Kortright Renewable Energy 2010 Workshops
- PTC - Photovoltaic Training Courses

- GEI - Green Energy Introduction
- PVG - Photovoltaic Generation
- UPVI - Utility PV Installation
- GHI - Green Home Introduction
- PSD - Passive Solar Design
- EHS - Efficient Heating Systems
- GRN - Green Building Materials
- WHS - Wood Heating Systems
- WND - Wind Energy
- OGS - Off-Grid Systems
- OGSI - Off-Grid Systems Installation
- SDHW - Solar Domestic Hot Water
PTC - Photovoltaic Training Courses
Maximum Enrollment 16. Cost $1600 + GST
April 19 - 23 / May 10 - 14 / June 21- 25 / August 16 - 20 / September 20 - 24
Ontario's new solar energy programs Micro FIT and FIT (Feed In Tariff) has stimulated one of the largest green job booms in North America.
Currently Kortright offers a series of one and three day workshops for individuals, organizations and company's looking for introductory education and training on various renewable energy technologies.
To meet the growing demand for trained installers and educators Kortright has developed a new five-day training session that includes theory, hands-on laboratory, and installation components that prepare you to write the NABCEP (North American Board Certified of Energy Practitioners) entry level certification exam and enter the growing solar energy marketplace.
Course Covers:
- Photovoltaic Markets and Applications
- Solar and Electrical Fundamentals, and Site Planning
- Photovoltaic Fundamentals and System Components
- Photovoltaic System Design and Sizing, and Building Integration
- Code, Regulations and Safety
- Installation Practices
Click here for the program outline - 116K
Please register by calling 416-667-6295 then press option #3 or email cmacgillivray@trca.on.ca. Look for other workshop details at http://www.kortright.org/
GEI - Green Energy Introduction
Maximum Enrollment 25. Cost $75 + GST
January 30 / February 27 / March 27 / April 18 / May 08 / June 05 / August 28 / October02 / November 06
The Green Energy Introductory Seminar is a one-day session that gives an overview of general concepts, resources, technologies and practices of Green Energy for domestic use. Technologies covered in this program include solar (photovoltaic) and wind electrical energy and domestic solar hot water and pool heating systems. Motivations such as energy independence, energy security, environmental impact and economic investment for using each technology will be discussed. The local resources that are needed for each technology are also brought into the decision making process. Participants will tour the onsite systems that help power the Kortright Centre. The objective is to enable home or cottage owners to decide what technologies make sense for them, considering their own motivations, and resources available. Once a technology has been identified further workshops are available to help people become informed consumers. The GEI workshop will be held in the off-grid cottage on the grounds of Kortright Centre for Conservation. The group size is limited to 25 people. The cost is $75 + GST for a day that runs from 10am to 4 pm. Lunch is included.
Please register by calling 416-667-6295 then press option #3 or email cmacgillivray@trca.on.ca. Look for other workshop details at http://www.kortright.org/
PVG - Photovoltaic Generation
Maximum Enrollment 16. Cost $125 + GST
February 20 / March 06 / April 24 / May 15 / June 12 / September 11 / October 16 / November 13
This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of photovoltaics. Whether you would like to become an educated consumer or are considering a career in the industry, PVG will provide you with the basic theory of photovoltaics including practical applications and installation. The course discussions will include PV generation in grid tied and off-grid applications and the Feed in Tariff ( FIT ) program as it relates to the Green Energy Act of Ontario.
(Prerequisite - GEI) Lunch is included.
Please register by calling 416-667-6295 then press option #3 or email cmacgillivray@trca.on.ca. Look for other workshop details at http://www.kortright.org/
UPVI - Utility PV Installation
Maximum Enrollment 16. Cost $195 + GST
March 13 / April 11 / April 25 / May 29 / June 13 / August 14 / September 12 / October 23 / November 14
The Utility PV Installation course offers participants a hands-on opportunity to assemble and install a grid tied PV system. The course begins with the theory of site assessment, installation and system sizing. This session will then be followed by breaking into small groups and assembling a complete grid-tie system. The equipment used in this workshop is representative of systems currently being installed under the FIT program throughout Ontario. The majority of the course will be spent outdoors and therefore participants should dress appropriately for the weather.
