Ambassador Energy Solar Training

Western Riverside Council of Governments [WRCOG] has just made available millions of dollars to finance commercial solar projects within the region. Ambassador Energy is using the fund, with its low interest rates and long terms, to assist commercial energy users in going solar.

“WRCOG rolled out HERO, the residential version of this, a year ago,” said Kelly Smith, president of Ambassador Energy in Murrieta. “HERO has been an enormously successful solar finance tool for homeowners who want the benefits of solar, but do not have the upfront cash to invest in their systems. As we have talked with business-owners about solar, we find that they have similar thoughts and have been waiting for the commercial version of PACE. Now that HERO Commercial is finally available here in Riverside County, we will see a lot more businesses going green.”

WRCOG states the benefits of HERO Commercial as:

• No barrier to upfront funding for projects
• Improvement in Net Operating Income (NOI)
• Increased property value
• Hedge against increasing utility costs
• Up to 20 years financing
• Acquire environmentally efficient building certifications

“For areas outside of Riverside County, such as San Diego County and other counties throughout California, we are able to offer similar commercial and agricultural solutions through another PACE program, called California First,” Smith continued. “The good news is that PACE programs are becoming more widespread, offering home- and business-owners flexible and accessible solar finance opportunities, so that they can go green, improve their properties’ values, immunize themselves from utility rate hikes, and save a ton of money over the long life of their solar systems.”

In general, the property owners need only to have 10% equity in their properties and to be current on their mortgage and property taxes. If they meet those qualifications, they may apply to use the fund’s money to buy solar, put the cost on their property tax roll, and pay for it over a term as long as 20 years. Smith continued, “A typical scenario will reflect the combined cost for the new lower utility bill and higher property tax bill will be lower than that of their previous utility bill alone, thus creating an immediate cash-positive situation for the customer with no money out of pocket.”

Ambassador Energy’s executive team has been building a Commercial Solar Division in anticipation of these new solar financing programs and other attractive leases. “We cut our teeth on commercial and agricultural solar systems years ago,” said Ambassador Energy CEO, [Steve Fulgham. “We even expanded our solar training division, Ambassador Energy College, to prep other solar companies for the increase in business. Solar is so good for the environment, for local business, for giving business owners the opportunity to save on their electrical costs. We are really happy to be a cog in this wheel of this progress.”

About Ambassador Energy
Ambassador Energy [AE] has a three-pronged business model, including Ambassador Energy College Solar Training, the Ambassador Energy Agency Program and Ambassador Energy, an EPC contractor. On staff are NABCEP Certified PV Installers, NABCEP Certified PV Technical Sales professionals [Fulgham/Kelso] and multiple NABCEP EL graduates. AE Agencies are nationwide. Ambassador Energy EPC installs PV systems throughout California.

After installing solar PV on several farm related businesses in the Central Valley, California, Ambassador Energy’s executives committed to supporting the Almond Board by attending their annual almond conference December 11-13, 2012.

“We installed a commercial solar system on Wilkey Industries’ building in Turlock and a large ground-mounted system for Central Ag Products in Denair,” said Steve Fulgham, CEO of Ambassador Energy, Inc. “Through those original jobs, we got familiar with the industry and friendly with the principles. It was a match made in heaven, as we are extremely comfortable in rural farming communities, having cut our solar teeth in that space. Now, years and megawatts of solar later, it is fantastic to return to those roots.”

Since 1993, Wilkey Industries has specialized in providing innovative solutions through design, fabrication and installation of processing equipment in agricultural, industrial and manufacturing facilities. When asked why they had Ambassador Energy install solar PV on their 40,000 square foot commercial building, Founder and CEO, Jack Wilkey, said, “We did it for the federal tax credit. There was not a better place to be able to take advantage of the credit, while enjoying utility cost savings for decades to come. Where else can you put your money that will give you a double digit annual rate of return? I could put the same amount of money in the bank and get a half a percent. This was a no-brainer. We are very pleased with Ambassador Energy and our decision to go solar.”

Dean Doerksen, of Central Ag Products, concurred, installing solar on his home, almond farm and his commercial building. “We started with a large residential ground-mounted system at the house,” said Doerksen. “Then we installed solar at the farm. We decided we loved solar and the savings so much that we added it to our other business, Swenson Shear, in Ceres.

I tell people all the time that the folks at Ambassador Energy have forgotten more about solar than most solar companies will ever know.”

“We look forward to being at The Almond Conference and spending time with our customers,” concluded Fulgham. “Stop by and see us next to Wilkey Industries at booth 1016.”

