Everything Solar Forum

What do you think is the biggest need in terms of educational materials for folks to go solar?

In my experience, people want to know most about the financial aspects of going solar. When will the solar system pay for itself? What are the costs to install a solar system? Occasionally someone will tell me that "it's the right thing to do". In my community (retirement), I was the first to install solar (rooftop). Now 14 other homes in our community have solar panels on their roofs!

What do you think is the biggest need in terms of educational materials for folks to go solar?

In my experience, people want to know most about the financial aspects of going solar. When will the solar system pay for itself? What are the costs to install a solar system? Occasionally someone will tell me that "it's the right thing to do". In my community (retirement), I was the first to install solar (rooftop). Now 14 other homes in our community have solar panels on their roofs!

What do you think is the biggest need in terms of educational materials for folks to go solar?

What do you think is the biggest need in terms of educational materials for folks to go solar?

What do you think is the biggest need in terms of educational materials for folks to go solar?

What do you think is the biggest need in terms of educational materials for folks to go solar?

What do you think is the biggest need in terms of educational materials for folks to go solar?

"Going solar" means something different to some of us. Educational barriers to incorporating passive solar heating and passive cooling exist across the spectrum, from elementary school, through grad school to continuing education for professionals. Passive solar heating can be demonstrated with a cardboard box,  a brick and some Saran Wrap. Wish all kids were shown this experiment, or even better, did it themselves.

Aside from teaching solar thermal principles, there is also a lack of design tools. PVWatts is accessible and easy to use for PV design, but there is not a similar tool for solar space heating or water heating.

What do you think is the biggest need in terms of educational materials for folks to go solar?

Hello Keith, There are a few tools I use for Passive Solar design. Either for study or for teaching. Its very direct and graphic. it will not produce numbers but very visual. I use it for off South analysis as well as shading situations. A simple model can show a lot. a  photo from horizon can show seasonal or hourly changes. its for 36 N lat. should be good for your area.

"Going solar" means something different to some of us. Educational barriers to incorporating passive solar heating and passive cooling exist across the spectrum, from elementary school, through grad school to continuing education for professionals. Passive solar heating can be demonstrated with a cardboard box,  a brick and some Saran Wrap. Wish all kids were shown this experiment, or even better, did it themselves.

Aside from teaching solar thermal principles, there is also a lack of design tools. PVWatts is accessible and easy to use for PV design, but there is not a similar tool for solar space heating or water heating.

What do you think is the biggest need in terms of educational materials for folks to go solar?

Mark,

I like it! We built a heliodon to do the same thing. Not very portable, but you can do demonstrations indoors and at night. Yours is simpler and cheaper.

Everyone should learn this stuff!

------------------------------
M Keith Sharp
Emeritus Professor
Louisville KY

Original Message:
Sent: 08-21-2023 10:54 AM
From: Mark Chalom
Subject: Question for all ASES Members - Solar Educational Materials

Hello Keith, There are a few tools I use for Passive Solar design. Either for study or for teaching. Its very direct and graphic. it will not produce numbers but very visual. I use it for off South analysis as well as shading situations. A simple model can show a lot. a  photo from horizon can show seasonal or hourly changes. its for 36 N lat. should be good for your area.

------------------------------
Mark Chalom
Builder/Architect/ Educator
Solar Design & Analysis
Santa Fe NM

Original Message:
Sent: 08-20-2023 12:49 PM
From: M Keith Sharp
Subject: Question for all ASES Members - Solar Educational Materials

"Going solar" means something different to some of us. Educational barriers to incorporating passive solar heating and passive cooling exist across the spectrum, from elementary school, through grad school to continuing education for professionals. Passive solar heating can be demonstrated with a cardboard box,  a brick and some Saran Wrap. Wish all kids were shown this experiment, or even better, did it themselves.

Aside from teaching solar thermal principles, there is also a lack of design tools. PVWatts is accessible and easy to use for PV design, but there is not a similar tool for solar space heating or water heating.

------------------------------
M Keith Sharp
Emeritus Professor
Louisville KY

Original Message:
Sent: 08-06-2023 10:58 PM
From: Ella Nielsen
Subject: Question for all ASES Members - Solar Educational Materials

What do you think is the biggest need in terms of educational materials for folks to go solar?

------------------------------
Ella Nielsen
Membership & Engagement Director
American Solar Energy Society
Boulder CO
------------------------------

Sun Machine Labs are COOL! 

Mark,

I like it! We built a heliodon to do the same thing. Not very portable, but you can do demonstrations indoors and at night. Yours is simpler and cheaper.

