Sun Times September 2015

Sun TimesSeptember 2015 | Vol. 41 | No. 3

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE ALTERNATIVE ENERGY RESOURCES ORGANIZATION

Homegrown SustainabilityThe AERO 2015 Expo Issue

Sun Times September, 2015, Vol. 41, No. 3,

Sun Times

AERO BOARD OF DIRECTORS

BOARD CHAIRStephanie Laporte Potts, Missoula

BOARD VICE CHAIR Janet Hess-Herbert, Helena

BOARD SECRETARY Ellie Costello, Missoula

BOARD TREASURERKim Gilchrist , Missoula

Jim Mahnke, Columbia FallsMartha Brown, Red Lodge

Ephie Risho, BozemanTrina Filan, Helena

Tom Agnew, Big TimberPaul House, Bozeman

Paul Reichert, BozemanLaura Ginsburg, St. Ignatius

AERO STAFF

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORJennifer Hill-Hart

COMMUNICATIONS & MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR

Corrie Williamson

From Laura Ginsburg, Board Member

You have probably noticed the change in name for this year’s event. AERO has always called it the “Annual Meeting” which is short and to the point, but does not feel welcoming to non-members nor is it indicative of all the fun we have. The Board decided to rename it the “AERO Expo and Annual Meeting” to capture the fact that we offer hands-on learning and demonstrations, have thought-provoking discussions, visit with friends, listen to great music, and take care of AERO business for the year.

The theme of Homegrown Sustainability speaks to AERO’s grassroots initiatives; we have always been and will continue to be a member-driven organization that develops projects and finds solutions to pressing issues. Some of the best ideas are coming from the farm and community level and showcase the ingenuity of Montanans and AERO members. With homegrown sustainability, we will be able to address the ever-changing world in which we all live. Whether it is food, energy, or community resiliency, AERO will be there helping Montanans.

We are so excited to host the Expo at Arrowpeak Lodge outside of Great Falls. The Great Falls community is undergoing a local food and energy revitalization. Between the Westside Community Gardens/Gardens from Garbage, a growing contingent of young farmers, value-added processing of Montana grown crops, and wind energy development, the Golden Triangle is truly demonstrating homegrown sustainability.

Keynote speakers Sarah Calhoun and Liz Carlisle highlight the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit of Montanans, while Dr. Laura Lengnick will provide an engaging discussion about community resiliency. Other sessions include learning about the new cottage food bill, understanding Montana energy policy, financing food and energy projects, and more. We are providing ample time for open space discussions and member-led planning for AERO’s next projects.

By holding the Expo at Arrowpeak, we will have the space and time to unwind, relax, reconnect, and think big. We hope to see you there!

It’s the best time of year at AERO – the Expo is almost here!

Sun Times September 2015, Vol. 41, No. 3,

AERO recognizes and celebrates leaders in Sustainable Agriculture and Energy at the annual Expo. This is your opportunity to nominate!

Each year since 1987, AERO has given the Northern Rockies Sustainable Agriculture Award to innovative researchers, educators, and farmers doing exceptional work in the field of sustainable agriculture. This award recognizes the differences each of these individuals has made to sustainable farm and ranch practices, research, education, marketing, and the development of community-based food systems in Montana.

Since 2007, the Sustainable Energy Award has recognized individuals who, through their work or by their example, have helped to build and promote an energy system that is rooted in energy conservation, energy efficiency, and decentralized, Montana-owned, renewable energy production. This award recognizes the tremendous role these individuals have played in

Call for AERO Award Nominations

We would like all nominations in by Wednesday, September 16th so the Committee can make a selection and do preparations for our Annual Meeting at the Arrowpeak Lodge on September 25, 2015. If you nominate someone, you may be asked to be on the call for further information.

If you have a nominee, please send email Janet their name, contact information and why they deserve the award in 1-2 paragraphs. Janet Hess-Herbert, [email protected]

Nominations due Wednesday, September 16!

the adoption of conservation practices, the spread of renewable energy production, or the implementation of sustainable energy principles in homes, businesses, farms or communities around Montana.

Award recipients will be honored on Saturday evening at the Annual Meeting and Expo, receive a framed certificate, and have their names added to a plaque, which is proudly displayed in the AERO office.

The Ad-Hoc Awards Committee is accepting nominations now in each of the following categories:

Sustainable Agriculture (new categories!)Category 1- Implementer: Home/Farm/Business OwnerCategory 2- Instigator: Promoter/Organizer/Educator

Sustainable EnergyCategory 1- Implementer: Home/Farm/Business OwnerCategory 2- Instigator: Promoter/Organizer/Educator

Past Sustainable Agriculture Award Winners:2014 Dick Espenscheid and Red Lodge Area Food

Partnership Council 2013 Floyd & Jean Dahlman, Brent Sarchet2012 Ole Norgaard, Jason Mandala2011 Paul Hubbard, Jacob & Courtney Cowgill2010 Mark Rehder – Farms for Families and MSU

Sustainable Food & Bio-energy Systems 2009 Kiki Hubbard, Pam Clevenger & Kurt Wellborn2008 Leslie Kline, Barry Flamm, Dave Christensen, Crissie

