Drawing Board

Here at I-Renew we are constantly coming up with new ideas to not only push renewable energy, but actively engage our membership as well. From time to time some great ideas come onto our drawing board and we want to know what you think about them. Feel free to give us feedback via a "Like", "+1", or email. The more interest a project gets, the more likely it is to get put into action!

Solar Energy Assistance Project (SEAP)

The goal of The Solar Energy Assistance Project is to install photovoltaic systems on target underserved, low-income homes and provide renewable energy education to the homeowners. Partners like Hawkeye Area Community Action Project, Habitat for Humanity, and Iowa Green AmeriCorps will identify income-eligible recipients and complete energy efficiency retrofits and installations. Subsequently, we will install small photovoltaic electrical systems that immediately reduce electric bills and have the ability to be easily expanded upon by the donation or acquisition of additional solar modules. Clients would be introduced to the program through our Renew Your Future Education Series. This is a series of documentary films such as Kilowatt Ours, focusing on the environmental impact of energy production and how to reduce that impact. After the introduction provided by the film, those interested would then apply for the Solar Energy Assistance Project. Pre-screening and energy efficiency installations by the above mentioned partner organizations would ensure that systems are being installed in appropriate locations where the financial impact will be maximized. Clients would also be required to attend classes to educate them on energy monitoring and system maintenance. Clients will receive a complete state of the art grid-tied photovoltaic system consisting of two solar modules, micro or mini inverter(s), racking, wiring, disconnect, and a system monitor to assess effectiveness of the installed system and assist in ROI calculations. The systems would offset a portion of the client’s electric bill. The proportion offset could increase over time as the client works to reduce energy usage and clients and/or sponsors provide additional solar modules to add to the installed starter systems. The monitor and expandability of the system would motivate clients to reduce energy usage, learn more about renewable energy systems, and be proactive in expanding the size of their own systems. Installation would be done by I-Renew with assistance from homeowners, renewable energy students, volunteers, and renewable energy contractors with oversight and final connection by licensed electricians to ensure electrical code compliance. Energy poverty is a hidden problem in the US. Many families, especially in rural communities, are struggling with unemployment, underemployment, low wage jobs, and rising energy prices. These families are often faced with untenable choices between competing necessities such as utility bills, food, clothing, health care and home maintenance. This project would provide low-income families with long term relief and opportunities for education in an emerging field - renewable energy - that is critically important for the future of American energy independence.

Green Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Club

In the market today you can find a plethora of green products like wind turbines, electric cars, or even electric motorcycles. While we would all love to own these, the truth is, most of us just can't afford it. What we want to accomplish with the Green DIY Club is to show that we can build these amazing technologies with stuff that is already available without breaking the bank. What we want to show is that we don't have to sit here and wait until manufacturers give us what we want at a price we can actually afford. We can build it right now with what we already have laying around! Possible Large DIY Projects: Electric Car Electric Motorcycle Wind Turbine Solar Travel Trailer Possible Small DIY Projects: Suitcase Solar System Solar Oven Portable Solar Charger All of these projects will be built at our Iowa Renewable Energy Training Center (IRETC) in Hiawatha, IA. We believe these projects will not only be engaging and educational, but loads of fun as well.