June workshop features solar heating expert Tang Lee

Simple technology can reduce heating bills by 70%—and not cost the moon

Kimberley, B.C. — “Solar heating need not be expensive.” With these words, Wildsight’s Kevin Brown spells out a key concept behind Kimberley’s Building Sustainability Conference, which took place in January. To follow up, partners Wildsight and College of the Rockies are teaming up with a local company to bring Tang Lee—one of Canada’s preeminent solar heating experts—to Kimberley for a one-day workshop on inexpensive solar heating

The June 19 workshop is being sponsored in part by Golden Timber Frames of Invermere, who were impressed with Tang’s work at the conference, and who are rolling out a new passive wall system.

 “This new wall system is a first of its kind in Canada and a great fit with Tang’s work,” Kevin Brown said. “It be on display at the workshop.”

“Solar heating is a real opportunity in our sunny valley,” he said. “It doesn’t have to be expensive. Tang Lee has developed solar heating systems in Canada since the 1970s. He’ll show us how to install solar heating without spending money on elaborate systems.”

At the workshop, Lee will explain how off-the-shelf parts can be used to construct simple solar heating systems that reduce heating bills by up to 70 per cent. “That’s a huge reduction in heating costs,” Brown said. “And it can be done inexpensively.”

Practical and Effective Solar Heating with Tang Lee will take place at the College of the Rockies Kimberley Campus on Saturday, June 19th, 2010, from 8:30 to 4:30. 

“This all-day workshop will show how to design and build practical solar heating using solar collectors, sunspaces and a tight building envelope,” Brown said. “Tang will cover energy conservative design, ventilation and how simple components can be easily incorporated into new or existing buildings.”

Participants will also learn to use F-Chart modelling software to optimize solar thermal systems. “College of the Rockies is providing access to computers for individual practice with the software,” Brown said.

Although the workshop is open to all, participants will benefit from an understanding of design or construction. Price for the workshop is $149 and GST if you register before June 1, 2010. After June 1, the price is $179 and GST.

“After Tang Lee’s appearance and workshop at the Building Sustainability Conference in January, it was clear that people wanted to learn more from him—they told us so,” Brown said. “So, we’re happy to bring him back to town—and we advise people to register early before all the seats fill up.”

To register, contact the College of the Rockies Kimberley Campus at 250.427.7116, extenstion 3752.

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About Wildsight:

Wildsight works locally, regionally and globally to protect biodiversity and encourage sustainable communities in Canada's Columbia and southern Rocky Mountain region. This area is internationally recognized as a keystone to conservation in western North America. www.Wildsight.ca.

Contact:

Kevin D Brown, Wildsight Organizer • KimCran@Wildsight.ca • 250-427-2535