Solar Seminar

Solar Seminar Offered by the Loup Basin Resource Conservation & Development and Energize Nebraska
 
Solar energy is becoming more utilized as a source of space heating and electricity for home and business.
 
To introduce this energy source, a free, one-day seminar covering solar air, water and electric systems will be presented at the Loup Basin Technology Center.  The seminar will be on Saturday, April 14, 2012, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  The Technology Center is located at the Valley County Fairgrounds in Ord, Nebraska.
 
This seminar is designed for trade instructors, HVAC, electricians, plumbers, home builders, general contractors, business owners and self-installers. Participants will learn how to perform a site assessment, sizing, equipment and installations fundamentals of solar hot water and solar electric (PV) systems. An objective of this seminar is to provide trades with solar education so they can expand their business by offering solar products to their customers. There will be model systems for solar hot water for hands-on experience.  Examples of solar air and electric systems will also be shown.
 
A solar system is installed at a home or business to provide hot water, electricity and warm air to reduce the use of conventional energy sources. “This new trade can spur local economic development and has the potential to create or save jobs in our communities” said, Ed Toribio, Director of Energize Nebraska, a clean energy non-profit based in Gibbon.
 
The seminar will be taught by Michael Shonka and Ed Toribio.  Shonka is a long-time solar advocate and instructor at Metropolitan Community College.  He started with solar air and water systems in the 1980’s and then added solar electric for remote applications.  He has also installed different types of solar systems for residential and commercial applications including radiant floor, ground water heat pumps, swimming pools, off-grid and grid-tied solar electric systems.  Toribio has worked with solar electric and wind systems for off-grid and grid-tied applications.  He has also installed solar air systems for supplemental home heating.
 
Energize Nebraska developed the idea of presenting solar seminars in collaboration with all 6 community colleges to promote solar education and develop the industry state-wide.  They received a grant from the Nebraska Environmental Trust in 2011 to begin the seminar series.
 
In the last few months, Energize Nebraska has held six seminars in Omaha, Hastings, Norfolk, North Platte, Milford and Scottsbluff.  There will be another seminar in Columbus, Nebraska, on April 16, 2012.
 
To register for this free seminar, please log onto Energize Nebraska’s website:  www.energizenebraska.org
 
To register by phone, please call:
 
Ed Toribio
308-293-3407                                           
solar@nebraskagreenenergy.com           

or

Michael Shonka
402-590-5900
mshonka@qwest.net