PEOPLE in West Devon are being ask to switch on to a special 'renewable energy and energy efficiency evening' being held at Okehampton College on Wednesday, January 14.
The event, to be held between 6pm and 8pm, will focus on energy in the home and cover solar panels, small wind turbines, biomass and heat pumps in the domestic setting and other related issues.
Organiser Keith Webber, who is a science teacher at the college, said everyone is welcome to come along.
West Country Energy Action will be running a session on energy efficiency measures in the home. There will also be a session run by one of the country's leading climate scientists from the Hadley Institute focusing on 'Global warming — is it for real and how certain are we of the causes?'
Mr Webber thanked EDF energy and the Dartmoor Sustainable Development Fund for their grants that are helping to raise the profile of renewable energy generation and efficient use of energy in the community.
A first phase, 10kW photovoltaic system has just been installed on the roof of the college's sports hall. It comes complete with an internet-based dashboard displaying the production and usage of electricity. The dashboard features a range of dials and graphs, which can be seen on http://www.naturalwatt.com/">www.naturalwatt.com/
okehampton.aspx
Mr Webber said: 'If the college can show a reduction in its usage then it can very likely attract more funding for further on-site generation capacity. As well as producing electricity, the panels and dashboard are also a tremendous educational resource.
'At this time of year the college expects to generate about 200 units (kWh) per month which should rise to 1,600 units per month in June. The system is grid connected and should supply renewable electricity for the next 50 years with any surplus being available for export to the local grid.'
If you would like to attend the evening event contact Keith on [email protected]">[email protected] or call 01837 650910.