Training FAQ

Why would I take part in solar energy training?

Because you live in the world.  Energy is one of the defining issues of our generation, and no matter what field interests you – economics, development, government, business, technology, the environment, etc. – a knowledge of alternative energy technology is essential.  This course is a unique opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience in one of the most established sources of renewable energy, something you can’t learn anywhere else on campus — for FREE.  If that’s not enough, we’ll also have doughnuts.

Do I need any prior experience in energy or engineering?

No, not at all.  The course starts from the very beginning, assuming no prior background in the subject.  The subject matter should be manageable for any major.  The more varied background, the better.

I have a heavy course load this semester all ready.  Is there going to be homework required for the training?

No.  All material will be self-contained in the 1-hour sessions.  We will provide reading lists and other resources if you are interested in learning more about a given topic outside of what we covered.

Can I come to some of the training sessions but not all of them?

Absolutely – but with one small caveat.  Given the short amount of time for each session (only 1 hour! omg! however will they do it?!), we will assume the material taught in the earlier sessions and won’t teach background outside of the given session objective.  Redundant questions will result in prompt removal from LC by our team of bouncers, on loan from Toad’s.

That being said, we are dedicated to making this training as accessible as possible, and we will post all materials used after each session on this website (including PowerPoints, worksheets, reading lists and potentially videos).  If you can’t make a session or can only commit to attending a particular one in person, you’ll be able to review the material already presented and make sure you’re up to speed.

Do I have to register?

There are two exceptions to our registration request: 1) You are Amory Lovin’s lovechild, or 2) You can read smoke signals and will be able to decipher our messages sent nightly from science hill.

If neither of those apply, please fill out the short form here.

Who is teaching the training?

To keep the training free, the Project Bright Education Team will teach the sessions – we’ve been working all year to develop it.  We don’t pretend to be experts.  Bring your own background and skills, and we’ll do our best to teach you something new.  Where we can’t, we’ll have a speaker.

Where and when is the training located?

Each training session will be held in LC 211 on Wednesday nights, 7-8 pm.  See the training session descriptions for more information.

Who can I contact for more information?

Please email projectbrightyale@gmail.com – thanks!  (Or just send one of the aforementioned smoke signals.  That works too.)