SMALL WIND TURBINE INSTALLATION COURSE OFFERED IN COTUIT, MA

The availability of rebate money from the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust, along with fluctuating energy costs has led to a surge of interest in renewable energy systems for homes, farms, and businesses. Existing wind energy installations are few and far between in the Bay State, and qualified installers are extremely hard to find for someone who wants to harness the endless supply of energy blowing by their property.

At the beginning of May, interested contractors, renewable energy practitioners, business owners and other interested parties will have an opportunity to learn first hand how to properly site, specify, permit, and install a small wind energy system by participating in a wind energy installation workshop organized by Cape & Islands Self-Reliance. The workshop is part of a collaborative workforce development educational effort with the Cape Cod Economic Development Council, the Cape and Islands Renewable Energy Collaborative and Cotuit Solar.

This six-day apprentice-level workshop will take place from Monday, May 4th through Saturday, May 9th, 2009. The workshop classes and installation will take place in Cotuit, Massachusetts. Attendees will learn about small wind technology, how to site and permit a wind turbine, and receive hands-on experience installing a residential/small business-scale wind energy system.

The installation will feature a grid-connected 15 kW Proven turbine that will be mounted on a 100 ft. mono-pole tower. The workshop will be taught by Ian Woofenden (Northwest Coordinator for the Solar Energy Institute and Senior Editor of Homepower Magazine); Megan Amsler, Executive Director at Self-Reliance and adjunct professor at Cape Cod Community College; and Conrad Geyser (Principal and Lead Installer of Cotuit Solar, Cotuit, MA)

On-line registration and more information can be found on Self-Reliance’s website www.reliance.org or by calling 508.563.6633. Workshop registration is $750 for Self-Reliance members and $800 for non-members. Lunch and snacks are included.

Megan C. Amsler
Executive Director
Cape & Islands Self-Reliance Corporation
23A Edgerton Drive
North Falmouth, MA 02556
508.563.6633
www.reliance.org