About Ambassador Energy
Ambassador Energy [AE] has a three-pronged business model, including Ambassador Energy College Solar Training, the Ambassador Energy Agency Program and Ambassador Energy, an EPC contractor. On staff are NABCEP Certified PV Installers, NABCEP Certified PV Technical Sales professionals [Fulgham/Kelso] and multiple NABCEP EL graduates. AE Agencies are nationwide. Ambassador Energy EPC installs PV systems throughout California.

Responding to dramatic increases in inquiries from residential and commercial consumers, due to PACE financing and other payment programs, Ambassador Energy is ramping up by adding Solar Advocates to their outside solar sales teams.

“Finance options for solar PV are getting better all the time,” said Kelly Smith, President of Ambassador Energy. “PACE financing is especially interesting. PACE allows owners of homes and commercial buildings to install solar and defer the costs via their property tax roll. The cost of solar, added to their tax bill, is less than what they would have paid their utility, so the outcome is a real win for the end-user. In most cases, they can amortize the cost out 5, 10, 15 or 20 years. And it can be transferred to the new owners, should the property be sold within that time.”

One of Ambassador Energy’s newest customers is co-founder of College Works Painting and author of Contractors Survival Guide, Jason Reid. He and his wife own a large home on five acres in Western Riverside County and had SoCal Edison bills often exceeding $1000 per month. He opted to utilize WRCOG’s PACE financing, called the HERO Program.

“As a business owner, I am often tasked with determining the best way to pay for an asset,” Reid said. “In this case, since I needed a solar system of pretty good size, I opted to use someone else’s money. The HERO program covered the cost of the system and gives me the option to pay it off in 5 or more years. I like the ability to own my own system, instead of leasing, like many consumers do today. Once I pay off HERO,

In addition to the HERO Program in Riverside County, the California First program is now active, offering PACE financing in many other cities and counties throughout California.

“For customers who do not choose or qualify for PACE, solar loans and leases are viable options,” said Smith. “And, as always, the cheapest way to pay for capital improvements is cash, if you have it. But, since most of us during these precarious times don’t have it, or in the Reid’s case, don’t choose to use it, the good news is that there are many payment options. Going solar has never been easier. At the end of the day, it usually costs less to go solar than to continue to pay the utility company. That’s a good thing, and that’s why we are expanding our external solar sales teams. We are all about spreading the good news.”

About Ambassador Energy
Ambassador Energy [AE] has a three-pronged business model, including Ambassador Energy College Solar Training, the Ambassador Energy Agency Program and Ambassador Energy, an EPC contractor. On staff are NABCEP Certified PV Installers, NABCEP Certified PV Technical Sales professionals [Fulgham/Kelso] and multiple NABCEP EL graduates. AE Agencies are nationwide. Ambassador Energy EPC installs PV systems throughout California.

Ambassador Energy [AE] is not only the area’s most credentialed solar installer, but is also the company that trains other solar companies!

What does that mean to you?
AE’s contractor licenses C10/Electrical, C46/Renewable Energy, B/General, coupled with their staff’s elite credentials, including NABCEP Certified PV Installers and NABCEP Certified PV Technical Sales professionals, means you are getting the best possible expertise for your solar system design, engineering and installation. NABCEP is the “gold standard” for quality within the solar industry in North America, and AE is not only accredited, but is one of only a handful of companies nationwide who teaches for NABCEP.

Ambassador Energy also offers every possible solar finance option for your home or business, including zero-down options, leases and HERO financing. Our staff is committed to finding the solution that best fits your specific needs. We do not believe in a one-size-fits-all. It may take a little extra time to thoroughly educate each client, but we believe that a purchase of this significance demands the effort.

Our specialties include:
• Commercial & Residential Solar PV Systems
• Rooftop Solar Installations
• Ground-Mounted Solar Installations
• Off-Grid Solar Installations
• Solar Training
• Solar Distribution

We welcome you to stop by our office and training facility in Historic Murrieta between Anthony’s and The Mill. Come see and touch the equipment and meet our staff, who love what they do.

Ambassador Energy, Inc.
24630 Washington Avenue
Suite 102
Murrieta, CA 92562
866-586-1840
www.AmbassadorEnergy.com

See us in action on Facebook!

Emerging as Arizona’s rising star in solar photovoltaics [PV], Redline Electric & Solar has officially embarked on the “Solar Revolution”, offering their commercial and residential clients turn-key solutions and no-nonsense information on turning the sun into power generation for their businesses and homes.

