Fort Lauderdale, FL – April 22, 2013 – The year 2012 was a banner year for America’s solar industry, with a record-breaking 3.9 gigawatts (GW) of new PV capacity brought online.  But with this phenomenal growth comes a host of new challenges as manufacturers across the globe vie for their slice of solar panel pie.  ASP (aka Blue Chip Energy) is sadly the latest PV solar panel producer accused of defrauding customers with misleading claims about panel performance.

QUOTE:  “ASP claimed to have sold me 245-watt panels, but when installed, they only generated 165 watts.”

ASP’s founder Dmitri Nitikin’s fraudulent activity dates back many years and should come as no surprise to those who have witnessed the many unethical activities lead by him.  Over the past 13 years, over 25 different articles highlighting fraud, lawsuits and charges for funneling investor dollars into luxury homes and affluent lifestyle choices have been published in business journals, in Florida alone.

In December of 2000 Nitikin was forcibly removed from the very company he founded – Precision Technology Group for his unethical conduct.

Yet only a few years later, again in Florida, Nitikin was praised for activities that are now understood to also be fraudulent.  Signs were most likely there for those close to Bernard Madoff and Scott Rothstein, too.  Those cheated by Nitikin in Florida (and beyond) can only hope Nitikin will one day be prosecuted and locked away as those other master deceivers were.

In 2009 Fort Lauderdale-based PV training college, USSolar Institute ordered ASP’s True Blue panels for its training program.  But when the products arrived, it was discovered that they had been made by a defunct third party manufacturer.  ASP company spokesman and Director of Business Development Carlos Gonzales stated the panels were simply overstock items offered at low prices because they were part of a lot of antiquated solar panel factory equipment ASP purchased from BP when they closed operations.  Fair enough, but still deceptive, and a sign of what was to come.

In 2010 ASP True Blue panels were again ordered and this time installed on the newly acquired campus of the Fort Lauderdale institution.  Within minutes it was discovered that the panels failed to deliver their stated performance.  ASP refused to answer calls or letters; they refused to discuss the problem, despite having been advised that scientifically collected data highlighted performance problems.  USSI proved that ASP panels only produce 65 percent of their listed power, but it took over a year and a UL listing violation to get ASP to respond to the problem.

According to USSolar Institute President and Founder, Ray Johnson, “It was a straightforward complaint with an easy fix.  ASP claimed to have sold me 245-watt panels, but when installed, they only generated 165 watts.”  Johnson adds, “It was only after involving our corporate attorney that ASP agreed to ‘look into the situation.”

After shipping two panels at the college’s cost, ASP finally acknowledged that its panels did not produce the stated power output; however, ASP refused to refund or buy back the panels.  The college offered to “eat the difference at today’s price level” to avoid the cost of removing, shipping and reinstalling.  But, after Johnson presented this generous offer Genti Zeqo, a spokesman from yet another of Nitikin’s suspicious companies (ICT Investments), stated that there simply was no money in the company to honor any refund and that ASP could only offer replacement panels from a third party panel manufacturer.

So, at direct cost to installer Florida Solar One, the panels were removed and delivered to ASP.  Replacement panels were received from a skeleton crew at ASP’s dark, inactive factory in Lake Mary, FL.  Blue Chip Energy’s VP of Operations Wayne Tupola said, “You should feel lucky that we are willing to provide replacement panels.”

Tupola may be correct, because others may soon discover the fraud and will not be so lucky.  The biggest customer that comes to mind is the Marines at Camp Lejeune.  Marines do not go “quietly into the night” and since Camp Lejeune houses a well known military prison, one shudders to think what would come to Nitikin when the Marine’s realize they were bamboozled to the tune of five megawatts for fake ASP panels.

Upon entering the property, one notices that signs for neither Blue Chip Energy nor ASP can be found anywhere on the building.  Instead the name is now Sfinkx and one wonders if it will be the next Nitikin founded company to commit fraud.

