How we source renewable energy in the future is the focus of this hands-on workshop.

The workshop starts with a tour of the renewable energy systems at Earthship Brighton.

Then the workshop moves on to a practical hand-on activity where participants build a small scale photovoltaic system.

Renewable energy workshop outline

The workshop starts with an introduction to the global issues around energy demand.

Then we will move on to looking at how energy demand is met by the renewable energy systems at Earthship Brighton. These energy systems include:

• Solar thermal panels for hot water
• Photovoltaic (solar panels) and wind turbine for electricity
• Biomass (wood pellet) boiler for heating hot water and space heating
• Battery storage for electricity
• Passive solar for space heating

The participants then do a hands-on practical activity using solar panels. Solar panels will be connected (depending on the age of the participants) together with a discussion about the difference between in series or in parallel. These will then be connected to a water fountain. The height of the fountain will be varied though experiments such as moving the panels or blocking the light to them.  

The conclusion is a discussion around renewable energy storage and solutions to this challenge will be suggested.  The need to reduce energy consumption in general will be covered throughout the workshop.

Renewable energy workshop learning objectives

Through the workshop students will develop an understanding of:

• Our current energy sources and their disadvantages
• Renewable energy options
• How solar works
• Ways to reduce our energy consumption

Renewable energy workshop key stage links

The workshop links with different topics within the National Curriculum:

• Key Stage 2: Science, Design Technology and Geography
• Key Stage 3: Science and Design Technology

The workshop was developed as part of the Stanmer Restoration Project.  The project is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the BIG Lottery ‘Parks for People’ scheme, as well as Brighton & Hove City Council, Plumpton College and the South Downs National Park Authority.

If you are interested in this workshop as part of an Eco Education Day then please contact us.