This page articulates how we can broaden our lens of solar energy.  And looks at the economic and ecologic impacts of designing more solar. 

Navigating Supplemental Material

 MOVIES

1.12 Kilowatt Baja Solar Array Overview
This is Liam's guided tour of the Solar Array/Panels on his roof in Baja -- a 1.12 kilowatt system. 


Solid State Electronics / Control Room for 1.12 kilowatt Photovoltaic Array

This is Liam's guided tour of the room with the charge controller, inverter and disconnect boxes explaining the solid state electronics behind solar systems.

 

Link to Battery Video

Liam's description of Batteries in his 1.12 kilowatt baja system and preliminary care and maintenance regarding batteries.

 

Downloadable Articles -- all written by Liam

Link to Article on Greenhouse Gases 

and/or Downloadable article on Greenhouse gases

Liam's writing connecting greenhouse gases and energy.

Downloadable article on Batteries

As Batteries are the most information intensive and maintenance intensive aspect of a solar system, Liam compiled some basic information on Battery care and maintenance.

Downloadable article on Formulas

Some necessary formulas are included throughout this output packet


Downloadable article on Conservation
Liam's musings on conservation as our first necessary step in energy policy. 

 

Recommended Websites

For offgrid photovoltaic  www.homepower.com

For California specific policy and information  www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov

For national policy on all state incentives for renewable energy http://www.dsireusa.org/

For all renewable energy  www.altEstore.com  or http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/home

Solid State Electronics / Control Room for 1.12 kilowatt Photovoltaic Array

Link to VIDEO Solar Control Room

Click for video of Baja Solar Control Room Solid State Electronics

BATTERY video

click Baja BATTERY video for 1 kilowatt solar system

Games to Play / CLASS to teach

1  Component Flow -- Draw a map of the flow of energy through an off grid solar system

2  Load list game -- Add up electricity usage.  Use the load list to discover how you spend your energy.

I intend to put together my MYP as a slideshow of some of this material for a 1-2 hour presentation.  In the interest of engaging participation, I would like to have these games of load lists and creating flow charts as interactive pieces.  I will start the class out with a brief overview of energy -- from food and heat to transportation to computers, to breathing and yoga the prana and chi and ask everyone what is their most palpable relationship to Energy.  I will assemble a slide show with pictures of electronics for the presentation. 

I hope to teach a 2 hour segment on energy as part of PDC's and be ready to give this information to friends and clients interested in installing solar systems.