Based on comments made by the few remaining workers who still occupy the building, they know their time is short; they were all quick to hand out personal notes with their names and phone numbers, in hopes of getting jobs quickly once the Blue Chip ship has finally sunk.  Others have written to share they have been forced to file labor department claims to receive their wages, wages earned months ago.

Although USSolar Institute was the first to bring this fraud to light, both UL and Florida Power and Light (FPL) have now gotten involved.  In a comprehensive review of the situation those at UL have discovered that not a single ASP panel produced has ever been properly listed or tested by the global leader in electrical safety and testing.  As such, it is almost certain that if you have an ASP panel, its performance label is a fraud.

After an in-depth investigation, UL determined that ASP had consistently and knowingly defrauded customers with false marketing claims and faulty technology – actions that have resulted in the closing of ASP’s factory and a global recall of panels sold across the U.S., the Caribbean, and South America.

“The Sunshine State should represent the best of what the solar industry has to offer,” comments Johnson.  “Dishonest manufacturers are holding us back as states like New Jersey and Maryland surge ahead, despite having fewer solar resources.”

Frustrated by the experience but determined to bring greater transparency to the market, USSolar Institute is conducting a “Real World” PV Challenge in which it publicly tests leading panel technologies side-by-side under live conditions and will continue to be Florida’s solar watchdog, to protect those who try to defraud good people in Florida and beyond.

To learn more about the ASP panel scandal and recall, visit: http://ussolarinstitute.com/orlando-based-asp-solar-panel-fraud-fpl-soon-to-notify-home-owners/

To learn more about the Real World PV Challenge, visit: http://ussolarinstitute.com/ussolar-institute-to-conduct-real-world-solar-pv-challenge/

To learn more about USSolar Institute, visit: http://ussolarinstitute.com/

About USSolar Institute

USSolar Institute is a globally diversified solar energy corporation with headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and offices, dealers, and partners around the world.  USSolar remains dedicated to comprehensive solar education and consulting services by providing global construction management, engineering, and financing solutions for virtually any sized project or system need.

Hosted by USSolar Institute at the Kingston Pegasus Hotel from April 15 to 16, this 2-day event will feature some of the most prominent PV experts in the industry as we collectively map out a template that Jamaica and other Caribbean nations can follow in the years to come.

Even though USSolar Institute is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale (a good 600 miles from Kingston), I keep a very close eye on all solar-related happenings in Jamaica.

Several times throughout the year, my team makes trips down to this island paradise to lead workshops, seminars, and (as of 2013) huge alternative energy conferences.

And when I can’t get away, I try to stay up-to-date by scanning news headlines that feature Jamaica’s burgeoning solar industry.

I almost missed a recent story about Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Hon. Phillip Paulwell’s visit to a math and science competition.

In Minister Paulwell’s public remarks to the 500+ competitors, he noted that his government recognized a critical need to improve math and science skills in the quest to transform Jamaica’s economy and secure a more sustainable future.

Minister Paulwell went on to say that, “Jamaica’s future lies in developing a technology savvy, knowledge-based economy, where [his] people have the skills to compete with others anywhere in the world and the creativity to innovate new products and processes.”

What really caught my eye, however, was the follow-up.  Minister Paulwell correctly pointed out that Jamaica “need[ed] engineers, machinists, technicians and many more to build and maintain the solar and wind equipment for the renewable energy sector.”

Minister Paulwell’s Solar Assessment Is Absolutely Correct

I couldn’t agree more.  Having graduated hundreds of qualified solar PV installers over the years, I can tell you right now, a solid foundation in math and science is what determines whether you become a good installer or a great one.

I also agree that Jamaica is at a critical crossroads.

The country is brimming with solar potential, but it lacks the training infrastructure to produce the requisite green workforce.

Part of this problem stems from Jamaica’s relatively recent arrival on the solar scene.  It simply doesn’t have an extensive PV training history on which to rely.

But part of the problem also stems from the country’s historically poor track record in science and math.

Don’t get me wrong.  The US education system is certainly not a shinning example of proficiency in these areas.  We lag way behind our peers when it comes to testing.

