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residential weekend course
wind & solar electricity
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Run your
household appliances with the power of the wind and the sun. This
course provides an overview of the basic principles and the technology
of solar and wind electrical systems offering participants the theoretical
knowledge and practical experience required to design and install
small renewable energy systems. It is aimed at the general public,
those in the business, non-profit, public and academic sectors who
wish to get an introduction to renewable energy electrical technology
in general, as well as those wishing to install renewable energy
systems in both urban or rural settings. The emphasis will be on
how things work and what it is practicable to do, and participants
will have the opportunity to discuss their own projects. No previous
electrical knowledge necessary.
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environmental benefits of wind generators and photovoltaic panels
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practical
and economic applications and usage – how much can I expect
to generate?
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electricity: what is it? and how to work out consumption
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how generators work
- planning permission
- health and safety
issues
- sizing systems, system voltage and co-powering
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circuit
design including cable sizes, connections, fuses and batteries
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battery care, maintenance, charging, second-hand units, construction, and housing
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recycled system components
- inverters
– converting to 240V AC for stand-alone or grid-tie
- Renewable Obligation Certificates and metering
- solar panel mounting, direction and inclination, home made trackers
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wind turbine towers and correct siting for optimum performance
- maintenance issues
- getting started
The tutor is Andy Reynolds, author of our book Wind & Solar Electricity: a practical DIY guide - a copy of this book is included in the course fee.
more
on wind
more
on solar
how
to book: |
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if you can't open
the booking form, you need Acrobat
Reader - it's free
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arrive: |
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Friday
evening at 6.30 for dinner at 7.30 |
depart: |
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Sunday
after lunch (served at 1.00) |
directions: |
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click here for
directions by bicycle, public transport and car |
what
to bring: |
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pen
and notebook; towel
(meals and bedding are provided)
NO DOGS PLEASE |
let
us know: |
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if
you are vegan or have any food allergies, or any special needs |
accommodation: |
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3-4
people sharing single-sex rooms |
prices: |
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£190
high-waged; £160 waged;
£130 student / unwaged
Refundable up to two weeks prior to course (minus £30
admin fee)
No refunds for cancellations within two weeks of course
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discounts:
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car
sharing: |
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assembling
and erecting a small wind turbine and mast
wiring and testing a photovoltaic panel
a 240-volt lamp powered by an inverter from a 12-volt battery, with an amp meter showing the current that is drawn from the battery; you'll get to have a go at this on the course
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