Electricians’ and inspectors’ groups express concern over solar project

Dear Editor:

While our commonwealth implements cleaner energy sources, it is crucial that licensed installers are on the job. Sadly, allegations recently surfaced claiming unlicensed individuals erected portions of a 24,000-panel, 15-acre solar electric project at Canton’s Pine Street landfill. Some town officials in turn attempted to make what really is a public safety issue into a union issue [“BOS chair reacts strongly to mailing criticizing solar farm,” March 8].

The installation of every piece of solar electric generation equipment has significant safety implications that should not be assigned to anyone who is not a qualified electrician. Even though solar electric arrays may look harmless to some, people and animals can be killed or seriously hurt and property destroyed by improper application.

For decades, the installation of electrical equipment — including solar — has been highly regulated through a strict electric code and by thousands of highly educated electricians. The Board of State Examiners of Electricians — the expert agency created by the legislature — has repeatedly ruled that only licensed electricians are qualified to install solar electric systems.

As union and non-union licensed contractors, electricians and inspectors in Massachusetts, we receive nearly 10,000 hours of on-the-job and classroom training before we are licensed and additional yearly continuing education afterwards to ensure each task is completed safely and reliably. For safety’s sake, we certainly hope Canton officials and contractors at the landfill are compliant with all applicable codes and laws. Cutting corners is dangerous — union or not.

Matthew A.M. Lash

Assistant Executive Manager

National Electrical Contractors Association – Greater Boston Chapter

Paul Coleman

President

Massachusetts Electrical Contractors Association

Rick D’Amato

Secretary/Treasurer

International Association of Electrical Inspectors – Paul Revere Chapter

Paul Guarracino

President

National Electrical Contractors Association of Greater Boston