But fortunately, math, science, and PV installation are all learnable skills.  And with the right focus, there’s no reason why Minister Paulwell’s hopes can’t materialize in the next few years.

Progress is already underway.  This year’s math and science competition attracted 500 entrants, which is more than last year’s.

With this year’s Alternative Energy Expo, we hope to amplify this progress by determining how best to equip Jamaica with the installation, training, and other teachable skills necessary to support a true solar revolution.

If you’d like to join us in this mission, be sure to register for the Expo by visiting: http://www.jaenergyexpo.com/index.html.

But it’s not enough to know that some solar PV panel warranties aren’t good.  You also have to know how to spot these bad apples.

If only there was a magic formula.

You – the consumer – are faced with a sea of options, with no surefire way to test one technology against another – especially over 25 years (which is the standard length of most reputable solar PV panel warranties).

Although there’s no magic formula out there, you can glean some powerful insights from a little homework and background research.  Below is a handy cheat-sheet to help you narrow down your list of options.

When Buying Solar Panels, Be Willing to Pay for Quality

Don’t make the mistake of focusing on cost and cost alone.  I’ll admit, buying a new solar PV system isn’t the cheapest thing you’ll ever do – but if you buy a quality unit, it will be one of the smartest.

Remember that a good installation should last you at least 25 years – usually 30 or more.  And over that time, your panels will generate kilowatt after kilowatt of free energy from the sun – enough to drive your electricity bills to $0 and maybe even put some extra cash in your pocket.

I promise you that you won’t be thinking about what you paid for your system 25, 10, or even 5 years from now.  You’ll be thinking about how to spend the extra savings your system has brought you.

When Buying Solar PV Panels, Go with Trusted Names

If you haven’t heard of them – move on.  There is no shortage of panel manufacturers on the market.  But why reinvent the wheel by researching companies that haven’t already caught the attention of everyone else who came before you?

Now I’ll admit – sticking with trusted names is not a sure-fire way to avoid making mistakes.  Chinese manufacturer Suntech, for example, is one of the largest and most trusted manufacturers on the planet.  And yet, they’re going down even as we speak.

Which brings us to the next 2 points.

When Buying Solar PV Panels, Steer Clear of Chinese Producers

It’s a bit unfair to generalize – I know of many solid Chinese solar PV manufacturers.  But for every good one, there are scores and scores of awful ones – simply awful.

Plus with the tariff wars and lack of oversight and foreign regulations – it’s best to steer clear of Chinese panels altogether.  It’s harsh, but this one move can save you hours of research and untold sums of money.

When Buying PV Panels, Go with Vertically Integrated Producers

A vertically integrated solar PV manufacturer is one who controls a huge portion of its supply chain.  In other words, it handles much of the extraction, processing, manufacturing, and assembling in-house (or through subsidiaries).

The benefit of vertical integration is that the manufacturer protects itself from rapid changes in pricing.  This is what ultimately got Suntech in trouble.  Silicon prices fell so much – so quickly – that this non-vertically integrated, Chinese solar manufacturer was unable to meet its financial obligations.

A few years ago, vertical integration wasn’t as important.  In fact, we carry (and will continue to carry) a number of high quality solar PV panels made by manufacturers that are not vertically integrated.  Our confidence in these products is very high, and we see no reason to change.

But if you’re starting from scratch, vertical integration can be a useful indicator.

When Buying Solar Panels – Ask the Experts

This last one is a real time-saver, but you can always just ask an expert.

At USSolar Institute and Florida Solar One, all we do – all day – is buy, sell, install, and train how to install solar PV equipment.

We’re happy to answer any questions you have about solar PV warranties.  So never hesitate to ask.

And if you’re thinking about installing a new system but can afford to wait, you might want to check out our upcoming “Real-World Solar PV Challenge” in which we do side-by-side comparisons of some of the leading technologies on the market.  Click here to learn more about the Challenge.

In fact, depending on where you live, you don’t even need installation training.  There are no federal requirements for the industry, and very few states regulate the profession.

This lack of oversight is actually one of my biggest pet peeves.

