How to "teach solar" demonstrated at Adams State Solar Expo

(04-13-2007)

As a chemistry and physics major, Diego Martinez could have many opportunities in industry, but instead, he is working to promote renewable energy as an educator. He will present a booth on solar education at Adams State College's Solar Expo. In addition, teachers will be able to register to win a solar teaching kit.

The Solar Expo is Saturday, April 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Adams State Student Union Building (First and Stadium.) A wide variety of hands-on displays for the entire family will be presented. This free event is open to the public, co-sponsored by Adams State College Community Partnerships, USDA RC&D (Resource Conservation & Development), and SLV-DRG (Development Resources Group).

Now a student teacher at Sargent High School, Martinez said, "You can build all sorts of systems, but they won't do any good unless you can change people's attitudes." He will graduate from Adams State College this May.

At the Expo, he will share lesson plans and techniques he uses to teach about solar energy in his science classes. He uses a model of a solar home that demonstrates solar heating, photovoltaic systems, and photovoltaic grid-tied systems. His booth will also feature displays of passive solar heating in a local earth ship, as well as of one of the valley's first solar grid systems, which allows homeowners to sell surplus solar energy to the electric company.

"With the new tax incentives now in place, this is the time to get into solar power for your home," Martinez said. "The typical home uses 2.5 kw a month. With a 10 kw solar grid system, you can get rebates of $400-600 a month. I'm very proud of the solar energy work being done in the valley. We're really ahead of the pack."

He said he's been involved with renewable energy for some time. "I'm up on all the technology. It helps my teaching to have seen and worked with different systems."

The Solar Expo will also showcase booths presented by:

  • ASC, Community Partnerships: Solar car kit and Renewable energy event information
  • Adams State School of Business, valuation calculator for solar home applications
  • Crestone Solar School, curriculum information
  • Direct Power & Water and USDA RC&D, solar pivots for farm applications
  • Earthship Biotecture, off-grid solar homes using recycled material and multi-use water system
  • Earth Sun Resources
  • Habitat for Humanity, passive and active solar adobe home for qualified SLV families
  • New Mexico Solar Assoc., Sun Chaser trailer solar demonstration equipment
  • Natural Power, Off-grid pumps for farm applications & installer information
  • Ortega Middle School solar science project
  • Sargent High School-K-12 solar curriculum and solar housing teaching kit
  • Sun Edison-Solar Farm, Mosca, site information and photos
  • USDA - SLV Solar Coordinator Introduction
  • USDA-Rural Development: Renewable and energy efficiency program and proposal information

For more information on the Solar Expo, please call Adams State Community Partnerships, 587-7372.

By Julie Waechter