The Redline Electric & Solar team is led by Joshua Farley, who says, “I was raised with a voltmeter in my hand. I have been an electrician for 20 years, learning from my dad, Roy, who is a master electrician and my partner in the firm until his retirement last year. Between the two of us, we have 60 years experience in the trade.”

Historically, Redline Electric has offered specialty services including big equipment, service panel upgrades, energy-efficient lighting, motor controls, underground circuit work, troubleshooting, UPS battery back-up, generator and emergency systems. The firm now adds Solar Photovoltaics to their line-up and is powered by the nation’s most strategic solar support and distribution company, Ambassador Energy, Inc.

Farley continued, “We are way ahead of the game given our experience as electricians and Ambassador Energy’s solar expertise. With the intensive training we have gotten from NABCEP certified instructors at AE’s solar training facility in Southern California, we are able to launch head-first into our solar work and know that our customers are going to get the best design, products, service and pricing.

Kelly Smith, President of Ambassador Energy said of Redline, “We hand selected them. We were looking for an excellent team in the Phoenix area and feel really great that we found Joshua and his team. They are skilled, ambitious, conscientious and a lot of fun to work with.”

To take advantage of the energy from the sun and get a no-obligation customized quote, contact Redline Electric & Solar.

About Redline Electric & Solar
Redline Electric is a family owned-and-operated business located in Mesa, AZ, offering commercial and residential electrical and solar services throughout Arizona and Nevada. Contractor licenses includes: Arizona (K-11 Lic#254292) Nevada (C-2 Lic#0076908) www.RedlineElectricLLC.com

About Ambassador Energy
Ambassador Energy [AE] has a three-pronged business model, including Ambassador Energy College Solar Training, the Ambassador Energy Agency Program and Ambassador Energy, an EPC contractor. On staff are NABCEP Certified PV Installers, NABCEP Certified PV Technical Sales professionals [Fulgham/Kelso] and multiple NABCEP EL graduates. AE Agencies are nationwide. Ambassador Energy EPC installs PV systems throughout California.

This one-hour online solar training course addresses the basics of solar photovoltaics [PV] for those currently working in the solar industry, those looking to enter the PV industry, or those who are simply curious about how solar works.

Intro to Solar PV was written and recorded by Catherine Kelso, Ambassador Energy’s Director of Training. Kelso is one of only a handful of solar professionals who is certified by NABCEP as a Solar PV Installer and Solar PV Technical Salesperson. She is a veteran in the solar industry, taught solar training for Ambassador Energy since 2010 and designed much of the curriculum for Ambassador Energy College.

said Kelso. “You may be thinking of getting into the solar business, brushing up on some solar basics, or just curious about how things work. In any case, please enjoy, and visit our library of other Solar PV Training Videos on our site.”

The growing library of on-line courses includes Solar Modules, Solar String Sizing and Solar System Sizing. Each may be downloaded for only $29.95.

“Our goal is to offer a high-quality, information-centric course free-of-charge,” said Kelly Smith, President of Ambassador Energy.

In addition to on-line training, Ambassador Energy offers an entire menu of solar training classes at their facility in Southern California. Courses include:

• Entry Level Solar PV Design and Installation
• Advanced Solar PV Design and Installation
• Advanced PV Technical Sales
• Advanced Solar PV Installation
• PV System Design
• Solar PV for Electricians
• Solar PV for Contractors
• Ambassador Energy Agency Training

In addition to teaching solar classes, Ambassador Energy is also ISPQ certified and proctors the NABCEP Entry Level exam.

About Ambassador Energy
Ambassador Energy [AE] has a three-pronged business model, including Ambassador Energy College Solar Training, the Ambassador Energy Agency Program and Ambassador Energy, an EPC contractor. On staff are NABCEP Certified PV Installers, NABCEP Certified PV Technical Sales professionals [Fulgham/Kelso] and multiple NABCEP EL graduates. AE Agencies are nationwide. Ambassador Energy EPC installs PV systems throughout California.

Adding to their successful programs of solar photovoltaic training and solar equipment distribution, Ambassador Energy launches a new directive to become a leading integrator of solar installations in Southern and Central California.

With over 12 years of experience in the solar photovoltaic industry, John Wilson was a natural choice for Ambassador Energy’s newest executive position, as leader of the team charged with solar installation sales. On August 29th, 2012, Mr. Wilson accepted the position of VP of Business Development at Ambassador Energy in Murrieta, CA.

