Taking the Air403 down for repairs....


The Toolshed on Route One needs some sealing up before it can be used for a workshop. Also we need to fabricate a 15 ft. mast for the Air403 wind turbine whiich graces the roof. When we checked in January, the aSi pv modules were cranking away. The innovative window pv panel could use some tlc too (in the form of solder).

The PV manufacturing workshop on the 17th was a great success with two instructors and over eight people actively learning the techniques. Congrats to John Burke and Soni Biehl for a super teaching job! We are planning another session in March, so stay tuned.

Dear All,
April 8th, 9th, and 10th are good days for me to help out at the Route 1 site. It's during spring break. I don't know who organizes these things, but it would be a good time for me if'n we want to get a work day together. - Soni

Dear All,
I know Richard's away, but do you think we might start thinking about a presence at Earth Day at UMM if'n we're permitted. I know the Science Club is beginning to organize it, but I don't know what they're plans are yet.
Whatcha think? - Soni

Hi all-

We are planning a pre-workshop workshop fixup party at the toolshed on Route 1 this Thursday. We are going to seal up the interior so we can heat the space for February's solar module making session. I think we need to confirm the dates that are on the MESEA website.
*note: confirmed workshop 17feb at "solar camp"

Hope to see you there.

p..s. The sun has indeed made a comeback as my batteries are again up to four balls!... on the hydrometer. Wind is still a bit erratic. Pretty crazy winter.

Maine Solar Energy Association Calendar of Upcoming Events

Build Your Own PV Module in Columbia, ME, Sunday, February 17

Learn how to assemble your own Photovoltaic module for producing electricity. Richard Komp has pioneered PV module production as a cottage industry in Nicaragua, Mali, Haiti and India. In this workshop you'll get to participate in assembling a 60 Watt PV module, utilizing the encapsulation process, developed in Nicaragua with Groupo Fenix. Depending on the number of participants, we will be making one or more 60 W modules, which are capable of charging 12 V batteries and thus are a good start for a small home or cabin PV system. This workshop is in conjunction with SEADS, non-profit group and will be held at "the solar camp at SEADS property in Columbia, Maine". John Burke, of SEADS will be co-facilitator. John has had many years of experience working in the solar field and is currently working with the ARC Center in Harlem, NY, developing a program to manufacture UL approved PV modules. Soni Biehl, treasurer of MESEA, has experience with PV installation and assembly and will be co-facilitator.
For more information: 207-733-1095 or 207-598-5677; e-mail - seads@maineline.net, dadsolar@yahoo.com, sonibiehl@excite.com
Date, Time: Sunday, Feb. 17, 10am - 5 pm , Lunch included. Contact us if you are vegetarian or have other specialty dietary needs.
Place: The workshop will be held at the solar camp at SEADS property, 156, Sacarap Rd., Columbia, Maine.
Cost: $35; optionally, pre-purchase a 60 Watt module for an additional $300. (participation limited to 8 (eight) folks for the Sun. workshop, other dates will be added if necessary) (checks should be made payable to MESEA and sent to: MESEA, 351 Wilcox Rd., Trescott Twp, ME 04652)
Instructors: John Burke, Soni Biehl

I hereby declare an end to solar winter.........November 21 to January 21 is enough.

An end to frozen batteries, early sundowns, LED headlamps for reading, WiFi email, 12v B&W tv.
The sun is back, baby!
And we could do with a few less clouds.... and some more wind!