Nathan, Debbie and Gilbert -
I have been involved with the PV Tech Division for a few years, and as Chair for the past 2 years. I have a history with ases.org, after establishing Maine Solar Energy Assoc., (a non-profit educational corporation), as the Maine State Chapter of ases.org with Dr. Richard Komp about 15 years ago.
Our focus has been solar education and more specifically, 'do-yourself-solar', (PV and thermal applications), see Dr Komp's book, 'Practical Photovoltaics, Electricity from Solar Cells', aatech, Publications, Ann Arbor, MI, (now 'out-of-print'). The focus of the book and Dr Komp's idea, is that there are many people around the world, who can and would take advantage of solar PV, if it was 'less expensive' and made more available for 'low-income' communities!
Working with NGOs and funding from other non-profit organizations, Dr Komp (with no personal benefit), was instrumental in allowing many of these communities to take the opportunity to establish sustainable solar businesses, in a number of countries and most continents! He and others are well known as the solar D-I-Y folks from Maine! He succeeded with his inspiration, to allow those interested to 'Go Solar' ... around the world, as well as across the country, without the huge expense and profit motivation! Without the regulations and electricians that seem to add new 'requirements' regularly, which we all know here in the 'states' as one reason solar is so expensive! The Downeast Solar Center, Jonesport, ME, is a functioning 'off-grid' solar home with many unique innovations and many years sharing the solar technologies!
MESEA has been known as the place to learn and share the technology 'For a Future', without the huge expense! Of course, Dr Komp was concerned with safety and keeping the basic operations in order! As he had put forth in his book and in his life's focus, we all need to do what we can to overcome the Climate Crisis that a 'run-away' petrochemical establishment is responsible for!
We are still involved with sharing the do yourself solar technology, that is necessary to beat the 'climatic' demise of our planet, and the inhabitants! There are those that cannot, will not accept that 'regular folks' can learn and comprehend the basic tech used in electricity and solar PV! This fall, during the October Solar Tour week, we will present, another round of 'hands-on' solar PV assembly workshops, depending on the interest and the number of individuals interested! Thank you ... John Burke,
dadsolar@yahoo.com------------------------------
John Burke
Director, MESEA, Maine
Maine Solar Energy Association; Downeast Alternative Design Solar, Inc
Jonesport ME
dadsolar@yahoo.com------------------------------