowatt solar PV array on new local union hall.

This months opening of the largest commercial solar power facility west of the Mississippi will keep the IBEW on the cutting edge of emerging energy technologies.

San Jose, California Local 332s new headquarters was constructed by IBEW members trained in solar photovoltaic electric installations.  The IBEW Journal featured the project in the June 2001 issue.  Click here to read the article.

The future of solar power is very strong and the electrical workers have a philosophical and environmental commitment to using solar energy, said Terry Tanner, Local 332 business manager.  We installed this system ourselves because it points the way to the future of electrical generation for the businesses and communities in Silicon Valley.  Plus, it lessens the environmental impact and lowers our energy costs.

Designated an official Green Building model by the city of San Jose, the union halls solar power system generates 55 kilowatts of power, enough to provide up to 80 percent of the buildings total electrical needs.  The use of solar photovoltaics cuts the facilitys utility bill in half and allows the local to send power back to the utility grid.  Over the past year, California has been facing an energy shortage because of the states utility deregulation fiasco.

Among Local 332s members are electrical construction and network connectivity workers of Santa Clara County, an area that includes Silicon Valleys high tech businesses, research and development laboratories, microchip manufacturers and biotech facilities.  The local is providing tours of its building to architects, engineers, contractors, students and anyone else interested in saving money and energy through solar power.

The IBEW and the National Electrical Contractors Association have developed specialized solar photovoltaic training programs through the National Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee.  Hundreds of IBEW members have completed such solar certification programs.

Here Comes the Sun "The Promise of Solar Photovoltaics."
from June 2001 IBEW Journal