Workshops/Courses
Open Door Renewables are deeply committed to the widespread deployment of renewable energy systems at all levels. Much of the current industry has developed from enthusiastic and competent people just getting on with it in their own homes and back gardens. We recognise that there is a place for an established professional industry with all the adherent costs of accreditation and training but also believe very much in equipping people and communities to make their own sound choices and where appropriate save costs by being able to install DIY systems.
We run monthly day and weekend courses aimed at widening access to renewable energy systems. Both those who want to learn more before choosing a professional installer and those keen to get more hands on with their own system are catered for.
We can also supply kits and components, offer professional installation and provide sustainable energy consultancy services.
Workshops are held at Dick Willows Farm and Cider Shop near Bath
Please contact us for
more information and/or booking details
Wood burning stoves can be an aesthetically satisfying and sustainable way to augment domestic heating, and needn't be too expensive for homeowners to access. Once again whether choosing professional installation or interested in DIY there are some essential principles and regulations to understand.
This workshop will cover the principles of combustion, features of a
modern wood burning stove, essential safety considerations,
regulations, sizing, design and practical installation considerations
in a mixture of theoretical and practical sessions.
Attendees should leave the workshop better equipped to select a professional installer, install their own stove to required regulations and get the most out of it once fitted.
9 – 4.30 £65 (Including lunch)
Grid connected PV systems qualifying for the Feed in Tariff are not
suitable for DIY installation. There is however much to learn about
solar PV before selecting a professional installation and a great deal
can be achieved with low voltage off-grid systems for backup, garden
sheds or boats and caravans.
The morning sessions will cover solar geometry, solar PV basics and the Feed in Tariff and is suitable for those seeking guidance selecting a professional installer. The afternoon sessions are aimed at those wishing to get their hands dirty with low voltage systems and will cover components and system sizing.
Participants can attend for the morning only or the whole day on this workshop.
Morning Only (9 - 12.30) £30 Full Day (9 - 5pm) £65 (Including lunch)
Heating domestic hot water for baths, showers and washing up from the sun's energy is not rocket science, but there are some key points to understand for a system to be safe, legal and effective.
The day will cover solar geometry and solar hot water basics,
components and types
of system, sizing and design considerations, regulations and practical
considerations in a mixture of theoretical and practical sessions.
Attendees should leave the workshop better equipped to select a
professional
installer, design and build their own system or understand and maintain
an
existing system.
9 – 4.30 £65 (Including lunch)
As more supplementary/renewable heating systems are included in a home more thought needs to be given to how they work effectively together. Savings can also be made with a good understanding of how heating controls work and/or fitting of better controls. Once again whether choosing professional installation or interested in DIY there are some essential principles and regulations to understand.
This workshop will cover heating system controls, thermal
stores/buffer tanks, integration of solar or wood stoves to space
heating, essential safety considerations,
regulations, sizing, design and practical installation considerations.
Attendees should leave the workshop better equipped to understand their heating controls, how multiple heating sources such as solar or wood stove can be combined with a primary central heating system or select a professional installer.
9 – 4.30 £65 (Including lunch)
Workshops are held at Dick Willows Farm and Cider Shop near Bath
Please contact us for
more information and/or booking details