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------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 08-17-2022 03:50 PM
From: Nathan Freeman
Subject: Technical Divisions Update! Fall Election Details for Technical Divisions!
Feeling like doing a deep dive into solar technologies? A great place to start is by visiting the Technical Divisions forums and keeping up to date with real professionals and system owners' testimonies and strategies for better tech or implementation strategies! Maybe you want to show your dedication to a renewable future by taking up the mantle of a chair or vice chair in the upcoming Fall Election? Make sure to check out the details below if this sounds right up your alley!
The Technical Divisions caucus at SOLAR 2022 was an opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments of the ASES Technical Divisions and the opportunities ahead.
The Technical Divisions continued to be instrumental in reviewing conference proposals for correctness and contribution to the ASES mission, and then checking submissions to the conference proceedings volume published by Springer. Going forward, the Divisions will have more input in the conference planning through sending a delegate to the conference National Organizing Committee, and alignment of session themes with Division topics.
The Divisions have been recruiting speakers for monthly ASES webinars. Divisions also contribute to Solar Today and are looking to do more with outreach through ASES's other communication avenues.
One area for growth will be partnering with professional associations to offer continuing education credits for webinars. Webinars can also be linked to ASES student chapter activities and mentoring initiatives.
Technical Divisions Fall Elections
The Divisions are looking to expand our leadership pool to allow for more and better programming that fully represents the diversity of ASES and of renewable energy. To get involved, email a Division Chair. If you are interested in being a Division Chair or Vice Chair, email your bio (<400 words) and a position statement (<200 words) to technicaldivisions@ases.org. The deadline is September 12.
Chair Openings:
- Photovoltaics Division
- Resource Applications Division
Vice Chair Openings:
- Photovoltaics Division
- Solar Thermal Division
- Grid Modernization and Storage Division
- Energy Economics Division
- Sustainability Division
- Policy Division
- Resource Applications Division
Positions are two-year terms.
The Divisions' leadership is charged with advancing the technology required to achieve a 100% renewable energy future. We integrate the perspectives of science, industry, policy and citizens. We believe knowledge and community are a powerful combination for change. We are strategically planning for the future, identifying educational opportunities for all solar stakeholders.
The Divisions bring together members with similar interests in order to exchange information and ensure that ASES programs and publications are technically accurate. We are monitoring innovation that is on the cutting edge of solar and renewable energy technology innovation and focusing on integrating educational opportunities into each Division. Membership in any Division is open to ASES Business, Professional, Student, and Life Members with similar interests to exchange information on emerging innovation. Have an idea? Join us on the Technical Divisions forums of the ASES Online Community.
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Nathan Freeman
Student
ASES
Milford DE
nfreemn93@yahoo.com
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