I have been living off-grid for nearly 20 years and have spent much of that time working hands-on with renewable energy systems, particularly solar and wind power, drawing on my background in instrumentation and controls.
When I first began, renewable energy was far from mainstream. There was little commercial interest, fossil fuels dominated the energy landscape, and very few people saw renewables as a practical option. Those early experiences taught me a great deal about what renewable energy can realistically achieve, as well as some of the common misconceptions surrounding it. Throughout this course, I will share those lessons in detail.
I built my first solar panels myself, starting with a modest 100W system and eventually expanding to 1,400W. Along the way, I discovered that solar energy is often misunderstood, and I will explain why. I have also worked with hydro power and found that many assumptions about it are equally misleading.
Renewables Course At Dunoon Community Shed
The course will cover solar photovoltaics (PV), wind power, hydro, and solar thermal systems. Solar thermal, in particular, can make a significant contribution to energy independence and deserves much more attention than it usually receives.
Historically, UK regulations made it difficult to generate your own renewable electricity and connect it to the grid. Recent legislative changes have opened up new possibilities and should encourage people to think more creatively about how they use and generate energy. One example is moving some aspects of everyday life away from conventional 240V systems. While this is not a complete solution to energy challenges, it can be a practical and effective step towards greater energy resilience.
My hope is that this course will help create a strong and supportive technical community. Renewable energy technology is often poorly understood, and by learning together we can develop the confidence and knowledge needed to help one another.
The course focuses on small-scale renewable systems of less than 2,000W peak output. At this scale, it is possible to cook, charge devices, and power many everyday appliances directly from the sun and wind for much of the year. Success depends not only on generating energy, but also on reducing demand through the use of efficient equipment. I will discuss energy demand in detail and demonstrate my own innovative system, which achieves significantly higher efficiency than most off-the-shelf solutions. During the winter months, that efficiency becomes especially important.
Getting started with renewables is easier than many people think. By working with systems below 50V, the risks are greatly reduced and the technology becomes more accessible. You do not need a background in electronics or electrical engineering to begin. The course is designed to be practical and approachable, and wherever risks exist, they will be clearly explained.
Course Structure
The course is divided into two sections:
Morning Session
A fast-paced and detailed introduction covering the theory and practical realities of small-scale renewable energy systems. The emphasis will be on clear, down-to-earth explanations and realistic expectations.
Afternoon Session
A more relaxed and hands-on session focusing on practical and exciting solutions. I will demonstrate how to build a reliable and safe 200W starter system for charging devices and powering everyday equipment. We will also look at expanding that system with battery storage and independent 240V AC power.
Whether you are simply curious about renewable energy or seriously considering an off-grid lifestyle, this course will provide practical knowledge, realistic expectations, and the confidence to get started.
I look forward to meeting you all.
Bob Stewart
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