Everyone should learn this stuff!

Hello Keith, There are a few tools I use for Passive Solar design. Either for study or for teaching. Its very direct and graphic. it will not produce numbers but very visual. I use it for off South analysis as well as shading situations. A simple model can show a lot. a  photo from horizon can show seasonal or hourly changes. its for 36 N lat. should be good for your area.

"Going solar" means something different to some of us. Educational barriers to incorporating passive solar heating and passive cooling exist across the spectrum, from elementary school, through grad school to continuing education for professionals. Passive solar heating can be demonstrated with a cardboard box,  a brick and some Saran Wrap. Wish all kids were shown this experiment, or even better, did it themselves.

Aside from teaching solar thermal principles, there is also a lack of design tools. PVWatts is accessible and easy to use for PV design, but there is not a similar tool for solar space heating or water heating.

What do you think is the biggest need in terms of educational materials for folks to go solar?

Operational!

Love this conversation!

Bill, Glenn, Scott, David - I hope you're all signed up for the National Solar Tour!  This is exactly the point of the Tour!  When folks Show Off their Solar , more people go solar!  Please sign up! (www.nationalsolartour.org)

Dara

Sun Machine Labs are COOL! 

Mark,

I like it! We built a heliodon to do the same thing. Not very portable, but you can do demonstrations indoors and at night. Yours is simpler and cheaper.

Everyone should learn this stuff!

Hello Keith, There are a few tools I use for Passive Solar design. Either for study or for teaching. Its very direct and graphic. it will not produce numbers but very visual. I use it for off South analysis as well as shading situations. A simple model can show a lot. a  photo from horizon can show seasonal or hourly changes. its for 36 N lat. should be good for your area.

"Going solar" means something different to some of us. Educational barriers to incorporating passive solar heating and passive cooling exist across the spectrum, from elementary school, through grad school to continuing education for professionals. Passive solar heating can be demonstrated with a cardboard box,  a brick and some Saran Wrap. Wish all kids were shown this experiment, or even better, did it themselves.

Aside from teaching solar thermal principles, there is also a lack of design tools. PVWatts is accessible and easy to use for PV design, but there is not a similar tool for solar space heating or water heating.

What do you think is the biggest need in terms of educational materials for folks to go solar?

Operational!

Love this conversation!

Bill, Glenn, Scott, David - I hope you're all signed up for the National Solar Tour!  This is exactly the point of the Tour!  When folks Show Off their Solar , more people go solar!  Please sign up! (www.nationalsolartour.org)

Dara

Sun Machine Labs are COOL! 

Mark,

I like it! We built a heliodon to do the same thing. Not very portable, but you can do demonstrations indoors and at night. Yours is simpler and cheaper.

Everyone should learn this stuff!

Hello Keith, There are a few tools I use for Passive Solar design. Either for study or for teaching. Its very direct and graphic. it will not produce numbers but very visual. I use it for off South analysis as well as shading situations. A simple model can show a lot. a  photo from horizon can show seasonal or hourly changes. its for 36 N lat. should be good for your area.

"Going solar" means something different to some of us. Educational barriers to incorporating passive solar heating and passive cooling exist across the spectrum, from elementary school, through grad school to continuing education for professionals. Passive solar heating can be demonstrated with a cardboard box,  a brick and some Saran Wrap. Wish all kids were shown this experiment, or even better, did it themselves.

Aside from teaching solar thermal principles, there is also a lack of design tools. PVWatts is accessible and easy to use for PV design, but there is not a similar tool for solar space heating or water heating.

What do you think is the biggest need in terms of educational materials for folks to go solar?

Location, location and location.

I used to do them. Don't anymore. If no one comes there is no point no matter what you have. 

You are in a prime area of course. When you can have allot of attendees, its allot of fun educating people with demos and shear knowledge, Q&A etc..

Always enjoyed it.

Operational!

Love this conversation!

Bill, Glenn, Scott, David - I hope you're all signed up for the National Solar Tour!  This is exactly the point of the Tour!  When folks Show Off their Solar , more people go solar!  Please sign up! (www.nationalsolartour.org)

Dara

Sun Machine Labs are COOL! 

Mark,

I like it! We built a heliodon to do the same thing. Not very portable, but you can do demonstrations indoors and at night. Yours is simpler and cheaper.

Everyone should learn this stuff!

