Alternative Energy Learning Opportunities in Iowa and Illinois

contributed by Cliff Day

July 16-18
Solar Energy Workshop
Location: Prairiewood Franciscan Spirituality Center, 120 E. Boyson Road, Hiawatha, Iowa.

This three-day workshop will provide information about and experience in installing solar panels to generate electricity. It will include hands-on exposure to assembling pole-mounted solar racks, installing solar modules and wiring of the entire system including modules, disconnects, inverters and grid tie. Approximately half the class time will be in the classroom learning how solar energy works. Workshop fee is $250 for first person from a family, business or organization and $200 for each additional person. Lodging is available for $45 per night at Prairiewoods. To register or obtain more information, call Prairiewoods at (319) 395-6700.

August 8
Residential Wind Workshop  9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center, 120 E. Boyson Road, Hiawatha, Iowa. 

Attendees will leave this workshop with the working knowledge to evaluate if residential wind is a realistic option to fill all or part of their residential energy needs. Leave knowing if your site is right for wind energy, size, wind patterns etc. Learn how to size and select a wind turbine. Evaluate which turbine to purchase and learn how the turbine is installed. For more information: go to Irenew.org 

August 8-9
Illinois Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair
Location: Ogle County Fairgrounds in Oregon, Illinois

The 8th annual Illinois Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair will be held on Saturday, August 8th and Sunday, August 9th at the Ogle County Fairgrounds, in Oregon, Illinois. Click here for more information

September 12-13         
Iowa  2009 I-Renew Energy & Sustainability Expo
Location:  Frontier Natural Products Co-op, Norway, Iowa
This year's Expo will feature workshops and speakers on renewable energy, sustainable living, green building, energy efficiency technology, renewable fuels, alternative transportation, advocacy, energy technology, and related topics. The event will also have a demonstration area featuring cars that run on alternative fuels, solar PV, solar thermal and wind energy, hydrogen storage and a fuel cell, among other demonstrations. For additional information go to Irenew.org

October 03                       
Residential Solar Hot Water Workshop  9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center, 120 E. Boyson Road, Hiawatha, Iowa.

Considering installing Solar Hot Water in your home? This is the workshop for you. The workshop will teach you the fundamentals of solar collector systems for heating domestic hot water. Incentives and rebates that help make these systems affordable and the payback period on energy savings will be explored. For more information go to Irenew.org
 
November 21                   
Solar Photovoltaic Workshop 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center, 120 E. Boyson Road, Hiawatha, Iowa.

This workshop is for the curious and the experienced solar power user. The class will cover the basics of residential sized, grid tied photovoltaic solar systems. Attendees will learn the basics of designing a system, including the cost of installation and the incentives and rebates available to help offset the cost. For more information go to Irenew.org