In a big step forward for solar energy in California, the state Public Utilities Commission approved a plan proposed by Southern California Edison for the largest solar project of its kind in the United States.

Under the proposal, the utility will install, own and operate solar panels to be placed on top of city buildings across southern California, amounting to 250 megawatts of solar generating capacity, creating hundreds of new good-paying green jobs. (See "Solar Projects, Training Green Sector Growth for IBEW," Winter 2009, IBEW Journal).

Diamond Bar Local 47 agreed to a project labor agreement with SCE to make sure the work is done by trained IBEW members.

It's estimated that it will create as many as 800 skilled jobs by the time the project is completed in the next five years.

"Solar is the wave of the future and we're on the front edge of it," said Local 47 Business Manager Pat Lavin, who represents the Seventh District on the International Executive Council.

The agreement is unique in that it allows the 17 inside locals in SCE's jurisdiction to be covered under provisions negotiated by Local 47, a mostly outside construction local. "Approximately 80 percent of any solar job is made up of inside wiremen and the rest come from the outside branch of the Brotherhood," Lavin said.

The IBEW is working to make sure that all workers on the job will be fully trained and certified in photovoltaic technology.

"The brother locals in southern California work hand in hand with each other to ensure the best results," said San Bernardino Local 477 Business Manager John Brown.

Last fall, SCE completed the first of what will be approximately 150 projects, installing 2 megawatts of solar energy onto a 600,000-square-foot private warehouse in Rancho Cucamonga. More than 180 IBEW members worked on the job.

Currently more than 80 members are at work on a second installation, a 1-megawatt array in Chino.

Under the agreement approved by the PUC, competitive solicitations will take place for the remaining roof leases.

"We're cutting carbon emissions and bringing in needed work for two branches of our Brotherhood, so it's a win-win proposition," Lavin said.