In response to community demand to do more with solar, the Center for Energy Education will host a free opportunity to learn the basics of portable power systems.

On Saturday, January 17, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., C4EE welcomes Roanoke Valley residents to its campus at 460 Airport Road in Roanoke Rapids, for its DIY solar and battery power workshop to explore the capabilities of harnessing solar and battery power systems for the home. 

The event is the kickoff to a series of short Saturday morning workshops to meet energy needs.

The workshops will provide lessons to design and build safe, reliable portable off-grid systems that will power home electric vehicle chargers and backyard work sheds. 

These DIY systems will help power critical loads like refrigerators, freezers, cell phones and other household essentials until restoration of utility-connected power. 

Such DIY devices can also be used to produce substitute power thus reducing the utility power needed to run your house, therefore reducing home energy costs.

The C4EE technical staff of engineers and scientists will lead instruction. 

Participants will be informed of the range of available system options. Additionally, apps will be used to explore how best to reduce energy consumption thus lowering energy costs.

The C4EE specialists will also assist participants toward discussing cost of energy issues, planning energy needs, sourcing cost-effective components, and constructing DIY systems.

This event is free and open to the public. 

Call 252-341-3004 or scan the flyer’s QR code to register.