Learn how the NECA/IBEW Powering America team is flipping the script on this Barnes Jewish College solar panel project by making Sachs Electric the 'prime' contractor, as well as implementing an alternate classification system.

Solar power is growing in America, and in order to increase their chances of getting more and more of the construction work - NECA and IBEW have partnered in order to innovate the construction market, specifically within the solar industry.

Certainly, it is, and will always be, about quality construction, done in a safe and efficient manner, that’s on budget and on or ahead of schedule. But, certain times – by thinking differently about the role NECA contractors and their IBEW partner craftsmen and women can play – can help ease limitations on what they together can do to increase future opportunities.

In the case of Barnes Jewish College Hospital, that was in need of a solar array atop a parking structure, NECA Contractor Sachs Electric and IBEW Local 1, said {figuratively} to themselves, and the client, ‘let us handle more of the logistics on the front end, which will help us on the back-end installation’. They are uniquely suited to this project due to their experience with electrical work and because they have been working in the solar industry for the past 20 years. They are installing solar panels on top of the BJC Hospital parking garage which will yield 200,000 megawatts of solar energy each month.