Conversations and Workshops with Dr. Komp
Dr. Richard Komp, PhD has 50 years of personal and professional experience with solar and other renewable energy technologies. Dr. Komp is the Director and Co-Founder of Skyheat Associates, a nonprofit organization which promotes public awareness and use of solar energy and conservation. His off-grid house, which he built on the coast of Maine, is being established as the Downeast Alternative Design Solar Center, a public charity. He is the author of Practical Photovoltaics: Electricity from Solar Cells, Revised 3rd Edition, which has been called “the easiest and most complete education on photovoltaics.”
In recent decades, Dr. Komp has dedicated himself to working with low income communities around the world to help them to achieve economic and energy self-sufficiency. He has pioneered PV module production as a cottage industry in many countries, including Nicaragua, Mexico, South Africa, Costa Rica, Honduras, Chile, Greece, Columbia, Brazil, Cuba, San Andres, India, Ghana, Niger, France, Haiti, Peru, Mali, Rwanda, Pakistan and the USA.
1) Passive Solar Seminar
When: 6:00 P.M. Wednesday April 24, 2013
Where: 1st Floor Conference Room, Amherst Police Department – 111 Main Street
Dr. Komp will discuss the physics and practice of using passive solar energy for home and office, drawing examples from his work. Audience participation will be welcomed. Free and open to the public.
2) Solar Oven Workshop
When: 12:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M. Thursday April 25, 2013
Where: Woodbury Room, Jones Library, 43 Amity Street
Dr. Komp will guide the construction and use of 4 solar ovens. Lunch and Q&A included. Assembled ovens will be available for purchase for the cost of materials.
FEE: Sliding scale $45-60.
Maximum: 16 participants. Registration required.
Contact: pveaa@comcast.net or call: 413 367 6479. (There will be demonstrations of the use of a solar oven during the Amherst Sustainability Fair on Saturday April 27, 2013.)
3) Thermalsiphon Solar Air Heater Workshop
When: 9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. Friday April 26, 2013
Where: Gabor’s house, 44 Beston Street, near the center of Amherst
Dr. Komp will guide the construction of one solar air heater. Lunch and Q&A included.
FEE: Sliding scale $45-60.
Max: 16 participants. Registration required.
Contact: pveaa@comcast.net or call: 413 367 6479.
All fees and donations will help to finance Dr. Komp’s important work.