John Wilson cut his vocational teeth as an entrepreneur – founding, developing and selling several innovative companies. “I had successfully created a number of my own companies in a variety of industry verticals,” Wilson said. “In 2000, when it became clear to me that solar PV was emerging as the millennium’s most exciting and opportune industry, I knew I had to be a part of it. And when I recently found Ambassador Energy, with their commitment to quality, NABCEP training, and potential for growth, I knew that this was a place I could hang my hat and make a difference.”

After developing sales and sales teams for his own and other solar companies, John now brings his expertise to Ambassador Energy, where he is tasked with building regional sales teams, implementing strategic marketing plans, developing channel partners, identifying profitable market segments and training salespeople, which he calls “solar advocates”.

“John brings to us a depth of experience which is rare in the solar business,” said Kelly Smith, President of Ambassador Energy. “This industry is so young. We are thrilled to have found a seasoned professional, who can lead our troops in this exciting market. We have given him every tool he needs, including solar leases, amazing pricing, unique financing and great products, so that he can deliver fantastic deals to home- and business-owners, and rewarding careers to our sales professionals. On top of all that, John is interesting, funny and a joy to work with. He even gets brownie points from me, as a U.S. Navy Honorable Discharged Viet-Nam Veteran!”

About Ambassador Energy
Ambassador Energy [AE] has a three-pronged business model, including Ambassador Energy College Solar Training, the Ambassador Energy Agency Program and Ambassador Energy, an EPC contractor. On staff are NABCEP Certified PV Installers, NABCEP Certified PV Technical Sales professionals [Fulgham/Kelso] and multiple NABCEP EL graduates. AE Agencies are nationwide. Ambassador Energy EPC installs PV systems throughout California.

Since 2008, Ambassador Energy has conducted solar training in their Southern California classroom. Recognizing that success, and also the limits of geography and logistics, the company is adding a virtual option to the curriculum.

Online students will now have the ability to connect electronically to the classroom during regular class hours. From anywhere in the world, they will be able to participate virtually, via the internet, just like the students in the brick and mortar classroom.

“This online option will take quite a bit of financial burden off students who would have had to travel to Southern California,” said Catherine Kelso, Director of Training for Ambassador Energy. “They will view, participate, raise their virtual hands, ask questions, take quizzes…I imagine they will even take potty breaks like everyone else. They will have to be very present, though. The first class we are offering is not easy. Anytime you are training for a NABCEP test, you can count on having to pay attention.”

The first online class offered will be Entry Level PV Design & Installation, a five-day solar training course. In this solar training course, students learn how photovoltaic (PV) systems operate, as well as, basic system design and safety practices. The course covers basic electrical terminology, PV system components, solar fundamentals, sun path tracking, basic system design, string sizing, site evaluation, shade analysis, system sizing, over-current protection, grounding basics, electrical and mechanical design considerations and OSHA safety standards. Also included in the course curriculum is a hands-on solar project, where students install a complete PV system, albeit for some, virtually.

This particular Ambassador Energy course prepares students for the NABCEP Entry Level Exam, which is administered on the last day of class for those who attend the classroom training. For those taking the course virtually, a test site will be arranged.

This and other Ambassador Energy solar course information may be found at Ambassador Energy College.

About Ambassador Energy
Ambassador Energy [AE] has a three-pronged business model, including Ambassador Energy College Solar Training, the Ambassador Energy Agency Program and Ambassador Energy, an EPC contractor. On staff are NABCEP Certified PV Installers, NABCEP Certified PV Technical Sales professionals [Fulgham/Kelso] and multiple NABCEP EL graduates. AE Agencies are nationwide. Ambassador Energy EPC installs PV systems throughout California.

On May 7th, students from Mt. San Jacinto College [MSJC] carpooled to the headquarters of solar training company, Ambassador Energy [AE], in Murrieta CA for an evening of practical experience.

Although MSJC is one of the state’s first colleges to offer Solar Photovoltaic [PV] classes, the program is still relatively new and does not yet have a laboratory capable of constructing an entire operational solar system. Ambassador Energy College offered their classroom and lead instructor, providing a facility decked with solar panels, inverters and balance of system. The class worked with their MSJC instructor, David Hunt, and Ambassador Energy’s Director of Training, Catherine Kelso, to construct a fully-functioning 2.3 kilowatt solar photovoltaic system, consisting of 10 solar panels, one inverter, ground-mounted racking and all the nuts, bolts and widgets.

“It was great to see them connect the dots,” said Kelso. “The class was very excited to get their hands on some real equipment. They had been learning all semester and finally got to apply what they had learned. It was fun to be a part of their ‘a-ha’ moments.”

