This course will cover the basics of photovoltaics, from system design and load calculation through to the various types of solar panels, batteries and inverters and their suitability in different situations. The afternoon will be spent setting up a small photovoltaic system and will include a tour of the award winning Earthship Brighton, including a small wind turbine, a photovoltaic array, a solar thermal system, a wood pellet stove and all the other earthship systems and concepts such as rainwater harvesting, passive solar design and building with low impact materials.
The course will be taught by Alex Saunders who is an engineer bursting with both knowledge and passion for all things renewable. He studied at the Centre for Alternative Technology and currently provides solar installations for community events, festivals and all manner of dwellings. Course fees include a copy of Off the Grid by Duncan Kerridge.