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.

"If you want better codes, you need to show up. It’s a public process - but only the people in the room shape the outcome." - Rebekah Hren

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.

RESOURCES:

Connect with Rebekah Hren:

• LinkedIn

Check out Solar Tech Collective:

• Website

Check out Solar Energy Industries Association:

• Website | LinkedIn | X | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Links Mentioned:

• Solar & Storage Industry Forum
• IREC’s Sustainable Energy Action Committee
• Mike Holt’s Forum
• Code-Making Panel 4 Example
• NFPA 70 Next Edition
• SEIA O&M Standard

"You can't just keep training - you have to stay in the field to stay relevant." - Rebekah Hren