On June 30, the Guelph Chamber of Commerce Environmental Sustainability Forum in Guelph, Ontario brought together business leaders to educate them about the financial benefits of instituting energy conservation measures for their companies. In addition to advocating a range of energy-conserving infrastructural measures, the forum stressed the economic advantages of solar panel installation as well as the importance of carefully selecting skilled solar PV contractors with the requisite installation training to ensure optimal performance.
The audience of roughly 75 learned that it is possible to save hundreds of thousands of dollars in operational costs just by adopting a number of sensible energy conservation measures. “This is all about financial investment,” remarked Dave Estill, President and CEO of Estill Energy. “It’s a really great thing for business.” Attendees also learned of the Electricity Retrofit Incentive Program - a government initiative that helps cover retrofitting costs for companies pursuing energy conservation and green power options.
Solar PV Installation Financially Wise, but Be Careful Who You Hire
Estill told the gathered crowd that solar PV installation can boost a company’s bottom line, noting that every four years, the solar panel business doubles in size while the associated costs of solar PV installation decrease concordantly. However, he was also quick to point out that reputable installations require reputable contractors, highlighting the importance of solar PV courses and proper certification.
Such solar installation training is especially important since each site benefits from a slightly different layout. Estill advised participants that they should always “assess [their] own solar potential” before committing to an installation, since every roof and configuration is unique. He also pointed out that one must consider a number of environmental variables as banal as snowfall and bird droppings.
Importance of Solar Panel Training in a Competitive Market
Admittedly, not every contractor will come with a lengthy portfolio or years of experience. However, as the industry continues to mature, it is likely that homeowners and business clients will grant greater weight to contractors who have completed solar PV courses at reputable schools. Such graduates can expect to enjoy a significant advantage as solar consumers begin weighing their installation options.