Hello Keith, There are a few tools I use for Passive Solar design. Either for study or for teaching. Its very direct and graphic. it will not produce numbers but very visual. I use it for off South analysis as well as shading situations. A simple model can show a lot. a  photo from horizon can show seasonal or hourly changes. its for 36 N lat. should be good for your area.

"Going solar" means something different to some of us. Educational barriers to incorporating passive solar heating and passive cooling exist across the spectrum, from elementary school, through grad school to continuing education for professionals. Passive solar heating can be demonstrated with a cardboard box,  a brick and some Saran Wrap. Wish all kids were shown this experiment, or even better, did it themselves.

Aside from teaching solar thermal principles, there is also a lack of design tools. PVWatts is accessible and easy to use for PV design, but there is not a similar tool for solar space heating or water heating.

What do you think is the biggest need in terms of educational materials for folks to go solar?

Ah, William!  Please reconsider this year!  The addition of VIRTUAL sites on the tour makes your site as easily accessible as any website by anyone anywhere.  And, once you make your video or photo collage, you can post it for each year's NST if you like - maybe just updating for new added features to your home! 

If your home has solar and other energy efficient features, please do take the time to show it off.  Here's a video that our son did a few years ago.  I can't wait to see yours!

Dara

Location, location and location.

I used to do them. Don't anymore. If no one comes there is no point no matter what you have. 

You are in a prime area of course. When you can have allot of attendees, its allot of fun educating people with demos and shear knowledge, Q&A etc..

Always enjoyed it.

Operational!

Love this conversation!

Bill, Glenn, Scott, David - I hope you're all signed up for the National Solar Tour!  This is exactly the point of the Tour!  When folks Show Off their Solar , more people go solar!  Please sign up! (www.nationalsolartour.org)

Dara

Sun Machine Labs are COOL! 

Mark,

I like it! We built a heliodon to do the same thing. Not very portable, but you can do demonstrations indoors and at night. Yours is simpler and cheaper.

Everyone should learn this stuff!

Hello Keith, There are a few tools I use for Passive Solar design. Either for study or for teaching. Its very direct and graphic. it will not produce numbers but very visual. I use it for off South analysis as well as shading situations. A simple model can show a lot. a  photo from horizon can show seasonal or hourly changes. its for 36 N lat. should be good for your area.

"Going solar" means something different to some of us. Educational barriers to incorporating passive solar heating and passive cooling exist across the spectrum, from elementary school, through grad school to continuing education for professionals. Passive solar heating can be demonstrated with a cardboard box,  a brick and some Saran Wrap. Wish all kids were shown this experiment, or even better, did it themselves.

Aside from teaching solar thermal principles, there is also a lack of design tools. PVWatts is accessible and easy to use for PV design, but there is not a similar tool for solar space heating or water heating.

What do you think is the biggest need in terms of educational materials for folks to go solar?

Dara; Being very specific here, for my location, the most I ever had in this spot was maybe 5 during the past when solar was still a, "Oh look! What is that" phase.

Ironically, or not, the times when I have had bigger crowds to teach and talk to were as follows:

1. Going down to our local school district and teach the 4th graders over the course of a few days and giving them class room "content" and finishing off with the spectacular solar thermal demo outside of course. I used to love how many mouths dropped. Those were before the days when crazy regulations had you going through a Federal and State multi day security process with all the associated paper and cost.

2. There was a yearly Run that my friends used to hold followed by a party that went into the evening. I used to do the thermal demo at that. Adults only. Still got mouths to drop. It was great fun and allot of Q&A.

3. Going to big RE festivals and doing presentations incorporating Solar thermal "class" type situations under a tent usually, and the active thermal demo outside (My favorite). Always loved watching the faces of people when I burst into flames, 2x4's that was soaking wet and dripping with water. Flames, steam, noise and dripping water. Doesn't get any better for drama, impact and memory....

The Q&A was also really good. So much misunderstanding and lack of knowledge about solar. Still seems to persist today to a large degree, but less I think...

Enjoy this years event....

Ah, William!  Please reconsider this year!  The addition of VIRTUAL sites on the tour makes your site as easily accessible as any website by anyone anywhere.  And, once you make your video or photo collage, you can post it for each year's NST if you like - maybe just updating for new added features to your home! 

If your home has solar and other energy efficient features, please do take the time to show it off.  Here's a video that our son did a few years ago.  I can't wait to see yours!

Dara

Location, location and location.

I used to do them. Don't anymore. If no one comes there is no point no matter what you have. 

You are in a prime area of course. When you can have allot of attendees, its allot of fun educating people with demos and shear knowledge, Q&A etc..