Obviously USSolar Institute would receive even more students if they had to complete training and certification by law.

But it’s not the income potential that irks me.  Rather, I’m bothered by the lack of professionalism in our industry – shoddy workmanship, preventable fires, unnecessary injuries.  They give solar a bad name, making it harder for the renewable energy movement to really pick up steam.

If beauticians and masseuses must get certified, then certainly those who work with high voltage electrical equipment should as well.

Just so we’re clear, I’m not talking about the DIYers out there who want to install panels on their own roofs.  Solar PV is a great hobby for enthusiasts – we even sell kits to help you get started.

No, I’m talking about the moonlighters and freelancers out there who claim to be “professional” installers because they’ve worked with a few systems and dub themselves “experts.”

But I haven’t really answered the question, have I?  The above reasons are why I think you should receive training and certification, but I haven’t given you your own reasons.

Well here we go:

Solar PV installation training makes you safer.  And not just you.  Anyone who uses the system also faces potential dangers if you haven’t installed the technology correctly.  If not to protect your fellow man (because it’s the decent thing to do), then think of the legal liabilities you expose yourself to with each unprofessional installation.

Solar PV installation training and licensing makes you better.  Anyone can do taxes, but certified public accountants (CPAs) receive the most business.  Why?  Because clients realize that CPAs have undergone the training and licensing necessary to derive optimal returns.  Solar is no different.  If you want as many clients as possible, become a true professional.  Period.

Solar licensing and training means that your installations qualify for incentives.  Most solar rebates and tax credits mandate that eligible installations be performed by a licensed professional.  Again, it’s about client acquisition.  Why would someone hire you if your workmanship disqualifies them from these incentives?

Solar PV training and licensing open up networking opportunities. (Are you seeing a common theme here?)  Those who graduate from USSolar Institute are usually first in line for many of the best contracts and jobs out there.  Why?  Because they’re plugged into a closed circle of “true” professionals who only refer business to trusted colleagues.

So no.

You don’t really need licensing, training, or certification.  Just like you don’t really need extra income or a full pipeline of eager clients.

You’re more than welcome to compete with our graduates sans certification and training.  But why would you want to?

Click here if you’re ready to get serious about your solar future.

In an industry like solar energy where 25-year panel warranties are becoming standard, the future well-being of individual manufacturers can impact ordinary property owners on the other side of the globe.

Take Suntech Power for example – a well-known Chinese manufacturer of solar PV panels.  The company is facing a $541 million bond call (i.e. debt obligation) that it probably won’t be able to fulfill.  It’s already started scaling down production and closing factories.  In fact, you can even find some of its panels right now for as little as $0.60 per watt – an undeniable sign that Suntech and its distributors see the writing on the wall.

Solar Panel Buyers Beware!!!

As a professional solar contractor and installer, I’m happy to see cheaply manufactured Chinese solar products come face-to-face with the invisible hand of economics.  When you produce inferior quality, sooner or later, market forces will converge to take you down.

But as someone who champions solar energy and wants to see it spread like wildfire, I feel bad for all of those unsuspecting homeowners and business owners who bought Suntech panels over the years.  I cringe just thinking about all of those warranties that could soon become obsolete if there’s no longer a company to back these 25+ year promises.

Solar Contractors & Installers Beware

In our quest to source the highest quality solar packages from leading manufacturers around the globe, Florida Solar One closely follows stories like Suntech’s.  And what we’ve discovered is that this is not an isolated cautionary tale.

ASP (a.k.a BlueChip Energy) is another unfortunate saga that crossed our path.  The company was caught inflating the efficiency rates of its solar PV panels.  In actual fact, ASP’s panels didn’t even meet 65% of the company’s published performance ratings under standard test conditions (STC).

To put this in more accessible terms, it would be like claiming a concert is sold out, when in truth, 35% of the seats are still empty.

In this story, my heart doesn’t go out to the property owners.  Rather, I feel bad for all of those installers who were duped into pushing ASP panels.  You see, ASP has had to issue a recall as a result of Underwriters Laboratories UL 1703 standards listings violations.

