10:00 AM
Small Wind Myth Busting
Roy Butler · Indoors
A practical myth-busting session on small wind energy.
Workshops & demonstrations
Workshop Schedule
Join us for a full day of workshops, demonstrations, tours, and practical energy conversations led by solar practitioners, educators, growers, builders, and community experts.
Schedule may shift slightly. Check back before the event for final times and locations.
Saturday workshop schedule
Indoor, outdoor + independent sessionsPresentations on the hour are indoors; half-hour sessions are outdoors. Independent sessions are self-sufficient demos with no AV needs.
Indoor Sessions
| Time | Topic | Speaker |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00 AM | Small Wind Myth Busting | Roy Butler |
| 11:00 AM | What Is the Seed Saying? | Denise Ciastko |
| Noon | Video on Forests? | Streaming |
| 1:00 PM | DIY Solar: Lessons Learned the Hard Way | Ryan Stankevitz |
| 2:00 PM | Alternative Wall Systems | Jeff Dardozzi |
| 4:00 PM | Powering Cars & Homes: Saving $ with Solar & Wind | Dr. Mel Tyree |
Outdoor Sessions
| Time | Topic | Speaker |
|---|---|---|
| 10:30 AM | Save Money with DIY Solar | Tim Guiles |
| 11:30 AM | Off Grid Solar | John Blittersdorf, Ryan Stankewitz, Neil Langer |
| 12:30 PM | Mushroom Farming | Matt Bristol |
| 1:30 PM | Window Dressers Winsert Demo | Donald de Voil |
| 2:30 PM | Solarfest Center Site Walk | John Blittersdorf + |
| 3:30 PM | What’s New with Portable (Balcony) Solar | Mike Bailey, Steve Kurkoski |
Independent Sessions
| Time | Topic | Speaker |
|---|---|---|
| Noon | Waterwheel Hydro Mechanism & Generator | Theo Anagnostaras |
| 3:00 PM | Methane Gas & Hydrogen | Theo Anagnostaras |
Workshop descriptions
No sign-up required10:30 AM
Save $$ with DIY Solar
Tim Guiles · Outdoors
Tim installed his own solar system back in 1990. He’ll explain how much easier it is now with companies that support do-it-yourselfers. People can often save half the cost of a solar system by doing the work themselves.
11:00 AM
What Is the Seed Saying?
Denise Ciastko, NativearthSeed LLC · Indoors
A fascinating look into the hidden world of Northeast native pollinator seeds. Through macro photography, video, and close observation, Denise explores how seeds move, survive, protect themselves, and find the right conditions to grow.
11:30 AM
Off-Grid Solar
John Blitterdorf, Ryan Stankevitz & Neil Langer · Outdoors
Join a seasoned PV installer, a manufacturer, and a homeowner in a lively and honest “do tell” session for all sizes and types of off-grid PV installations.
12:00 PM
Waterwheel Hydro Mechanism and Generator Build and Operation
Theo Anagnostaras · Vendor Tent
As part of his Alternative Energy Workshop Museum, Theo will showcase his waterwheel hydro mechanism and generator build and operation.
12:30 PM
Mushroom Workshop
Matt Bristol · Outdoors
A hands-on mushroom-focused session connected to the Solarfest Center site and local growing practices.
1:00 PM
DIY PV: Lessons Learned the Hard Way
Ryan Stankevitz · Indoors
See real-world examples of bad decision-making and learn where DIY can still save money when it’s practical.
1:30 PM
WindowDressers: Window Insert Demo
WindowDressers · Outdoors
See how insulating window inserts can help make homes warmer, more comfortable, and more energy efficient.
2:00 PM
Alternative Wall Systems
Jeff Dardozzi · Indoors
Remodeling? Building new? Explore alternative wall systems that are simple, affordable, efficient, and sustainable, with sample wall sections and discussion.
2:30 PM
Solarfest Center Site Walk
John Blittersdorf and others · Outdoors
Join seasoned PV installers on a tour of the various power sources on site. Bring your questions and cameras.
3:00 PM
Methane Gas & Hydrogen Generator
Theo Anagnostaras · Vendor Tent
Theo will explain the build and operation of methane and hydrogen generators, including climate and ozone-layer considerations.
3:30 PM
What’s New with Portable (Balcony) Solar
Mike Bailey + Steve Kurkoski · Outdoors
Renting? Shade trees? Cash tight? Find out why millions in Europe, and now New England, are saving with portable solar.
4:00 PM
Powering Cars and Homes
Dr. Mel Tyree · Indoors
Mel will share 20 years of experience building and living in two net-zero energy homes, with time reserved for questions.
5:00 PM
Keynote speaker: David Zuckerman
David Zuckerman · Indoors
Keynote speaker .