Solar Electric Design 101

Wed, Apr 16

With federal tax credits and new generous state incentives, now is the time to invest in solar! This half-day workshop provides a great foundation for not only those just looking to learn more about solar electricity (photovoltaics-PV), but also for contractors interested in expanding into PV service and installation. In this introductory workshop, the first of a series, you will learn the nuts and bolts of photovoltaic technology and the variety of ways to use solar electricity to power your home or business. Even if you know nothing about PV, this workshop will give you the knowledge you need to see how solar power can work for you!

Course Goal:

Participants will learn about the basics of Photovoltaic (PV) Renewable Energy Systems, energy efficiency concepts and how to determine the feasibility and system size requirements of a PV installation.

Course Objectives:

Gain a functional understanding of photovoltaic systems
Understand the basics of system feasibility, site analysis, system design, and system sizing
Understand the importance of energy efficiency when considering renewable energy systems

Course Format:

This is a 6 hour course course including lecture, A/V presentations, technology demonstrations and scheduled breaks.

Course Prerequisites:

None at all - come, learn and meet like-minded folks!

What to Bring / Need to Know:

We encourage (but don’t require) you to bring a calculator and a copy of your utility bill as we will review household power usage issues during the class. Since there will be no ‘hands-on’ component with this workshop, no tools, gear, or closed-toe shoes are required.

Lecture Topics:

Basics of electricity and PV
Equipment selection and system components
Site analysis
System sizing
Energy efficiency

Each student will leave the seminar with a packet of information and a renewed enthusiasm for moving their household or business toward greater sustainability and energy efficiency. Special discounts on selected books and products are available to our seminar attendees! Sign up today while enrollment is still open!

When:	Wed, Apr 16 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Cost:	$105

Registration closed - This class has already happened

Instructors

Ben Gorman

Having taken a few "green" courses over the years, Ben's real-world training in renewable energy began in earnest while he lived in Arizona, where he worked for a solar energy company as a crew-member doing installations of solar electric and solar hot water systems. That work, combined with extensive product knowledge gained at AltE, broadened his practical understanding of renewable energy. Hands-on experience and depth of knowledge along with his natural abilities as a communicator and teacher are what make Ben a valuable part of our instructor team.

James Cormican

James joined the AltE team in 2005 and is currently our Sales Engineer, specializing in Photovoltaic system design. James earned his degree in Renewable Energy from San Juan College in New Mexico. He is responsible for the prepackaged systems on our website as well as being the lead of our technical support team. James is also tireless in his ability to talk and teach renewable energy to anyone who will listen! When he's not working with renewable energy, he is likely refereeing soccer games, or doting over one of his Volkswagens.

Complete Schedule for this Class

Important Information

Class enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis, as class size is limited. To reserve a space please pay the entire tuition upon sign-up. Classes are subject to cancellation due to low enrollment, and you will be notified in advance if a class you had previously enrolled in is cancelled.

Location

Hudson, MA

Headquarters

The Alternative Energy Store
43 Broad Street
Suite A408
Hudson, MA 01749

Accommodations

The Holiday Inn Express in Hudson, MA, offers special room rates to Alternative Energy Store students! You will receive reservation information in a separate email shortly after enrolling in the class.

Directions

From Logan Airport, Boston, MA: (Total Est. Time: 50 minutes Total Est. Distance: 42.17 miles Map)
1: Start out going WEST toward TERMINAL C (Portions toll). 0.9 miles
2: Turn SLIGHT LEFT onto ramp. <0.1 miles
3: Merge onto I-90 W / MASS PIKE / MASSACHUSETTS TURNPIKE (Portions toll). 30.7 miles
4: Merge onto I-495 N via EXIT 11A toward MARLBOROUGH / N.H.-MAINE. 7.8 miles
5: Merge onto MA-85 CONN E / HUDSON ST via EXIT 25A toward RT-85 / HUDSON. 1.7 miles
6: Turn LEFT onto MA-85 / WASHINGTON ST. 0.1 miles
7: Turn RIGHT onto BROAD ST. 0.7 miles
8: End at 43 Broad St Hudson, MA 01749-2558

From 495:
Take Exit 25A onto Hudson Street. Go about a mile to the 2nd set of stop lights and take a left onto Route 85. Take your first right onto Broad Street. Follow Broad Street for about 3/4 of a mile. On the left hand side after you cross a small bridge you should see a large brick building, known as the Hudson Mills Building at 43 Broad Street. Park in the front and take the main lobby elevator to the 4th floor. Our office is on the far Southeast side of the building. Follow the signs to find your way.

From Other Points:
Please use this Mapquest map with our address as the destination (43 Broad Street, Hudson, MA 01749).