This recall means that these scammed solar contractors and PV installers must remove, ship, and install new panels – mostly out of pocket.

Admittedly, ASP is offering replacement panels, but these substitutes are exactly that – substitutes.  They have thinner frames and inferior backing, making them ill suited for the Caribbean and Florida markets (due to our seasonal hurricanes).  Perhaps I should feel bad for homeowners who ordered ASP solar packages.

Again, you can find some ASP panels for as low as $0.60 per watt.

I could go on and on, but hopefully you’re seeing a trend here already.

At Florida Solar One, we constantly stress that solar energy is an investment – one that pays for itself many many many times over the 25+ year lifetime of an average installation.

So while cost IS important, quality is even more important.  25 years from now, you’ll have completely forgotten what you initially paid for your installation.  You will, however, remember whether or not the warranty and performance live up to the hype.

In an industry like solar energy where 25-year panel warranties are becoming standard, the future well-being of individual manufacturers can impact ordinary property owners on the other side of the globe.

Take Suntech Power for example – a well-known Chinese manufacturer of solar PV panels.  The company is facing a $541 million bond call (i.e. debt obligation) that it probably won’t be able to fulfill.  It’s already started scaling down production and closing factories.  In fact, you can even find some of its panels right now for as little as $0.60 per watt – an undeniable sign that Suntech and its distributors see the writing on the wall.

Solar Panel Buyers Beware!!!

As a professional solar contractor and installer, I’m happy to see cheaply manufactured Chinese solar products come face-to-face with the invisible hand of economics.  When you produce inferior quality, sooner or later, market forces will converge to take you down.

But as someone who champions solar energy and wants to see it spread like wildfire, I feel bad for all of those unsuspecting homeowners and business owners who bought Suntech panels over the years.  I cringe just thinking about all of those warranties that could soon become obsolete if there’s no longer a company to back these 25+ year promises.

Solar Contractors & Installers Beware

In our quest to source the highest quality solar packages from leading manufacturers around the globe, Florida Solar One closely follows stories like Suntech’s.  And what we’ve discovered is that this is not an isolated cautionary tale.

ASP (a.k.a BlueChip Energy) is another unfortunate saga that crossed our path.  The company was caught inflating the efficiency rates of its solar PV panels.  In actual fact, ASP’s panels didn’t even meet 65% of the company’s published performance ratings under standard test conditions (STC).

To put this in more accessible terms, it would be like claiming a concert is sold out, when in truth, 35% of the seats are still empty.

In this story, my heart doesn’t go out to the property owners.  Rather, I feel bad for all of those installers who were duped into pushing ASP panels.  You see, ASP has had to issue a recall as a result of Underwriters Laboratories UL 1703 standards listings violations.

This recall means that these scammed solar contractors and PV installers must remove, ship, and install new panels – mostly out of pocket.

Admittedly, ASP is offering replacement panels, but these substitutes are exactly that – substitutes.  They have thinner frames and inferior backing, making them ill suited for the Caribbean and Florida markets (due to our seasonal hurricanes).  Perhaps I should feel bad for homeowners who ordered ASP solar packages.

Again, you can find some ASP panels for as low as $0.60 per watt.

I could go on and on, but hopefully you’re seeing a trend here already.

At Florida Solar One, we constantly stress that solar energy is an investment – one that pays for itself many many many times over the 25+ year lifetime of an average installation.

So while cost IS important, quality is even more important.  25 years from now, you’ll have completely forgotten what you initially paid for your installation.  You will, however, remember whether or not the warranty and performance live up to the hype.

Fort Lauderdale, FL – March 20, 2013 – In collaboration with Caribbean and Florida certified PV installer & state licensed contractor, Florida Solar One, USSolar Institute, will conduct a 6-month PV performance challenge in which it tests some of the leading panels and inverters under “real-world” conditions.

After outfitting its Fort Lauderdale campus with technology from the likes of Suniva, SMA, and SolarEdge, the PV installation training college will carefully monitor the results and publish its findings online – daily.

