PV 101: Introduction to Solar Electric for Homeowners

Thu, Feb 12

With the extension of the federal tax credit and generous state incentives, don’t wait to invest in solar! This lecture class is for the homeowner considering an investment in a solar electric system who wants to be well informed. You’ll learn a lot about this hot topic and we’ll help you understand the basics of how a solar electric system works, how to establish how many solar panels you’ll need in your array and the approximate costs. You will leave this class knowing how to estimate the array wattage for a PV system; and how to estimate production and system cost with available state rebates and the federal tax credit. We encourage (but don’t require) you to bring a copy of your utility bill as we will review household power usage issues during the class.

By the end of this class, you should understand:

The benefits and drawbacks of solar systems
The differences between solar electric and solar thermal systems
How to tell if you have a good site for solar
How to estimate array size
How to estimate system costs, rebates and incentives
Your next steps toward a PV system

Thinking of installing your own system? You'll want to take our 300 level series of at least Basic PV and Site Assessment and Intermediate PV Design and Installation.

Lecture Topics for PV 101 include:

Photovoltaic (solar electric) technology
Energy Storage
Energy Efficiency
Site requirements for PV
Installation considerations
PV system sizing
PV system costs
Rebates and tax incentives
Working with an installer

When:	Thu, Feb 12 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Cost:	$45

Registration closed - This class has already happened

Instructors

Ben Gorman

Having taken a few "green" courses over the years, Ben's real-world training in renewable energy began in earnest while he lived in Arizona, where he worked for a solar energy company as a crew-member doing installations of solar electric and solar hot water systems. That work, combined with extensive product knowledge gained at AltE, broadened his practical understanding of renewable energy. Hands-on experience and depth of knowledge along with his natural abilities as a communicator and teacher are what make Ben a valuable part of our instructor team.

Complete Schedule for this Class

Important Information

Class enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis, as class size is limited. To reserve a space please pay the entire tuition upon sign-up. Classes are subject to cancellation due to low enrollment, and you will be notified in advance if a class you had previously enrolled in is cancelled.

Location

Columbus, OH

First Unitarian Universalist Church

First Unitarian Universalist Church 93 W Weisheimer Rd Columbus, OH 43214 (614) 267-4946

Accommodations

There are no special lodging discounts at this time.

Directions

The First Unitarian Universalist Church in Clintonville: From Clintonville and Campus, take High Street north past Henderson. Turn left (west) onto W. Weisheimer Rd. Proceed about a block. Turn left into Church (the turn is just before 1st street on the right, which is Rustic Bridge Rd.). Drive straight back to rear parking. Enter Church at main entrance, which faces southwest.