Always enjoyed it.

Operational!

Love this conversation!

Bill, Glenn, Scott, David - I hope you're all signed up for the National Solar Tour!  This is exactly the point of the Tour!  When folks Show Off their Solar , more people go solar!  Please sign up! (www.nationalsolartour.org)

Dara

Sun Machine Labs are COOL! 

Mark,

I like it! We built a heliodon to do the same thing. Not very portable, but you can do demonstrations indoors and at night. Yours is simpler and cheaper.

Everyone should learn this stuff!

Hello Keith, There are a few tools I use for Passive Solar design. Either for study or for teaching. Its very direct and graphic. it will not produce numbers but very visual. I use it for off South analysis as well as shading situations. A simple model can show a lot. a  photo from horizon can show seasonal or hourly changes. its for 36 N lat. should be good for your area.

"Going solar" means something different to some of us. Educational barriers to incorporating passive solar heating and passive cooling exist across the spectrum, from elementary school, through grad school to continuing education for professionals. Passive solar heating can be demonstrated with a cardboard box,  a brick and some Saran Wrap. Wish all kids were shown this experiment, or even better, did it themselves.

Aside from teaching solar thermal principles, there is also a lack of design tools. PVWatts is accessible and easy to use for PV design, but there is not a similar tool for solar space heating or water heating.

What do you think is the biggest need in terms of educational materials for folks to go solar?

Dara; Being very specific here, for my location, the most I ever had in this spot was maybe 5 during the past when solar was still a, "Oh look! What is that" phase.

Ironically, or not, the times when I have had bigger crowds to teach and talk to were as follows:

1. Going down to our local school district and teach the 4th graders over the course of a few days and giving them class room "content" and finishing off with the spectacular solar thermal demo outside of course. I used to love how many mouths dropped. Those were before the days when crazy regulations had you going through a Federal and State multi day security process with all the associated paper and cost.

2. There was a yearly Run that my friends used to hold followed by a party that went into the evening. I used to do the thermal demo at that. Adults only. Still got mouths to drop. It was great fun and allot of Q&A.

3. Going to big RE festivals and doing presentations incorporating Solar thermal "class" type situations under a tent usually, and the active thermal demo outside (My favorite). Always loved watching the faces of people when I burst into flames, 2x4's that was soaking wet and dripping with water. Flames, steam, noise and dripping water. Doesn't get any better for drama, impact and memory....

The Q&A was also really good. So much misunderstanding and lack of knowledge about solar. Still seems to persist today to a large degree, but less I think...

Enjoy this years event....

Ah, William!  Please reconsider this year!  The addition of VIRTUAL sites on the tour makes your site as easily accessible as any website by anyone anywhere.  And, once you make your video or photo collage, you can post it for each year's NST if you like - maybe just updating for new added features to your home! 

If your home has solar and other energy efficient features, please do take the time to show it off.  Here's a video that our son did a few years ago.  I can't wait to see yours!

Dara

Location, location and location.

I used to do them. Don't anymore. If no one comes there is no point no matter what you have. 

You are in a prime area of course. When you can have allot of attendees, its allot of fun educating people with demos and shear knowledge, Q&A etc..

Always enjoyed it.

Operational!

Love this conversation!

Bill, Glenn, Scott, David - I hope you're all signed up for the National Solar Tour!  This is exactly the point of the Tour!  When folks Show Off their Solar , more people go solar!  Please sign up! (www.nationalsolartour.org)

Dara

Sun Machine Labs are COOL! 

Mark,

I like it! We built a heliodon to do the same thing. Not very portable, but you can do demonstrations indoors and at night. Yours is simpler and cheaper.

Everyone should learn this stuff!

Hello Keith, There are a few tools I use for Passive Solar design. Either for study or for teaching. Its very direct and graphic. it will not produce numbers but very visual. I use it for off South analysis as well as shading situations. A simple model can show a lot. a  photo from horizon can show seasonal or hourly changes. its for 36 N lat. should be good for your area.

"Going solar" means something different to some of us. Educational barriers to incorporating passive solar heating and passive cooling exist across the spectrum, from elementary school, through grad school to continuing education for professionals. Passive solar heating can be demonstrated with a cardboard box,  a brick and some Saran Wrap. Wish all kids were shown this experiment, or even better, did it themselves.

Aside from teaching solar thermal principles, there is also a lack of design tools. PVWatts is accessible and easy to use for PV design, but there is not a similar tool for solar space heating or water heating.

What do you think is the biggest need in terms of educational materials for folks to go solar?