What did we do?
We discussed about renewable forms of Energy (Solar, Wind, Hydro, Geothermal) and how they can be implemented in a small or big scale. We learned how to make calculations for a Solar system and how to install it. Furthermore we explored some low tech solutions (like operating an old washing machine with the pedals of a bike) and built a solar dehydrator for drying fruits and vegetables.
What did we gain?
Understanding the abundance of energy in our surroundings, capturing and transforming natural energy into functional and sustainable forms provides solutions to modern problems and empowers communities. Getting conscious about our needs in Energy and realizing that everything we do has a consequence, encourages us to lower our imprint. With this in mind, participants explored ways of redefining and meeting individual and collective needs in terms of energy.
Facilitator
Manos Kappas
Electrical engineer - Renewable energy
Manos Kappas is an electrical engineer with over 20 years of experience in electrical systems and installations. From May 2013 till December 2019 he moved to Qatar in order to lead an ambitious project, part of the capital city’s newly built downtown area, comprising of more than 5,200 solar panels on the rooftops of the development, for electricity and hot water production.
As a mentor, he has trained a large number of technicians and facility management personnel and has also given a lecture in Qatar University for the students of the Electrical Engineering Department. Alongside his professional journey, he became a member of a small but vibrant community in Greece, comprising of people exploring the possibilities of eco-communities, permaculture and a fundamentally different way of living.
Podcasts
We thought that producing a series of podcasts would help spreading the word, but also help participants digest the information gained. At the end of each module the thematic was briefly summarized and three questions where selected to be answered. Participants were split into seven different groups (according to language), consisting of four to six people each. The questions were:
- Energy: Do you want your own solar panel to be grid-tied (having electricity from the grid when needed) or you want to be off-grid?
- System proportions: How do we set up our own solar system, if we want to go off-grid?
- Our footprint: How does setting our own system helps to reduce our footprint?
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