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The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC or I-WRECK) is a non-profit organization accelerating the use of renewable energy since 1982. IREC’s programs and policies lead to easier, more affordable connection to the utility grid; fair credit for renewable energy produced; best practices for states, municipalities, utilities and industry; and quality assessment for the growing green workforce through the credentialing of trainers and training programs.

For nearly three decades, IREC has worked with industry, government, educators and other stakeholders to ensure that the broader use of renewable energies is possible, safe, afford- able and practical, particularly for the individual consumer. IREC’s successes are embedded in national energy policies and in updated utility and industry standards and best practices. Its expert input continues to shape rules and regulations in more than 40 states.

IREC is broadly recognized as a unique resource and conduit for change in the renewable energy arena. The organization’s early identification of obstacles and its problem solving approach shaped its identity, raised its national and international profile, and positioned IREC as an innovative leader.

Connecting to the Grid IREC became the leading expert and supporter of net metering, and easier, more affordable interconnection to the utility grid. In 2003, IREC developed the first Model Net Metering Rules to capture best practices from the broad array of state policies. IREC’s Model Net Metering Rules were updated in 2009 to reflect these substantial developments in state policies and the marketplace, and to incorporate lessons learned. That same year, IREC’s Model Interconnection Procedures, first published in 2005, were updated, and the 6th edition of Connecting to the Grid was published — a guide to the issues surrounding policy and technical considerations of grid-integrated, renew- able energy development. Today, more than 40 states have adopted net metering policies. Nearly 40 have interconnection policies, making it easier for consumers to connect to the grid. IREC was an active party in many of the state utility commission rulemakings establishing these policies.

Getting the Word Out As recently as the mid 1990s, most of the information written about renewable energies was technical. As the industry and interest in renewables grew, so did the need for more and better information. In 1995, IREC developed educational campaigns to get good information into the hands of local and statewide decision makers, to encourage communities and individuals to learn how they could benefit from solar and wind-generated power. IREC's “workshop in a box” series provided information and tools, including print materials, audio/video for public service announcements, and presentations that could be tailored for public forums. The same year, IREC partnered with the North Carolina Solar Center to create DSIRE, the Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy. An early online resource center that reported on the wide variety of incentives states offered, its primary purpose was to leverage education about and replication of best practices.

IREC continues to serve as the leading source of information on renewable energy trends in rule making, industry best practices, workforce development and quality training. Through its many newsletters, comprehensive website, seminars, workshops and webinars, IREC is broadly recognized for identifying emerging issues and facilitating short and long-term solutions. DSIRE, now managed by the North Carolina Solar Center in partnership with IREC, has grown into a comprehensive source of information on more than 2,300 state, local, utility and federal incentives and policies. On average, more than 200,000 unique users visit its website each month.

Developing A New Workforce IREC took an early leadership role in building a strong, quality trained renew-able energy workforce. In 2002, together with stakeholders, IREC created NABCEP, the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. NABCEP’s voluntary certification program rigorously tests and certifies that a solar system installer’s knowledge and experience meet the highest standards for quality and safety.

In 2004, IREC convened stakeholders to discuss for the first time a standard-based curriculum for training of renewable energy practitioners. More than 40 representatives from community colleges, training associations, non-profits and state agencies participated.

Two years later, IREC organized the first national conference on New Ideas in Education: a Workforce in Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency. The conference was an important milestone in bringing educators and trainers together to share best practices and curricula, and to formalize a national network for quality workforce development.

Recognizing the enormous need for standard credentialing of renewable energy training programs and trainers, IREC became the North American licensee for ISPQ in 2005. The Institute for Sustainable Power (ISP) sets global accreditation and certification standards for trainers and training programs in renewable energy and energy efficiency.

By November 2009, the third national workforce education conference opened to a sold-out crowd of 500 participants. National leaders in education and the renewable energy industry presented on more than 70 topics, including new approaches to training for the rapidly growing green economy.

The number of applications processed by IREC for ISPQ credentialing has grown more than four-fold in the past five years. And NAPCEP now offers an industry recognized entry-level exam for individuals enrolled in an ISPQ accredited training program.