Although nearly all solar components sold in the US undergo 3^rd party testing, the majority of independent agencies conduct their reviews under controlled conditions.  According to USSolar Institute Founder and Florida Solar One President, Ray Johnson, “Homeowners don’t want to know how well these products work in a lab – they want to know how much power they’ll get when the panels are installed on their properties.”

In addition to 3^rd party reviews, manufacturers enjoy considerable leeway when marketing power output and warranties.  So much so, that a number of leading suppliers have come under fire for dubious claims about the performance of their panels.  In fact, Florida solar panel maker ASP also known as Blue Chip Energy was forced to issue a recall for violating standards by popular rating agency, Underwriters Laboratories.

For the experiment, USSolar Institute has selected PV panels from Suniva and ASP, with room for one unnamed contender.

The challenge will also put 3 of the more popular inverter technologies to the test – Enphase’s micro inverters, SMA’s string-line inverters, and SolarEdge’s DC-optimized inverters.  Each will have its own monitoring to help track performance.

“6 months is a long-time for an experiment of this type, but we deliberately designed it to coincide with Florida’s notorious hurricane season,” adds Johnson.  “Traditional labs aren’t very good at simulating high velocity winds, salty humidity, and semi-equatorial, year-round sunshine.  We’re eager to see the final results.”

To learn more about USSolar Institute, visit: http://ussolarinstitute.com/.

To learn more about Florida Solar One, visit: http://www.floridasolarone.com/.

About USSolar Institute

USSolar Institute is a globally diversified solar energy corporation with headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and offices, dealers, and partners around the world.  USSolar remains dedicated to comprehensive solar education and consulting services by providing global construction management, engineering, and financing solutions for virtually any sized project or system need.

On Saturday March 9, the Broward County Board of Commissioners will honor USSolar Institute (USSI) and founder Ray Johnson (also President of Florida Solar One) with its Emerald Award trophy for Climate Change Leadership 2012.  Other categories of the Emerald Award included USSI’s Leadership in Recycling and Green Innovation.

Held on “Water Matters Day” at Tree Tops Park, the annual ceremony is an “activity-filled event” designed to educate area residents and businesses on the importance of protecting and conserving natural resources.  Through workshops and guest lectures, the more than 3,000 attendees learn about how their daily activities impact the local environment and what steps they can take to responsibly minimize their carbon footprints.

As one of the leading solar PV installation colleges in the country – and the only such school currently licensed by Florida’s Department of Education, USSolar has trained hundreds of students throughout the US and Caribbean, preparing them for green collar careers in the solar PV industry.

According to Jeff Halsey, Broward County’s Director of Pollution Prevention, Remediation, and Air Quality Division, “Protecting our environment is a top priority of the Broward County Commission.”  He adds, “There was a lot of great competition this year and USSolar Institute surpassed many other deserving applicants.”

Comments USSolar President and Leader Instructor, Ray Johnson, “We’re honored by this special recognition and hope to continue working closely with progressive-minded people whose commitment to a greener and more sustainable economy mirrors our own.”

Last year, the school also added VA tuition assistance under the GI Bill to help returning men and women in uniform secure the training they need in an industry hungry for more qualified PV installers.  “Veterans are disproportionately affected by unemployment.  By providing free tuition under the VRAP, GI Bill and Post 911 program(s), we hope to strengthen the local economy while simultaneously weaning our community off of fossil fuel.”

There will be a much smaller follow-up reception held on March 21 at the Oakridge Hall during which attendees can speak directly with the USSolar Institute team and ask questions about training, installation, and solar-related topics.

To learn more about “Water Matters Day” or the annual Emerald Awards, visit: http://www.broward.org/watermatters/Pages/Default.aspx.

To learn more about solar PV installation courses and certification at USSolar Institute, visit: http://ussolarinstitute.com/.

About USSolar Institute

USSolar Institute is a globally diversified solar energy corporation with headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and offices, dealers, and partners around the world.  USSolar remains dedicated to comprehensive solar education and consulting services by providing global construction management, engineering, and financing solutions for virtually any sized project or system need.