The training room, inside Ambassador Energy’s corporate headquarters, is used monthly for a number of training events. Contractors who are adding solar PV to their current construction offering spend three days in the bootcamp-style solar training as a part of the Ambassador Energy Agency program. In addition, students from all over North American sit for training and testing for NABCEP EL [North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners Entry Level], NABCEP continuing education and various classes prepping students for the NABCEP PV Installer and PV Technical Sales exams. AE also offers single-day classes, such as Solar for Electricians.

“The demand for solar training is high,” said Steve Fulgham, Ambassador Energy CEO. “So high, in fact, that we are seeing local high schools and colleges adding classes. We are happy to work with them on projects, such as the annual Solar Boat Races in Temecula, assist by guest-teaching at their classrooms, and simply be a resource for the instructors. As they turn out educated students, it benefits us all.”

In addition to helping local high schools and colleges train, Ambassador Energy continues to utilize interns. They consistently have an MSJC intern and were the first business in Murrieta to engage high school interns within a brand new program implemented last year, a collaborative effort between Murrieta Mesa High School, the Murrieta Chamber of Commerce and local Murrieta businesses. “One of the interns from last fall still shows up for work,” continued Fulgham. “I think we created a solar monster.”

About Ambassador Energy

Ambassador Energy [AE] has a three-pronged business model, including Ambassador Energy College Solar Training, the Ambassador Energy Agency Program and Ambassador Energy, an EPC solar installation contractor. On staff are NABCEP Certified PV Installers, NABCEP Certified PV Technical Sales professionals [Fulgham/Kelso] and multiple NABCEP EL graduates. AE Agencies are nationwide. Ambassador Energy EPC installs PV systems throughout California.

See us on Facebook.

With the help of local electrical students and a philanthropic low margin on equipment, Ambassador Energy was able to upgrade the existing solar PV system at the Yokoji-Zen Mountain Center, which is completely “off grid”.

After Ambassador Energy’s president, Kelly Smith, emailed the center regarding her upcoming visit, the monk in charge of the facility contacted her for assistance on their solar project.

“I was just going to see the center and hang out for the day, as the center is just 45 minutes from our Ambassador Energy office. When I got there, I felt like I was worlds away. It is a very serene, rural and spiritual place. I wasn’t surprised to learn that they were on solar, as remote facilities often choose to be off-grid instead of running expensive power lines and transformers to the site from the grid. When people build in super-rural areas, it is often more cost-effective to be energy self-sufficient, even when adding the cost of battery back-up and/or generator,” Smith said.

“I was pleasantly surprised to be able to mix business with pleasure that day. The fun part was touring the power generation site. It was a real hodge-podge of legacy equipment, some dating back decades. Luckily, we have off-grid specialists on staff and could address the center’s needs. We wanted to help them solve the real logistical problem of not having enough energy to effectively run the place.”

Ambassador Energy’s management team demonstrated their commitment to the project by deploying their off-grid solar team, who took on the complex task of designing an upgrade around the existing plethora of solar PV equipment, and doing it on a tight budget. “The center,” said Smith, “is non-profit and every dollar is carefully raised and spent. We wanted to make this a mutually rewarding project for all involved.”

“Since Yokoji-Zen Mountain Center worked hard to raise the necessary funds for the equipment,” said Catherine Kelso, Ambassador Energy College’s Director of Training. “We decided to get creative on the labor end of it. So, we made it a philanthropic and training event by enlisting students from a local college’s electrical program. We were able to do the job on a shoestring, so that we could give the center as much power for their dollar as possible.”

“We can’t always do pro bono work,” concluded Smith. “However, every once in a while, the stars align and we can do something that really makes an impact without worrying about profit. I feel really good about this installation. It was meaningful on so many levels, as we were able to help a non-profit group and the environment, while providing students some real-life extraordinary work experience.”

About Ambassador Energy

Ambassador Energy [AE] has a three-pronged business model, including Ambassador Energy College Solar Training, the Ambassador Energy Agency Program and Ambassador Energy, an EPC contractor. On staff are NABCEP Certified PV Installers, NABCEP Certified PV Technical Sales professionals [Fulgham/Kelso] and multiple NABCEP EL graduates. AE Agencies are nationwide. Ambassador Energy EPC installs PV systems throughout California.

See us on Facebook.

About Yokoji-Zen Mountain Center

Yokoji-Zen Mountain Center is a Zen Buddhist training center in the San Jacinto foothills, California, offering year-round training for both residents and non-residents, monks and lay people. The Abbot of YZMC is Charles Tenshin Fletcher Roshi.