Do you have questions about solar power, wind power, alternative energy? The Solwest alternative energy fair is full of classes for an entire weekend. Four different classrooms with experts in their fields giving you practical information. Venders also attend and answer your questions about products you are looking for.
This event is held in John Day, Oregon and is geared for the entire family. Come and campout at the Grant County Fair Grounds, or stay in a nice motel nearby. Come away with lots of information that will expand your understanding of alternative energy. I felt like a sponge just drinking up the information from so many experts.
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Eastern Oregon Renewable Energies is involved in energy fairs, green education and hands on workshops involving renewable energy and green construction. I participated in two workshops and have also attend the Solwest renewable energy fair several times. One workshop was an introduction to the design and installation of a net-metered grid-tied 2000 watt PV system that also had battery back-up. This system could serve as a stand-alone power system for the home during power outages. During the 3 day long workshop the instructors presented information about system design, component selection, electric code compliance, installation safety and system operation. Each day we would have classroom instruction and then hands on installation time. Each workshop participant received a detailed notebook that outlined information on the system with several supporting articles for reference. The other workshop followed the same professional pattern with notebook, classroom time and hands-on participation. This workshop involved the removal of an outdated solar hot water system and placement of a new solar hot water system. The business owner was very welcoming of the group and the system was completed and each of us participants watched the gauges we installed that showed the gpm flow rate and temperature of the water going into the holding tank. I found the hands on format to be the best learning experience that I have ever had.
Back in '99 Jennifer Barker was recruiting volunteers to help put on the first annual SolWest Fair. I had worked in Solar Energy before, so this was a natural for me. I enjoyed the small town atmosphere of John Day, as well as the surrounding natural beauty of Grant County. But, most of all it's the fair goers who camp in the orchard each year that keep me coming back. The camaradaderie that exists between folks who share an interest in renewable energy and sustainable lifestyles is fantastic. And, we all share knowledge and skills through workshops that bring those good folks together on specific topics. After the workshops, the social gathering continues in the orchard with potluck food and spirits. Relaxed conversation ensues late into the evenings with much brainstorming and networking among folks with shared intersts.
I teach classes and do organizing for the Eastern Oregon Renewable Energies Non-profit. This organization reaches out to members of the regional community from age five to one hundred and five. We do K-12 energy education in the schools, plus we offer classes and activities for interested professionals, homeowners, and anyone that uses energy. It's a small organization, but we are overwhelmed by the need for our services and how grateful people are that we are still here with our educational programs and SolWest Fair, an annual grassroots educational event.