10/12/2022
Space City Solar, during more than 14 years of interactions with many homeowners, realized that:
A. A good number of homeowners, after observing our installers’ work, expressed an opinion that the entire process was simple enough that they could have done it by themselves.
B. Their DIY instinct is well and alive even in acquiring a solar energy asset for their homes.
C. Improving technology has many solar system components to be a Plug-And-Play type, which means, the installation of solar panels is not as complicated as one may imagine.
D. Well-qualified, experienced, solar installation professionals are hard to find even in big cities like Houston, TX.
E. Solar panels and some essential accessories are designed to last 25 years or longer. A product-line, that offers a homeowner the hands-on experience in acquiring such a long-lasting asset, is needed.
These realizations gave birth to DIYSolarX in 2019.
A hands-on experience need not be the one where a homeowner must get up on a steeply pitching rooftop for installing solar panels!
DIYSolarX program and product lines offer the following hands-on experiences for homeowners:
• The homeowners, in a live demonstration, can witness the entire process of how solar panels are installed and inter-connected with their homes’ electric power supply system. Using a portable real mini house called, Solar-On-Rollers, (Fig 1), homeowners are offered excellent visuals and a touch-and-feel experience. This demonstration explains the nuts-and-bolts details of installing solar panels, wiring, and tying the solar electricity to the main electric service panel. It also demonstrates how to use solar electricity to charge a home battery backup system during the daytime and convert the battery electricity to power up their homes during nighttime.
• DIYSolarX product lines offer micro-inverter integrated solar panels (Fig 2), that reduce on-site installation time.
• DIYSolarX product line includes roof attachments that are simplified and modularized.
• DIYSolarX program offers a list of well-vetted and trained roofers and electricians, who, acting as independent contractors, help the homeowners to be the proud ‘Do-It-Yourselfers’.
• DIYSolarX program offers engineering design and permitting services so that homeowners will be compliant with local codes and inspection requirements.
When the DIYSolarX program was first thought of in 2019, Space City Solar analyzed its market potential. Available Census data show that, within the eight counties, surrounding Harris County in Texas, there are more than a million owner-occupied homes. Even if a very small percentage of these homeowners (say, 4 out of 1,000 homeowners) are convinced to go with this program, the potential business volume is worth more than $62 million.
In Texas, per capita consumption of electricity is the highest in the nation. Texans have long enjoyed very low electricity rates ($/kWh). Unfortunately, in the recent past, it’s skyrocketing. It is a sticker shocker for many Texans, particularly during summer, when their air conditioners are humming 24 hours a day! Texans are becoming more aware of the usefulness of solar energy. Texans now realize that solar electricity offers a sense of independence from utility rate hikes.
Under these circumstances, Space City Solar believes that the projected business volume is achievable through properly implementing the DIYSolarX program. Therefore, the Manager of this division is expected to play a key role.
The Manager of this division has the following responsibilities:
• Develop and implement the DIYSolarX program
• Budgeting & costs control functions
• Managing small project teams to develop, execute, and complete assignments
• Organizing team roles and evaluating employee performance
• Documenting operational tasks and reporting to upper-level management
• Performing employee reviews and assessments
• Assist with new employee onboarding and training program
The candidate’s required qualifications and experience are:
• A minimum HS Diploma with excellent (“A” or better) grades in math and science.
• A committed willingness to learn.
• Having worked in a supervisory capacity for 2 years or longer
• NABCEP certification is not required but must be prepared to earn it.
• Good communication skills are essential for this position.
• Product demonstration and public presentation skills are essential.
• Preferred skill sets include the use of PCs, MS Office, Internet & Social Media use, Blog posts, Email Blasts
In addition to an attractive guaranteed salary package, this position comes with quarterly bonus/performance incentives. Vacation and medical insurance are also included.
The successful candidate must be willing to relocate to Houston, TX.
Space City Solar offers free one-bedroom studio apartments for temporary stay till the new employee finds his/her own in the city.
Employees, who prove their values to the company, will also be invited to be shareholders.
