My name is Pat McMahon and I’m a construction inspector in Philadelphia, PA, where I call home since 1998. I was born in Philly but we moved to northern Tioga County when I was 9. I loved growing up in the country; tire rope swing into the Cowanesque river, tree houses in the back woods, swinging from the barn rafters into piles of hay, camping in the summer time, what a blast. I like the fact that I’m comfortable in both my country and city skin. Fishtown started its gentrification in the early 2000’s and it was amazing to go through the transformation. We went from corner bars and junkies on every corner to nice casual restaurants, BYOB’s, art galleries and music venues. I love the city.
A former friend of mine and I tried starting a car detailing business, but as you can guess from the beginning of this sentence, it didn’t work out. From the knowledge I’ve gained during this ESP program, I realize, in hindsight, why it didn’t work and the good news is, I wouldn’t be afraid to try a new business in the renewable energy field. With the ever falling prices of solar panels and recent gains in that technology, I see distributive generation meeting the future of our electric needs with current utilities being used for back-up power only. That’s where I see myself in the future.
4 thoughts on “Pat McMahon, lesson 1, getting to know you”
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Pat,
I really have the same questions that Ken does. I am near Erie PA and see very little renewable power generation (solar). But I just took a small trip to West Virginia and I could not believe much I saw (wind turbines & solar). So I am hoping that it is just me who doesn’t see much.
Did you notice any major updates or changes to the 2014 NEC regarding a secondary power source? I imagine being an inspector you have to stay up to date with codes.
Good luck,
Mike Reichart
http://engr312.dutton.psu.edu/2014/08/27/reichart/
http://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/index.cfm?page=solar_where
Hi Mike,
Here’s a link to the eia website. I don’t have time right now to search for it, but I remember there was a map tool available that gives solar values for areas of a state. It was pretty cool and informative. I know wind isn’t huge in Pennsylvania, but there is a section along rt. 220 on the way to Tyrone from Penn State, and I love looking at it. My job is more of contract compliance, ensuring that the contractors follow the prints and specs. It’s actually the particular trades who need to know their respective codes, thank God, because that would drive me insane.
Hey Pat,
I spent a week in Philly earlier this year and I had a lot of fun. It’s a great city.
I think it’s awesome that the ESP program has inspired you to pursue entrepreneurship again in the future. As for me developing that confidence and wherewithal was a big reason I pursued the degree, and this course is something I was really excited about.
What do you think about solar power generation gaining any sort of traction up here in PA? Is it too cloudy? I know there are a lot of solar panel installation businesses up and running in NY now.
I’m looking forward to reading your posts in the future!
Thanks! Ken
http://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/index.cfm?page=solar_where
Hi Ken,
This is a link to the eia website where you can find a map that gives you the solar potential of a given area, but unfortunately, I don’t have time to look for it right now. My house is a two story in between two 3 story houses, so solar won’t work for me unless I build up, which I plan on doing in the future. If you’re interested, I’ll email you the paper I did on distributed generation for another class. Let me know. Regards, Pat.