Renewable Energy for the Developing World- Hands ON

Course fee includes food, shared lodging, and all in-country travel.

Solar Energy International's Renewable Energy for the Developing World - Hands On (REDWHO) workshop combines classroom sessions with a strong emphasis on real-world projects in the community along with hands-on labs. You will have the opportunity to understand, design, and install systems that can dramatically improve the living conditions of the local people.

For millions of people around the world, renewable energy can replace dirty, expensive, and inconvenient energy. For those in the developing world, it may provide the first electric lights a family has seen, replacing darkness at sunset with the opportunity to read, study, or recreate after a day of work. This hands-on workshop teaches volunteers how to ensure quality renewable energy assistance to the people who are most in need.  

In the classroom portion, students will gain a basic understanding of all the major renewable energy system types, including solar-electricity, micro-hydro electricity, and wind-electricity, solar cooking, solar hot water, and methane biogas digesters in developing world applications. Participants will learn the components, applications, and limitations for each system type, and will be able to analyze a site and make suggestions on the most appropriate renewable energy technologies. 

Participants will join with Sol Verde, a women's solar cooking cooperative from Guanacaste Costa Rica, to build and use solar cookers. Participants will also help install a small solar-electric system or solar hot water system, and will work together with Central American experts to build a methane biogas digester. These hands-on installations give participants the opportunity to interact with local members of the community and experience both the challenges and satisfaction of working within the developing world.

Held at Rancho Mastatal, an environmental learning center and retreat located in the last virgin rainforest of Costa Rica's Puriscal County. Participants will stay at the center where they build using natural building techniques, including bamboo and cob, and support the use of renewable energy systems. Rancho Mastatal practices and promotes living responsibly in the tropics, while educating its visitors about the significance and majesty of the world's disappearing tropical forests. Take advantage of this great opportunity to enjoy one of Costa Rica's most undiscovered regions while learning about renewable energy.

In our tenth year at Rancho Mastatal, this winter's workshop builds on the success of our past workshops. Our program is focused on learning through hands-on work. We'll spend about one-third of our time in the classroom, studying renewable energy technology basics. The rest of our time will be in the field or lab, getting our hands dirty, learning by doing. The course is taught in both English and Spanish. Price includes dorm bed or camping, all meals and in-country transportation. Private accommodation may be available at additional cost (contact Rancho Mastatal). Ask about options for family members not taking the workshop. 

Logistics:

Participants must by ready to meet outside the San Jose, Costa Rica airport by 3:00 p.m. at the latest on Thursday, January 3,
2013, and will be returned to the same airport by 11 a.m. on Friday, January 11, 2013. Please plan your flights accordingly, with
leeway for the vagaries of travel. Those not at the meeting place at the appointed time on January 3 will need to make their own
arrangements to get to the ranch.

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Topics include:

• Solar Electricity for Rural Development
• Wind Electricity
• Micro-Hydro Electricity
• Solar Hot Water
• Solar Cooking and Food Drying (with Sol Verde, a women's cooperative)
• Technology Transfer and System Maintenance
• Methane Biogas Digesters (with Dr. Richard Taylor of Earth University)
• Social & Cultural Issues of Working in the Developing World
• Hands-On Installations in the Local Community

For information on SEI's Solar Professionals Certificate Program please click here.  For information on SEI's workshop and training program policies please click here.