Extended Educational Services > MI Energy Demo Center > Registration Form Revised 12/10/09

Michigan Energy Demonstration Center Classes
at Northwestern Michigan College

Education for energy efficiency and renewable energy are the focus of the center which is located at the M-TEC building on the Aero Park Campus. Highlights include a grid-tied solar array, geo-thermal installation, solar thermal system, portable solar lab, small wind turbine, and a building sciences lab. A larger wind turbine is located at the University Center. Courses and workshops are designed for consumer education and workforce development throughout the year.

REBATE - Traverse City Light and Power
TCLP will provide a rebate of up to $39 to its customers who have completed a course in this Renewable Energy section. Limit one rebate per customer. Please identify yourself as a TCLP customer and send your course completion form and rebate request to TCLP.

Winter 2010 Classes:

Green Remodeling and
Retrofitting for the Homeowner
You can save money and help the environment through changes you make in your home. This course, team-taught by 11 leading green professionals in the Grand Traverse area, can help you save energy and money, and inform you about financial incentives from utilities and government that will actually put money in your pocket. Bring your home project ideas and learn the best and most cost-effective ways to green your home, including: concepts of sustainability, green design, and energy efficiency, site considerations, green construction strategies for foundation, building envelope, HVAC, electrical, lighting, plumbing, and much more.

Includes free admission to the Home Builders EXPO February 27 and 28.

4 Tues., Feb. 2-23, 7-9 p.m.  
Aero Park Campus
Parsons/Stulen (MTEC) Rm. 218
Instructors: Green Build Committee Members -
Home Builders Association of the G.T. Area
Cost: $79                  Code: 10252

Green Heating: Understanding
Geothermal Heating and Cooling
Learn how ground source heat pump technology (commonly known as geothermal heating) takes advantage of the earth’s stored solar energy and pumps it into your home. Through exhibits, demonstration, and presentation discover how the technology works and its environmental and economic benefits. Discover how you can completely heat and cool your home exclusively with clean, renewable, energy.

Thurs., Jan. 28 6-9 p.m.
Aero Park Campus
Parsons/Stulen (MTEC) Rm. 218
Instructor: Rex Ambs
Cost: $45              Code: 10253

Wind Power for Homeowners
Are you interested in wind power and curious about what it takes to put up a wind generator? This course will take you through the step-by-step process required to install a wind generator at your home or small business. Learn about towers, height restrictions, construction and maintenance specifications, and grid interconnection or battery charging constraints—all required for successful project completion. The course includes a guide to selecting and sizing a system to meet your needs. Save time, effort, and money in your quest for clean energy.

2 Thurs., March 11 & 18, 7-9 p.m. 
Aero Park Campus
Parsons/Stulen (MTEC) Rm. 222
Instructor: Randy Smith
Cost: $69          Code: 10254

Solar Power for Homeowners
Solar electric power generation is getting a lot of attention. Explore the concepts and equipment through discussion, demonstrations, and examination of NMC’s photovoltaic systems. Learn about different system types from stand-alone battery charging to grid-tied. Discover how to calculate output and determine how much power is available. Leave with a better understanding of how solar energy works and its potential as an energy source.

Wed., Feb. 17, 6-8:30 p.m.
Aero Park Campus
Parsons/Stulen (MTEC) Rm. 101
Instructor: Conrad Heins
Cost: $45                    Code: 10255

Solar Hot Water Workshop
Assemble a solar hot water system while learning about this important renewable energy technology. Discover the advantages and disadvantages of several types of solar hot water heating systems while the class assembles a scaled down version of a closed-loop solar hot water system. You will be introduced to the skills needed to install a system and learn when a professional should be hired. Enjoy a field trip to see two types of systems in operation. Topics include: solar radiation and site assessment, systems and components, efficiencies and water conservation practices, and financial information. Bring a sack lunch.

Sat., March 13, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Aero Park Campus
Parsons/Stulen (MTEC) Rm. 155
Instructor: Conrad Heins
Cost: $79             Code: 10257

 

 


Introduction to Biodiesel Production
Escalating diesel and gas prices make bio-fuels competitive in the marketplace. Examine the advantages and disadvantages involved in the production and use of modern bio-diesel in this lively and interesting course. Discuss the effects of bio-diesel on today’s automobiles while cooking up your own batch of bio-diesel from used vegetable oil. Leave with resources to help you learn more about biodiesel, where to get it, what’s involved in making it, and what the future holds for this type of fuel.

Mon., March 15, 6-9 p.m. 
Aero Park Campus
Parsons/Stulen (MTEC) Rm. 220
Instructor: Bill Koucky
Cost: $49               Code: 10258

Introduction to Biodiesel Processing
Walk through the biodiesel brewing process with local biodiesel brewmaster, Bill Koucky. You will learn how to determine oil quality, prepare the processor, analyze and determine the amount of catalyst needed for the batch, work the processor, manage the process, safety precautions, material handling and disposal, and much more. If you are considering making your own bio-diesel, this course will save you time, money, and effort. Prerequisite is Introduction to Biodiesel Production (or equivalent). Limited to 6 participants. Bring your lunch.

Sat., March 20, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 
Aero Park Campus
Parsons/Stulen (MTEC) Rm. 159
Instructor: Bill Koucky
Cost: $119      Code: 10259

Energy Efficiency for Homeowners
Our homes and offices require energy in many forms. Spend some time with nationally certified Home Energy Rater/Auditor Ric Evans looking at your energy consumption and the ways to reduce it. Topics include establishing your energy baseline, evaluating and finding energy wasters, and creating a plan to increase efficiency. Enjoy the financial gains once you put your plan in place. Bring your questions, energy bills, equipment and appliance types, and approximate age of appliances. The course includes a glimpse at on-site energy production.

Thurs., Feb. 4, 6-9 p.m.  
Aero Park Campus
Parsons/Stulen (MTEC) Rm. 155
Instructor: Ric Evans
Cost: $15, includes handout materials
Code: 10260

Passive Solar Design—Architectural Impact
Local architect Eric Mansuy guides you through the concepts and practices that maximize solar benefits for homes. Learn how glazing, orientation, thermal mass, overhangs, ventilation, and landscaping play an integral role in successful passive solar design. Explore how form and function can be blended to make visually appealing and solar efficient homes. Includes possibilities for retrofitting existing homes.

Wed., March 17, 6-9 p.m. 
Aero Park Campus
Parsons/Stulen (MTEC) Rm. 101
Instructor: Eric Mansuy
Cost: $49                      Code: 10256

 

 

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