Participants enjoying Summer 2007 Workshop Programs.
Solar Heating Design and Natural Building Workshops
...a good foundation from which to grow your solar design skills...
NEW - 2008 FALL SCHEDULE - NEW
Register today!
2008 Summer Schedule
May 15-18 June 5-8 July 10-13 August 14-17
(Please click on date for Registration Form and Prices)
...for those who would tread lightly on our home -the Earth...
Crestone Solar School offers a solar workshop program in active and passive solar heating design, alternative natural building, photovoltaics (solar electric) basics and renewable energy applications. Both hands-on and theoretical study are combined in residential 4-day programs.
Learn a wide variety of Natural Building Techniques and Solar Heating Options for Sustainable Home Design. Your Solar Education at the Crestone Solar School Programs can prepare you for designing and building your own solar home, a professional career in the fast-growing field of renewable energy and general preparation for sustainable living.
Orientation
This page includes many orientation instructions and suggestions. Please read it through carefully and entirely. It contains Curriculum Information, Enrollment & Cancellation Policies, What To Bring list, and Arrival & Departure Suggestions.
...building blocks to build upon...
Curriculum: Crestone Solar School workshops are presented in two parts, balanced between essential design knowledge and learning-by-doing. These are enhanced by visual aids and tours. Workshop fee includes course materials including a textbook with blank pages for your notes. The workshops go in-depth as much as four days time allows.
Enrollment & Cancellation Policy: Workshops are open to all on a first-come basis. Class size is limited and early registration is encouraged to reserve your place. The full workshop fee is due one month in advance. If you cancel up to 30 days prior to the workshop 50% of your tuition is non-refundable. If you cancel within 30 days of the workshop your full tuition is non-refundable. See Registration Form for details.
Curriculum
The curriculum will go in-depth as much as 4 days allow.
Essential Design Knowledge Fundamentals:
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Heat Transfer, Building Load Estimation Methods, Thermal Storage, Sun Angles, Solar Radiation Availability, Climate.
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Energy Conservation techniques
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Passive and active solar heating design for residences
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Solar domestic hot water
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Solar radiant floor design
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Solar greenhouse
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Straw bale construction details
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Earth construction techniques
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Introduction to photovoltaics (PV)
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Solar Economics including Tax Credits & Rebates
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Adobe floor construction techniques
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Earthen plasters and “alis” coatings
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Rammed Earth for walls
Hands-on Projects will touch upon:
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Learning how to build a flat plate solar collector
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Learning how to build a thermosiphon solar water heater
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Photovoltaics water pump demonstration
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Solar temperature measurement
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Solar performance evaluation
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Solar system components (piping, pumps, controls)
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Adobe clay ingredients, recipes and mixtures
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Adobe floor model construction
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Straw bale construction details
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Earthen plasters for straw bale walls
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Alternative Energy house tours
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Design review for selected participants plans
What To Bring
Since onsite outdoor camping accommodations (bathroom and shower available) and all meals are provided, this list of suggestions addresses those situations.
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Waterproof tent, ground cloth and sleeping bag
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Sleeping pad and pillow
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Personal water bottle
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Cushion to sit on
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Flashlight (no candles)
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Umbrella and rain jacket
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Insect repellent/bug spray
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Sunscreen for high altitude
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Toilet articles and towel
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Calculator
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Notebook and pens
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Work clothes and sun hat
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Sunglasses for 8000 ft altitude
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Hiking boots or equivalent
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Cool evenings jacket
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Bowl, plate, cup and eating utensils and cloth napkins
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Do not bring dogs or other pets
Arrival and Departure Suggestions
Some flexibility is built in to accommodate your travel situation. All 4-day workshops begin on Thursday morning at 9 am and end on Sunday evening after dinner. Please plan to arrive on Wednesday afternoon/evening to get yourself set up for camping. An evening meal will be provided on Wednesday. Or, depending on your travel situation, you may wish to arrive early on Thursday morning. Similarly, to suit your schedule, departures can occur on Sunday evening or on Monday morning when a breakfast meal will be provided.
Click blue balloon on map for detailed directions.
Need a ride from the airport in Alamosa?WINDHORSE 719-256-4177 Driver’s name - Tilopa.
BLUE PEARL TAXI & SHUTTLE SERVICE 720-273-7390 Driver’s name - Cynthia Peters
Please make arrangements in advance.
Would your group like a customized workshop?
We will tailor one to suit your needs.Contact UsShare us with others
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Crestone Solar School - P.O.Box 73 - Crestone, CO 81131 - (719) 256-4656 paulshippee@fairpoint.net
© 2007-2008 Crestone Solar School - All rights reserved - Disclaimer - Design P.C. Baumes - Updated 10.08.08