Solar Integrity

My name is Joe Gwerder. I was born in 1959 and still live in my native home area of Yolo county California. My family's roots are deep and very diversified in this area. This is a book about my family that encompasses several generations and focuses on the years of the 1940's through the 1970's. Much happened before and during my childhood that most would call extreme... me included. This story is based on true events within my family. I have written many things and even published a few other books, but this personal story was by far the most challenging. It is very emotional at times. During the 3 years it took me to be satisfied with this composition, I internally relived those earlier days as I put the words into what has become this book. I finally looked through many old family photos that were handed down to me, that I had kept hidden away in boxes until now. While doing this, I realized a few things that have been waiting a very long time to surface. I needed to quit hiding from my past and instead, embrace it fully so I could create the written legacy I have been waiting to do for so long. The creation of this book has brought me an unexpected healing. Deep wounds from a childhood filled with contrast and conflict have been locked up inside me for 50 years. Now, with the creation of this story, I have found it to be true... sometimes the teacher learns the most.

It is mid-2014. As little as ten years ago the word "solar" was hardly spoken here in the U.S. Within just the last decade a very unique set of circumstances has pushed this virtually unknown industry into a position of popular interest. With such a rapid increase there are also growing pains. This book will take you through the transition of the solar industry from a time of "unknown" to "center stage". Through the personal experiences of the author who has been directly involved as a business owner, educator, designer and installer for most of the past decade, you will get an inside look at the parts of this industry that the general public rarely knows. If you are contemplating a career in this industry and/or considering obtaining these products for your own usage, this book should be read before any final decisions are made.


You may be shocked to learn that the most popular methods also pose the largest potential of failure. Within these pages you will only find true stories. There will no doubt be areas in which you may be tempted to assume exaggerated or invented situations were created for the purpose of this book. The reality is that neither took place. This is a rare opportunity to read a book that is presented by someone who has had significant direct involvement in a relatively new industry and who is also an established author. The main purpose of this book is to inform and educate. Any entertainment value derived is simply a bonus.


"One thing is for sure when it comes to the stability of the solar industry in this country - it isn't."