Solar Forum, Spring 2024

Solar 101 Webinar
February 7th, 12-1 pm

Learn the basics of solar energy, including the various types and technologies. Learn the factors that make for a good or poor site for installing solar and the economic benefits from residential solar electric in northeast Pennsylvania.

Presented by Jack Barnett who after nearly a 30-year career in the telecommunications industry, is a local advocate and volunteer for sustainability, solar energy, small-scale farming and locally grown food. He and his wife, Mary Anne Carletta, live in a super-insulated, net-positive solar home and eat mostly from their orchard and vegetable garden near Hawley, PA. Jack has served as a past chair of a chapter of the American Solar Energy Society, and is a co-founder and treasurer of the Clean Energy Co-op Inc. (which spun out from SEEDS in 2014). Jack holds Electrical and Computer Engineering degrees from Clemson University and Carnegie Mellon University.

Solar 101 Webinar Registration

Off-Grid Solar Webinar
February 21st, 12-1 pm

The allure of off-grid life can be strong. Cut out the utility company. Become grid independent. Prepare for emergency scenarios. Plus, many aspects of rural life are already off-grid; for example, well water, septic systems, and homesteading practices. When it comes to electricity, does off-grid independence actually make sense financially or practically? Join Adam Freedgood and Dan Quilty to discuss their foray into off-grid living with solar power.

Off-Grid Solar Webinar Recording Password: +99A^Hts

Agrovoltaics Webinar
March 6th, 12-1 pm

The fast growing concept of Agrovoltaics refers to the joint development of the same land area for solar PV and agriculture, allowing the cohabitation of two key sectors.  Several types of Agrovoltaics have already been developed around the world, with a wide variety of innovative approaches emerging in recent years that will be a key part of the energy and climate transition. Join Chelsea Hill from Penn State Extension to explore this exciting development opportunity.

Agrovoltaics Webinar Recording Password: y=Tbw.Z7

Build Your Own Portable USB Solar Charger Workshop
April 20, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Tony Komar from Penn State and Siemens leads this hands-on workshop at the Stourbridge Project.

Learn how to build a solar powered charging station for your cell phone and other devices. The workshop gives the participant an understanding of all the components required to produce a portable USB power source and storage device.

Knowledge of middle school math is required.

On completion of the workshop, the student will be able to:

• Understand how to hook up a simple Solar Cell
• Understand how to construct fused Lithium Ion Battery Pack (Tesla approach)
• Understand Li-Ion Battery Ratings
• Understand concept on Maximum Power Point for Solar Cell and a module used to gain it.
• Understand Battery Ratings
• Solder electronic modules.

Build Your Own Portable Solar Portable Powered USB Charging Station Registration
limit 10 participants

Do-It-Yourself Solar Installation Workshop

April 30th & May 1st, 6:30-8:30:  In-person at the auditorium at the 648 Park Street complex in Honesdale, PA.
Register here for this part of the DIY Workshop.

Suggested $10.00 donation

• Learn all about solar power: how it works and how to DIY
• See if your roof is well positioned to generate solar electricity
• Hear how much it costs and how much $$$ you will save
• Walk-through the installation steps, including the paperwork
• On-site demonstration and hands-on practice
• Order solar panels if you choose (no obligation at all)

May 4th & 5th hands-on installation in Equinunk, PA-limited seats. (Rain date for hands-on portion is May 11 & 13). Attendance at April 30th & May 1st workshop or attendance at a previous SEEDS DIY Solar Workshop is prerequisite to attending the hands-on portion. Email kathy@seedsgroup.net to sign up for these dates.

The Presenters

Blair Buselli co-owner of Buselli Solutions a local business that provides renewable and energy efficient installations for residential home owners such as solar panels, ductless mini splits, and generators. Blair is a PA and NY licensed contractor, electrician and a North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Certified Solar Installer.

Jack Barnett who after nearly a 30-year career in the telecommunications industry, is a local advocate and volunteer for sustainability, solar energy, small-scale farming and locally grown food. He and his wife, Mary Anne Carletta, live in a super-insulated, net-positive solar home and eat mostly from their orchard and vegetable garden near Hawley, PA. Jack has served as a past chair of a chapter of the American Solar Energy Society, and is a co-founder and treasurer of the Clean Energy Co-op Inc. (which spun out from SEEDS in 2014). Jack holds Electrical and Computer Engineering degrees from Clemson University and Carnegie Mellon University.