Do It's Education Center
Subsidiary of Do It Homestead Inc.





"Mr. Solar's Solar Electric Course"

Page Established February 1,1997 . . . updated 5/2003

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    I have published over 100 articles on several areas - you may care to check out the following link - Published Articles On Alternative Energy

    Information about Mr Solar's Solar Electric Course

    Course Description : Solar Energy and Systems


    This course will cover fundamentals of alternative energy for the individual home owner.

    To educate students in the art and understanding of being independent using pollution free solar, wind and or Hydro generated energy. We will also educate students on what available equipment is necessary to change solar energy to usable electrical energy for their own home.

    We will cover fundamentals of solar, wind and hydro systems so that the student will also learn how to design, install and use their own alternative energy system. Thus the student will learn how they can become to be self reliant as well as to "do it them self"

    What -     Basic simple education course on Solar Electricity in order for you to
  • understand,
  • design,
  • install and
  • repair your own solar electric system. Therefore to live in harmony with nature as we have done for over 27 years.

    Why - There are many "suitcase salesmen" selling solar equipment and unfortunately they are not very adapt to this profession therefore many good people have gotten ripped off. So this is why we want to educate you so that you will understand how and why each part of your system works together.

    How - This course is on the net with the professor available for help when ever you need or wish it.

    Course Content

    Introduction

      Session 1
    • - Class orientation and outline
    • - Instructor background
    • - student interest, general questions, and desires
    • - class outline

    What Are My Power Needs ?
      Session 2
    • - What are your needs for electricity in your lifestyle -
    • - Inventory of all electrical equipment and their needs per week
    • - Consideration of more energy efficient appliances
    • - cost vs. pay back time
    • - Consider an attitude adjustment for using less electricity

    How Do I Generate Electricity ?

      Session 3

    • - Hydro electric generation
    • - how it works
    • - different types of Hydro units
    • - designing a hydro system

      Session 4

    • - Wind generation
    • - how it works
    • - different types of wind units
    • - designing a wind system

      Session 5

    • - Solar panels - Photovoltaic generation
    • - how it works
    • - different types of solar units
    • - designing a solar system

      Session 6

    • - Generator
    • - different types of generators
    • - gasoline / diesel / propane
    • - designing a generator with other power generation units
    • - designing a generator system alone
    • - automatic generator starting systems

    How Do I Store My Electricity ?
      Session 7 & 8
    • - Storage of Electric Power
    • - Lead Acid batteries
    • - Alkaline batteries

    How Should I Use My Electricity?

      Session 9

    • - AC and / or DC power usage
    • - Using DC power
    • - using a combination of AC and DC power
    • - Advantages/ disadvantages of using AC / DC electricity

      Session 10

    • - AC Solar Electric usage
    • - Inverter types advantages and disadvantages of each
    • - Modified sine wave
    • - sine wave form

      Session 11

    • - Controls & Switches
    • - Controls for alternative energy systems
    • - Switches for alternative energy systems
    • - safety & Misc. equipment

      Session 12

    • - Energy efficient appliances
    • - is it worth it to buy energy efficient appliances
    • - difference between appliances

    How Can I Pump Water With Solar?
      Session 13
    • - Water pumping in remote locations
    • - "city" water pressure in remote areas
    • - Pumping from a spring
    • - Pumping from a well

    Now Lets Design My System

      Session 14
    • Designing your own system - "Putting it all together"

    Will My System Work?
      Session 15
    • Final Exam
    • - outlining your electrical power usage for their individual system
    • - designing your own working alternative energy system
    • - list items picked for your system & explain why these are the best
    • - explaining how to use your system
    • - Submit a drawing of your system


    Certificate of Excellence

    Pass Or Fail

    This is based on the following submitted to us anytime within 4 months of entering the course:
    • - outlining your electrical power usage for their individual system
    • - designing your own working alternative energy system and detailed drawing
    • - list items picked for your system & explain why these are the best for you
    • - explaining how to use your system to someone that knows nothing about alternative power usage




    Instructional Materials



    Students MUST have Basic Computer knowledge as well as:
    • - a draw program on their Mac/PC and ability to send it via email attachment or US Mail.
    • - a spread sheet on their Mac/PC, preferably Excel or the ability to translate Excel files.


    Recommended (not required) Material -
    • - Book - The New Solar Electric Home by Joel Davidson
    • - Magazine - BackHome (excellent hands on & down to earth magazine) (800) 992-2546 - or you may contact them through our link page
    • - Magazine - Home Power (technical solar electric magazine) 1 (916) 475-0941 - or you may contact them through our link page
    • - the book Wind Power For Home and Business by Paul Gipe
    • - the book Alternative Energy - An Introduction to Alternative & Renewable Energy Sources by Mark E Hazen
    • - the book Environmental Science A Global Concern by William P Cunningham and Barbara Woodwoth Saigo

    Cost and How to register:


    The cost is $100.00 per student

    Registration is always open . . . . a new course starts every week


    You have a good day

    Questions mail to Prof Charlie Collins@thoughtscreate.com