A 2 KW utility-intertied solar electric system will be installed at the 2005 pre-SolWest hands-on workshop July 27 & 28, 2005 in John Day, Oregon. SolWest Renewable Energy Fair July 29-31 is the most comprehensive energy fair in the northwest.

John Day, Oregon June 17th, 2005 -- for immediate release

Hands-on Solar Installation Workshop to Precede SolWest Renewable Energy Fair

A 2 KW utility-intertied solar electric system will be installed at the 2005 pre-SolWest hands-on workshop July 27 & 28, 2005 in John Day, Oregon. The homeowners intend to use solar to generate some of the electricity they use, offsetting a portion of their utility bill through Net Metering. They wish to move towards eventually being able to rely on their system to offset all their home's power needs.

Strategies to accomplish these goals include utilizing current intertie technology, and considering adding accessories later which will eventually which make a full backup system possible at much greater efficiencies than those of a few years ago. Grid- intertie inverters operate at efficiencies as high as 95%, blending generation seamlessly with utility power and feeding excess production into the utility grid. Temporary excess production offsets use from the utility at full market price, up to "net zero" consumption. Efficiency measures are being implemented as an important part of achieving that goal.

Topics to be covered include: overview of system types, site surveying, system sizing & design, cost issues & incentives, legal requirements, upgrading a grid-intertied system into a full-battery backup system, closing the gap with efficiency, and worksite safety. Instructor Kent Osterberg has 14 years experience working with photovoltaic power systems installations, and has taught for Eastern Oregon University in La Grande. He holds Oregon Renewable Energy electrical license #007LRT. Kent works with Sunlight Solar in Bend, Oregon, and will be assisted by the Sunlight Solar crew.

SolWest Renewable Energy Fair July 29-31 is the most comprehensive energy fair in the northwest. Experts from all over the western US will offer fifty workshops this year for all ages and levels of expertise on renewable energy and sustainable living topics (free with fair admission). Some of the workshops already submitted for this year include "Saving Your Green Energy," "Solar Food Drying," "Solar Water Pumping," "Profitable Solar Business in Oregon," "Hydro Power," "Sustainable Urban Homestead," and "Efficient Water Usage."

About two thousand people visit SolWest each year to learn about and purchase complete solar power systems and components, solar hot water systems, solar pumps and wind-driven pumps, pump controls, hydro systems suitable for the smallest springs to large streams, solar roofing and home plans, home-scale wind generators, efficient lighting and appliances, books and magazines, biodiesel processors and fuels, and much more.

Activities during the weekend include Electrathon mini-electric car racing, and a Silent Auction of renewable energy hardware and other donated goods. Childcare and children's workshops will be offered. Radio SolWest will be broadcasting from the fairgrounds on solar power. Anyone who brings an alternatively-fueled vehicle to SolWest Fair will get a weekend pass for the price of a day pass. Camping is available, and volunteers get in and camp free.

The SolWest Fair program is posted on the web at www.solwest.org, or a paper copy can be requested at: SolWest/EORenew, PO Box 485, Canyon City OR 97820. 541-575-3633 or info@solwest.org.