residential weekend course

wind & solar electricity


venue: the Middlewood Trust, Lancashire

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.

  • environmental benefits of wind generators and photovoltaic panels
  • practical and economic applications and usage – how much can I expect to generate?
  • electricity: what is it? and how to work out consumption
  • how generators work
  • planning permission
  • health and safety issues
  • sizing systems, system voltage and co-powering
  • circuit design including cable sizes, connections, fuses and batteries
  • battery care, maintenance, charging, second-hand units, construction, and housing
  • 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
  • wind turbine towers and correct siting for optimum performance
  • maintenance issues
  • getting started

more on wind           more on solar


how to book:
 

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arrive:
 
Friday evening at 6.30 for dinner at 7.30
depart:
 
Sunday after lunch (served at 1.00)
directions:
 
click here for directions to Middlewood
what to bring:
 
pen and notebook; towel; sleeping bag; (meals provided)
NO DOGS PLEASE
let us know:
 
if you are vegan or have any food allergies, or any special needs
accommodation:
 
bunkhouse and yurt; camping also available; bring a sleeping bag (pillows & blankets provided)
prices:
 
£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
discounts:
 
car sharing:
 
visit our car sharing forum to offer or request a lift
 

 

 

 

assembling and erecting a small wind turbine and mast

 

 

 

 

 

wiring and testing a photovoltaic panel

 

 

 

 

 

 

investigating a battery bank, inverter and controller