Events

SEE USA Solar Stores at SolarFest - Tinmouth, VT
July 16, 17 & 18th, 2010

Members of the USA Solar Store Network
are participating in Solarfest again this year – check it out! (schedule below)

Friday 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. (Renewable Energy)

Beyond Solar Hot Water: Recent Advances in Solar Heating Strategies

Getting beyond domestic solar hot water systems to solar space heating is no simple matter. Learn about new strategies for solar thermal storage and how it is transforming our ability to heat and cool buildings with solar energy, even in New England. Utilizing new strategies for mass thermal storage and distribution, we can now deliver up to 90% of the annual thermal energy demand for heat and hot water in well engineered buildings, with very strong return on initial investment. Plans are underway to offer solar cooling with excess summertime energy.

Presenters: Brad Vietje, Greenworks Solar Store, Jack Bingham, SEA Solar Store and Scott Hitchcock, Sundeavor Logistics

Saturday 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.

Living with Solar Panel Discussion

This presentation is a great opportunity to find out what it's really like to live with solar - both power and thermal. Panelists will discuss their personal experiences with the planning, installation and logistics of on- and off-grid solar living, as well as give a day-to-day account of what it's like to do all the things the rest of us take for granted.

Presenters: Steve Letendre, Greg Ullstrom, Dave Bonta, Nancy Rae Mallery, and Annette Smith

Sunday 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Business in Balance with the Earth

Green Energy Options USA Solar Store owner, Valerie Piedmont, took a Green MBA course that focused on humanity's impact on natural systems. She came away with goals for running a successful retail business that reflect her sense of environmental and social stewardship. Come to this workshop and hear about emerging business and manufacturing trends that reflect a responsible use of our dwindling natural resources and a vision of a sustainable future.

Presenter: Valerie Piedmont, GEO Solar Store

Sunday 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Zero Net Energy Home in New England

With the harsh winter climate in NH, it is especially difficult to get to zero net energy usage, where all heating and electric sources are generated or offset by renewable energy. It is made more difficult when you start with an 1860's historic house and wish to preserve some history! This is the story of the Levinston House, 78 Main Street, Enfield, NH. Kim and Kent Quirk started the zero energy, LEED certified renovation project in October of 2009, heating the house entirely by the sun through solar evacuated tubes and a TSS (Thermal Storage Solutions) designed underground solar storage tank. This workshop will show pictures and diagrams of how the heating system was designed and built. Completion is expected in summer 2010, so look forward to SolarFest 2011 for the "one year later" update presentation. The entire project is being documented online at: www.energyemp.com

Presenter: Kim Quirk, Energy Emporium Solar Store

Sunday 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Build Your Own Hot Air Collector

Earth Advocate USA Solar Store owner, Johnny Hinrichs will demonstrate the construction of a hot air collector using easily available materials. Reduce your energy consumption with this handy DYI space heating solar collector.

Presenter: Johnny Hinrichs