A practical workshop on photovoltaic installations was held at Figure 8 with the help of Matt Linney from Solar Horizon and Energy Coop's own registered installers. These workshops are designed to familiarise homeowners, students and interested people with the installation process. Such workshops help homeowners understand solar, and are a good starting point for those considering studying installing at a registered training organisation or university.

The turn out was good and enthusiasm was high. Participants learnt about different types of frames, the methods of attachment, estimating shade losses, and more. Feedback from participants was that the 2hr workshop was very useful in improving understanding of solar installs.

To be notified about similar events in the future, subscribe to the 'community training program' list on our mailing list page.

The information about the workshop and the flyers have been included below. Note that this is now not current, and provided only as a reference

Details: (you can download the flyer at the bottom of the page)
Date: Sunday September 23
Time: 11am – 4pm
Venue: Figure 8, 67 Botany Rd, Waterloo (figureight.org)
Indoor Bicycle Parking Available

Information on the workshop:
Matt Linney, accredited solar installer from Solar Horizon, the Green Geeks and the Sydney Energy Cooperative are running a half-day practical workshop on installing grid-connected photovoltaic systems. The workshop will be an informal affair and is open to coop members and the public. The workshop is aimed more at people interested in getting involved in solar installations with the coop or in their homes, with less focus on political aspects of the industry.

Format:

11am – 11:30 Meet and greet
11:30 – 12 Introduction to Photovoltaics in homes – Maurice Wells, Sydney Energy Coop
12 – 12:30 Grid connected photovoltaics in Australia by numbers – prices, rebates, amount of energy produced, time to pay back initial costs, contact details of installers – Maurice
12:30 – 1:00 Introduction to installation techniques – mounting, wiring, roof types, inverters, safety – Matt Linney, Solar Horizon
1:00 – 4:00 Demonstration installation of a solar module rack to a roof and solar modules to the rack, on the (flat & accessed controlled) roof of the premises. How to use a multimeter.

Costs:

We are asking for financial contributions to go towards purchasing equipment to make the next solar workshop even better and more hands on. Prices are as follows, please make direct contact if you would like to come but are unable to pay. Concession Member - $5, Waged Member - $10, Concession Non-member - $10, Waged non-member $15. (Join at energycoop.com.au or on the day)