One-day Hands-on Wind Energy Workshop

Please join us at Appalachian State’s Small Wind Research and Demonstration Site, located on Beech Mountain, for this one-day, hands-on, crash course workshop on small-scale distributed wind energy. Participants will:

• Tour the turbines at the facility that has been in operation since 2004

• Experience a crash course in distributed wind energy in the on-site MobiLab and MobiLanding designed and constructed by App State Building Science students

• Learn how to determine if wind is right for you, and others

• Install and commission a small wind turbine! 

The Small Wind Research facility is a class 5 wind-site, located at an elevation of 5,136 ft., with an average wind speed of about 18 mph at 164 ft., and an average annual power density of almost 600 watts per square meter. This makes it an outstanding wind site and focal point for educational, hands-on workshops. The site provides attendees with first-hand experience with wind power technology. We typically host about 7 wind turbines at the site from manufacturers such as Pika Energy, Primus Windpower, Bergey Windpower, Xzeres Wind as well as homebuilt machines from Hugh Piggott and Otherpower plans. 

Early Registration Cost: $200* (lunch included)
*Cost after August 23: $250 
Students in UNC system Early Registration Cost: $175**
**Student Cost after August 23: $200
NEW in 2019, refer a friend and you'll each receive $25 off. Details here.

Continuing Education Credits Offered: 6 PDH, 6 LU|HSW (under review)
All attendees will receive a Certificate of Completion

Note: Course materials will be provided electronically.

Instructor:

Brent Summerville, P.E. is a professional engineer and holds a master’s in Appropriate Technology, with a focus on renewable energy. He is currently the Practitioner-in-Residence at Appalachian State University’s Department of Technology and the Built Environment. He is also the Research Director for the Small Wind Certification Council. Prior to that, he directed the Western North Carolina Renewable Energy Initiative at his post in the Appropriate Technology department at Appalachian State University.

Directions From Boone:

• Take 105 South (to Seven Devils) (12 miles)
• Turn Right onto 184 West/ Tynecastle Hwy (into Banner Elk)
• In Banner Elk, turn left at the stop light, travel approximately .4 miles and bear right onto Beech Mountain Parkway (HWY 184).
• Continue on Beech Mountain Parkway approx 5 miles until you see the White Wolf Lodge
• Turn RIGHT onto Elderberry Ridge Rd. (you will see signs for Pinnacle Inn)
• Approx 0.2 miles, you will bear left at the Pinnacle sign.
• Approx 0.2 miles further, the road will take a sharp left, but you will continue straight on a dirt driveway, which will bring you into the parking area for the Wind Research and Demonstration Site. (look for signs)

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