
INTRO TO SOLAR POWER
July 19, 10:00 – 4:30
$ 85.00 (lunch and snacks included)
Solar power is not very practical in a cold climate like ours, right?
Wrong! Northwestern Ontario is one of the best places in Canada for all
things solar, and this course will explain what you can (and cannot) do
and what is involved.
We’ll look at basic passive solar heating techniques, solar domestic
hot water, complex solar power systems, and everything in between. We
will address power requirements (just how much will it make and how much
do I need?), the different system components, and what to look for when
picking a solar site
At the end of the day, you will leave with a solid basic knowledge of
the wondrous world of photovoltaics and passive solar design. You will
be able to do more focused research on your own and start working with
a contractor.
Workshop coordinators: Frank Ilczyszyn and Hubert Den Draak.
Frank Ilczyszyn (pronounced “Elchesin”) is the Owner Operator
of Frank’s Alternate Energy, specializing in custom design and professional
installation of ''off-the-grid" solar and solar/wind hybrid systems
for cottages and homes since 1994. He lives and works entirely “off-grid”,
generating power through a substantial solar & wind system by his
own design. Frank still gets his kicks from the knowledge that each new
system he puts in is another step towards a cleaner, better future.
Hubert Den Draak and his wife Jacomyn Gerbrandy have boldly gone where
not many have gone before: they purchased 311 acres of land in a beautiful
part of Northern Ontario to build the solar-powered strawbale-house-of-their-dreams:
the Nolalu Eco Centre. Since its opening in May 2007, hundreds of visitors
have come from all over North America and Europe to see and experience
this home of the future. Hubert is a frequent speaker, author and workshop
coordinator on all things green, and loves to share his knowledge and
experience.