Episode 826
826: Behind the Scenes of Electrical Code Writing: An Expert's Perspective
What if the biggest threat to your solar business wasn’t competition—but compliance?
Rebekah Hren has spent over 20 years helping the solar industry avoid costly mistakes and dangerous shortcuts - by writing the very codes and standards that govern it. From fieldwork and training at SEI to consulting for AirBnB and now co-founding Solar Tech Collective, Rebekah has seen it all—and helped shape how we do solar safely and at scale.
In this episode, Nico dives deep with Rebekah to uncover the untold story of the National Electrical Code (NEC), the real reason rapid shutdown rules nearly derailed the industry, and how better training - not just better tech - is key to solar's future.
You’ll learn:
🔹 Why UL certifications aren't optional - and what too many installers still get wrong
🔹 The behind-the-scenes battles of Code Making Panel 4 (CMP-4)
🔹 How O&M pros are rewriting the rules of safety and reliability
🔹 Why rapid shutdown rules almost broke the solar industry
This is more than a conversation about compliance - you need this if you want to build a solar business that lasts.
If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.
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