( Prerequisite - GEI & PVG ) Lunch is included.
Please register by calling 416-667-6295 then press option #3 or email cmacgillivray@trca.on.ca. Look for other workshop details at http://www.kortright.org/
GHI - Green Home Introduction
Maximum Enrollment 25. Cost $75 + GST
February 28 / April 17 / September 18
The Green Home Introductory Seminar is a one-day session that gives homeowners practical information on making their home energy efficient, healthy and comfortable. Energy efficiency and conservation are the most powerful tools available to the homeowner to save money and help the environment. Green Energy systems should only be applied to a home that has gone through a thorough home energy audit. The Green Home Introductory Seminar introduces you to these audits. The concept of treating the house as a system underlines all the strategies covered in the workshop. Details such as draft proofing, insulating, efficient lighting, eliminating phantom loads and water conservation will be discussed. For new construction or renovations, subjects of interest include new building materials, passive solar design, super insulation and alternative building techniques. Factors that impact indoor air quality such as ventilation and home finishes will also be discussed. The options for innovative heating and ventilation systems are also explored. Once an area of interest has been identified further workshops are available to help people become informed consumers. The session will be held in the off-grid cottage on the grounds of Kortright Centre for Conservation. The cost is $75 + GST for a day that runs from 10am to 4 pm. Lunch is included.
Please register by calling 416-667-6295 then press option #3 or email cmacgillivray@trca.on.ca. Look for other workshop details at www.kortright.org
PSD - Passive Solar Design
Maximum Enrollment 16. Cost $125 + GST
April 18 / October 31
This workshop is a detailed examination of the features of a passive solar design which take advantage of the sun to supplement the heating and cooling of a home, as well as increase the amount of natural daylight in the home. Topics that will be covered include:
site selection, building; type orientation, shape, size; window type, placement, size, shading and orientation, thermal mass; type, placement, amount. A tour of two passive solar buildings at Kortright is part of this program. Participants will also tour the new Archetype house and its systems when it becomes available in 2009.This workshop will be held in the off-grid cottage on the grounds of the Kortright Centre for Conservation. The group size is limited to 16 people. The cost is $125 for a day that runs from 10am to 4 pm.
(Prerequisite - GHI) Lunch is included.
Please register by calling 416-667-6295 then press option #3 or email cmacgillivray@trca.on.ca. Look for other workshop details at www.kortright.org
EHS - Efficient Heating Systems
Maximum Enrollment 15. Cost $125 + GST
November 06
This workshop examines the features of various high efficiency heating systems for both domestic hot water and residential space heating needs. Topics that will be covered but not limited to include: ground source heat pumps; new technology, dual stage, air source heat pumps/air conditioners; on demand hot water heaters; combination boilers, wall hung and floor mount; masonry wood heaters; heat distribution systems, including radiant floor, high velocity air & zoned forced air; integration of the heating system with solar domestic and space heating systems; heat/energy recovery ventilation systems (HRV, ERV). A tour of a ground source heat pump and radiant floor, solar hot water heating system at Kortright is part of this program. Participants will also tour the new Archetype house and its systems when it becomes available in 2009.This workshop will be held in an off-grid cottage on the grounds of the Kortright Centre for Conservation. The group size is limited to 16 people. The cost is $125 + GST for a day that runs from 10am to 4 pm.
(Prerequisite - GHI) Lunch is included.
Please register by calling 416-667-6295 then press option #3 or email cmacgillivray@trca.on.ca. Look for other workshop details at www.kortright.org
GRN - Green Building Materials
Maximum Enrollment 16. Cost $125 + GST
May 01 / November 02
This workshop examines the building and finishing materials available to the home owner/builder who is interested in sustainability and a healthy living environment.
Topics that will be covered, but not limited to, include: what to look for in Green and Sustainability certifications for materials, sources of pollution in building products that affect indoor air quality; structural building materials, studs, beams; exterior cladding, siding, roofing, decks & finishes; insulation, batts vs. blown in, fibreglass and foam vs. cotton & cellulose; interior wall materials & finishes; flooring, cabinetry and counter top options; used building materials. Participants will tour the new Archetype house and its systems when it becomes available in 2009.This workshop will be held in the off-grid cottage on the grounds of the Kortright Centre for Conservation. The group size is limited to 16 people. The cost is $125 + GST for a day that runs from 10am to 4 pm.
