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There is still space in both Costa Rica workshops. See the end of this message for Spring
2007 NW dates

Learn About Renewable Energy in Costa Rica This Winter!

Take an Eco-Educational Vacation in the Tropics!

Two Workshops Presented by Solar Energy International * January - February, 2007

Renewable Energy for the Developing World - Hands-On Overview of all major RE technologies Classroom, labs, hands-on projects Monday-Sunday, January 22-28, 2007
Tuition: US$650
Rancho Mastatal, Costa Rica * www.ranchomastatal.com

This is an overview workshop of solar energy technologies for the developing world.
Participants will learn how to evaluate each resource and plan for high quality systems.
Classroom sessions and labs will supplement field experience. Hands-on projects for 2007 include building and using solar ovens, installing a solar-electric system, and installing a methane biodigester. More than half of our time will be spent working on actual projects. The middle day of the workshop will be open for cultural and recreational pursuits in the area.

Topics Include:
* Solar Cooking
* Methane Biodigesters
* Solar Hot Water
* Solar-, Wind-, & Microhydro-Electric Systems
* Social & Cultural Issues Surrounding Bringing RE to the Developing world

Rancho Mastatal is an environmental learning and sustainable living center, retreat, and lodge located in the last virgin rainforest of Costa Rica's Puriscal County. The site encompasses 500+ acres of picture-perfect waterfalls, crystal-clear rivers, and impressive trees in the transition zone between very wet and pre-montane rainforest in one of Costa Rica's most undiscovered regions.

On site and in the community, they build using natural techniques, including the use of bamboo and cob, and support the use of renewable energy systems. In their ongoing commitment to education and instruction, they organize and sponsor a wide array of workshops ranging from alternative design and construction to Wilderness First Response Certification, and work with schools in both the United States and Costa Rica in offering customized educational programs on rainforest ecology, Latin culture, and Spanish and English as a second language. Rancho Mastatal and Solar Energy International welcome all in search of a memorable and unique educational experience.

Lodging/food packages and local information: Tim O'Hara, Owner, Rancho Mastatal Environmental Learning Center and Lodge. Apdo. 185-6000, Puriscal, San Jos�, Costa Rica, 011 (506)
301-2939 (leave message),
info@ranchomastatal.com, www.ranchomastatal.com

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Solar Electricity for the Developing World PV design and installation for the developing world Special sustainable community experience!
Classroom, labs, hands-on projects
Friday - Saturday, February 2-10, 2007
Tuition, food/lodging, most in-country travel:
US$1,080 ($1,130 after Dec. 8, 2006)
Fundacion Durika, Costa Rica * www.durika.org

A Unique Educational Opportunity in a Sustainable Developing World Community Durika, Costa Rica Learn to design and install photovoltaic systems for the developing world. Workshop participants learn system sizing, site analysis, hardware specification, and component selection. The workshop covers typical applications and case study examples. Install a complete, operational system in the field with current renewable energy equipment. This workshop is for the novice who wants to use PV and for those seeking employment in the solar industry Topics include:
* Applications * Safety Procedures
* Basics of Electricity * Solar Water Pumping
* Solar Site Analysis * PV for Lesser Developed Countries
* PV System Components Other activities include:
* Energy Efficient Appliances * Tours of PV , Wind, and Hydro Systems
* PV System Sizing * Laboratory Exercises
* Component Specification * Hands-on Field Installation
* Electrical Wiring

Duri