Solar School
All our Solar School training sessions are held at Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. If registering online, simply click the link below, then the "new user" button, and register according to directions. Should you have questions, please call Ferncliff Camp at 501-821-3063.
Upcoming Sessions
Solar School #8: May 2-5, 2013 [online registration]
Solar School #9: September 12-15, 2013 [online registration]
Each session runs from Thursday at 10:00 AM (registration & lunch) to Sunday at 10:30 AM.
Solar School is made up of two courses, Solar 1 and Solar 2. You don’t have to take both—usually a group sends at least one person to Solar 1 and one person to Solar 2.
Solar 1: Leadership, Partnership Development and Surveying
This course includes:
- Exploring theology of doing mission in partnership [link]
- Developing partnerships and organizing skills
- Forming teams (Trip management and Leadership)
- Evaluating sites for solar projects
- Negotiating covenants
- Increasing cultural awareness
Solar 2: Installation and Equipping Partners
This course includes:
- Assembling off-grid solar energy systems
- Emphasizing systems to power clean water systems, but also electricity for clinics and schools
- Assessing electrical loads
- Learning system designs
- Practicing safety and maintenance
Plenary Sessions include:
- Mission Strategy session
- Fund raising
- Cultural differences between countries
- Small group reflections
- Devotions
Recommended Resources
If you would like to begin reading ahead for Solar School, or just want to learn more about how we do mission and solar energy, here are some resources we recommend:
Presbyterians Do Mission in Partnership, available as a free download from the PC(USA)
Photovoltaics: Design and Installation Manual—Renewable Energy Education for a Sustainable Future by Solar Energy International