(Prerequisite - GHI) Lunch is included.
Please register by calling 416-667-6295 then press option #3 or email cmacgillivray@trca.on.ca. Look for other workshop details at www.kortright.org
WHS - Wood Heating Systems
Maximum Enrollment 16. Cost $125 + GST
April 11 / September 12
The burning of wood is one of the oldest methods for providing warmth and comfort in our homes. This workshop will focus on the modern technology employed in heat production using this renewable resource. The Kortright Centre has several wood burning appliances installed that demonstrate the various applications and options available to the consumer. These include free standing wood burning stoves, fireplace inserts and pellet stoves.
(Prerequisite - GHI) Lunch is provided.
Please register by calling 416-667-6295 then press option #3 or email cmacgillivray@trca.on.ca. Look for other workshop details at www.kortright.org
WND - Wind Energy
Maximum Enrollment 16. Cost $125 + GST
May 02 / October 03
This workshop is designed to introduce participants to the criteria for the selection of a wind energy system. During the course, we will explore the fundamentals of wind energy, its components and the application of off-grid and grid tied wind systems. The topics covered will include the various types and sizes of machines, towers and the procedures for installation. The instructor will also be conducting a tour of the seven installed wind turbines on the Kortright Centres power trip trail. Portions of the day will be spent outdoors and therefore participants should dress accordingly.
(Prerequisite - GEI ) Lunch is included.
Please register by calling 416-667-6295 then press option #3 or email cmacgillivray@trca.on.ca. Look for other workshop details at www.kortright.org
OGS - Off-Grid Systems
Maximum Enrollment 16. Cost $125 + GST
April 10 / May 30 / September 18
This workshop connects the fundamentals of photovoltaic and wind energy production with the components required for an off-grid system operation. The topics covered in this course include charge controllers, batteries, inverters and generators and will be applicable to battery based back up power systems as well. In the afternoon, participants will assemble the components of a small cabin sized system as a practicum. Portions of the day will be spent outdoors and therefore participants should dress accordingly.
(Prerequisite - GEI & PVG ) Lunch is included.
Please register by calling 416-667-6295 then press option #3 or email cmacgillivray@trca.on.ca. Look for other workshop details at www.kortright.org
OGSI - Off-Grid Systems Installation
Maximum Enrollment 16. Cost $195 + GST
June 06 / October 17
This workshop will lead participants through the full installation of an off-grid system. The course is an outdoor practicum beginning with the rooftop installation of modules followed by the connection of the charge controller, a full scale inverter and battery bank. At the end of the workshop, each station will be powered up using renewable energy provided exclusively by the sun. The entire workshop will be conducted outdoors and therefore participants should dress accordingly.
(Prerequisite - GEI & PVG & OGS) Lunch is included.
Please register by calling 416-667-6295 then press option #3 or email cmacgillivray@trca.on.ca. Look for other workshop details at www.kortright.org
SDHW - Solar Domestic Hot Water
Maximum Enrollment 16. Cost $125 + GST
May 16 / September 19
This is a full-day workshop has been developed to assist participants with the selection and purchase of a solar water system. Held in the Renewable Energy Cottage, a cottage completely powered by solar and wind energy at the Kortright Centre for Conservation. This intermediate level workshop goes into more detail on the function of various domestic hot water systems. Both year round and seasonal systems will be covered. Thermosyphon, integrated storage, drain down, drain back, closed loop, and systems utilizing heat exchange fluids will be covered. Packaged as well as component systems will be reviewed. The sizing of the system and how it impacts the performance of the system components is reviewed. A tour of the various SDHW systems at Kortright will be taken. This workshop will be held in the off-grid cottage on the grounds of the Kortright Centre for Conservation. The group size is limited to 16 people. he cost is $125 + GST for a day that runs from 10am to 4 pm.
(Prerequisite - GHI) Lunch is included.
Please register by calling 416-667-6295 then press option #3 or email cmacgillivray@trca.on.ca. Look for other workshop details at www.kortright.org