Learn about DC solar energy systems in this practical, beginner-friendly workshop! Using real installations, we will demonstrate how to fulfil basic electrical needs in two different ways. We will install a simple battery-based system to power lights, Wi-Fi, fans, and devices for a house and we will demonstrate using use solar panels without batteries (direct drive solar) to pump water from a pond and power a solar refrigerator. Let's have fun in the sun!

This is a collaboration between One Regeneration, Living Energy Lights and Wa Samaki Ecosystems.

We will cover:

• General solar energy design and installation strategies for small-scale settings

• How to harness solar energy without batteries (direct-drive solar). We will demonstrate a solar refrigerator and a solar water pump.

• How to build small battery-based systems to power basic domestic amenities (lights, internet, devices, fans) in a home.

• The difference between DC (direct current) and AC (alternating current) and how a DC system can be advantageous

• Safely connecting and mounting panels

• Performing a few basic electrical tasks (e.g. preparing wire, making safe electrical connections, grounding, etc.)

• Calculating the necessary capacity of solar panels and batteries in order operate key appliances

• Comparing different types of batteries, their qualities, and how to use fewer batteries for longer

About the project:

This project demonstrates simple DC solar energy systems that are cost-effective, affordable, and uncomplicated. DC systems tend to be less popular than AC systems, less energy-intensive, and less expensive. They do not use inverters and use different types of plugs. In this project, we've kept the capacity of this system fairly small in order to demonstrate a solar energy system that can be realistic and affordable for a wider group of people.

The Instructors

John Milner

John describes himself as a lifelong tinkerer and repairer, who is is passionate about intentional community and conservationist renewable energy systems as the means to thrive and harmonize with the natural world. He has lived with such systems since 2021, and has built and taught them in both the Mid-Atlantic United States and Puerto Rico. He is honored by this opportunity to learn from one another in Trinidad. John also leads a technical team that develops free and open-source software for information gathering by humanitarian organizations.

Tim Sanjule

Tim describes himself as a jack of many trades and master of none who has spent his working life primarily involved in agriculture, forest fire operations and building maintenance. He and his wife Wanda have rebuilt an old barn-like building into a very efficient passive solar heated and solar panel powered home. He has always been passionate about environmentally responsible living and is more than happy to pass along whatever knowledge he has been able to glean from learning by doing. All this to help make life just a little bit easier for his three grandchildren. They deserve it.

Cost:

US$200 / TTD $1,360

• We accept payments online via card or via bank transfer (both Trinidadian and International). 

• Once you register, you'll receive payment information. Payment is required to secure your spot.

• Reach out to us if you need a payment plan. We can explore what's possible. 

• If you have any registration questions please contact the Wa Samaki Team at wasamakiproducts@gmail.com. You may also contact One Regeneration at hello@oneregeneration.life.