SEI's First Colorado Workshop of the Summer

SEI just completed the first workshop of our Colorado summer program. The Photovoltaic Design and Installation workshop was a huge success. An incredible group of people from around the country and the world joined together to learn about solar electricity.

Workshop participants installed two PV systems. One was a two-kilowatt grid tied system with extreme installation challenges, due to the incredibly steep metal roof. However, the class worked together to ensure a safe installation with climbing ropes for people working on the roof. The second installation was a one-kilowatt pole mount grid-tied system. The class worked so well together that they had both systems done in three days.

For information on upcoming PV workshops click here.

Solar in the Schools

SEI's Solar in the Schools Program (SIS) has been busy this spring. SIS director Melanie Thibodeaux has been visiting the Aspen and Basalt Middle Schools and giving kids hands-on experiences with renewable energy. The students build and race solar cars, build solar ovens that they can take home and share with their family, see a solar water pumping demonstration, and use the "energy cycle." The energy cycle, a bicycle hooked up to various appliances including incandescent and compact fluorescent light bulbs, a fan and a hair dryer, teaches about energy efficiency. By the end of the activity everyone had a firm understanding of how much TV they would be watching if they were responsible for powering up their favorite program with human power!

For information on some of SEI's other programs click here.

More Solar in the Schools

SEI recently completed a community project with students from the local Paonia High School. The project consisted of lighting a new marquee sign, which will be used to announce community events. The student council initiated the project and raised the necessary funding.

The day before the installation, SEI instructor Ed Eaton gave the students a basic overview of photovoltaics and the install details. Twelve students worked with SEI staff to wire and mount the modules, and install the lighting, conduit, batteries and controllers. Thanks to a few dedicated folks, we were able to complete the installation by early evening and the marquee was well lit the very same night.

Best Wishes to SEI Instructor Ed Eaton

Long time SEI instructor Ed Eaton will be moving on from SEI at the end of this month. Ed has been teaching photovoltaics, solar cooking and solar water pumping at SEI since 1992. The incredible knowledge and enthusiasm that he brought to SEI entertained workshop participants for over a decade. Ed also brought new programs to SEI such as the Renewable Energy Youth Camp, the 4th of July Solar Potluck, and SEI's PV installations.

Ed plans on revamping his old company: Our Sun Solar Systems. He will be focusing on solar cooking oven design and construction and offer PV consulting, installation and system design. According to Ed, "I cannot say enough about my love for SEI and what it represents. I have always felt that it was the coming together of like and progressive minds that fuels the organization. It is like the ether, where energy is omnipresent. Our ancestors realized that the Sun is the emissary of the Great Spirit, without ! which all life on Earth would perish. I contend that they are correct." Although he will be sorely missed, we wish Ed all the best in his new adventures.

Upcoming Renewable Energy Events

June is an exciting month for renewable energy. The Midwest Renewable Energy Fair is coming up June 20 - 22, in Custer, Wisconsin. SEI will be participating in some of the many workshops being offered throughout the fair. June 21 - 26 is the American Solar Energy Society's Annual conference, in Austin, Texas. SEI will be participating in a panel discussion about the new photovoltaic certification program being run by NABCEP.

For more information about these events visit the Midwest Renewable Energy Assocation website, and the American Solar Energy Society website.

Not Too Late to Register for Workshops!

There are still spaces available in many upcoming SEI workshops. Click here to check out our upcoming workshops.

SEI Membership

Please join us! Become an SEI member and support our important work (and receive a free one year subscription to Home Power magazine.) Help us continue our programs educating and promoting renewable energy around the world. Click here for more details on how you can become an SEI member.

To all SEI members . . . SEI sends thanks!