McMullan2007 Bruce Smith, Pam Gerwe, Mikel & Nancy Lund2006 Laura Garber & Paul Madeen, Cliff Bradley & Doug

Crabtree

Past Energy Award Winners:2014 Ben Reed, Henry Dykema and Ben

Brouwer 2013 Kyla Maki, Kim Reineking2012 Russ Doty, Kathi Montgomery2011 Ed Gulick, Larry Gallagher2010 Dave Ryan, Jim Baerg2009 Sam Hoffman/Red Lodge Ales, Gloria

Flora2008 Ross Holter/Flathead Electric Co-op,

Steve Loken, Pat Dopler2007 Dr. David Healow, Chris Borton/Sage

Mountain Center

Sun TimesSeptember 2015, Vol. 41, No. 3,

Martha Brown, AERO Board Member & founding member Red Lodge Area Food Partnership Council

Flashback: AERO’s 2014 Annual Meeting in Red LodgeIf you are trying to decide whether or not to attend AERO’s 2015 Expo and Annual Meeting, let me tell you nobody does annual get-togethers like AERO!

The weekend is always packed with lots of energy, creative ideas, thoughtful discussions, and amazing keynote speakers (not to mention delicious food and fun times spent

with a wide array of people from across the state). Every year I look forward it!

The energy and new ideas I come away with give me renewed commitment to engage with my community and others across Montana in building sustainable food systems, supporting our farmers, and moving renewable energy initiatives forward.


Things to Keep in Mind at Arrowpeak!Arrowpeak Lodge is approximately 40 miles from Great Falls, through the mountains. Please allow upwards of an hour for commuting time.

Queen rooms and cabins are SOLD OUT. Bunks and camping with RV hookups are still available. Lodging is also available in Great Falls, and La Quinta Inn is offering a 10% discount to anyone attending the Expo!

Cell-phone service is sketchy to nonexistent, though wifi is available!

Tour transportation is up to you! Plan ahead for timing, whether coming from Great Falls or Arrowpeak, to be sure you arrive on time. Carpooling is a great option as well, and may be coordinated Friday morning at Arrowpeak.

The meeting is a family friendly event, and children are welcome at all presentations and panels. Childcare will be offered on Saturday: contact Corrie Williamson at [email protected] for more information.

September in the mountains may get chilly! Bring plenty of layers, and sleeping bags both for camping and bunking.


Yes, it’s that time of year again – Board elections!

So far, we have three applications from potential new board members. Read a bit about them below, get to know them at the Expo, then be sure to vote on new board members at the annual business meeting.

Are you interested in playing an integral role in AERO’s mission? Board applications are still being accepted, and nominations can be made from the floor. Contact a current board member to discuss what being on the board is all about!

AERO Board Elections

2015 Board Applicants:Shay Farmer Farm to Institution Program Manager, Mission Mountain Food Enterprise Center, St. Ignatious

How do you feel AERO would benefit from your involvement on the Board?

I am focused on finding solutions to problems, breaking them down in to smaller processes, and figuring out how something can be accomplished. I think this is an important asset that I could bring to the board of AERO….

Most of my professional experience stems from local food system development work that I currently do at Mission Mountain Food Enterprise Center, such as grant writing, fundraising, and program management. However, I’m really looking to expand my knowledge and network of Montana organizations and individuals that work on renewable energy projects. I’m particularly interested in the idea of community supported solar panels

Katie Wheeler Neskey Program Assistant - Community Health & Development, Extension Service, Salish Kootenai College, St. Ignatius/Pablo


I have incredibly strong logistical and organizational skills, and my resourcefulness and ability to troubleshoot problems is exceptional. My attention to detail and ability to manage

multiple projects is reinforced throughout all aspects of my work, as are my abilities to think broadly and creatively across organizational boundaries.

As beginning farmers, my family and myself are incredibly invested in the MT agricultural community, and I am very passionate about local and regional food system development. And also… my husband and I met at the 2012 AERO annual meeting so I’ve got a whole lot of love for the organization!

Jeff Pernell Founder, Galactic Farms, Missoula


I believe strongly in the necessity of sustainable communities as we progress as a global society. I enjoy spreading the word about what communities can do to reduce their dependence on larger systems and how to implement changes that improve local economies. Food and Energy are my passions and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to help educate the local populations about how to produce both effectively and efficiently.

Jeff also previously served as the Regional Director and Director of Education of the Aquaponics Association. He continues to serve on the Aquaponics Association Local Growers Committee.

HOMEGROWN 2015 AERO EXPO

& ANNUAL MEETING

FEATURED SPEAKERS

Sept. 25-27, 2015Arrowpeak LodgeGreat Falls, MT

More info at aeromt.org/expo

Liz Carlisle

SUSTAINABILITY

RENEWABLE ENERGY

SUSTAINABLEAGRICULTURE

GRASSROOTSLOCAL IMPACT

RESILIENT COMMUNITIES Sarah Calhoun

Author of The Lentil Underground

Founder of Red Ants Pants

Sponsors


SAVE THE DATE for the AERO Expo & Annual Meeting!We’re getting pretty excited around the office about all the good things brewing for this year’s Annual Expo and Meeting at Arrowpeak Lodge, outside of Great Falls, from September 25 - 27. We’re remembering all the fun we’ve had in the past, and ready to make this year’s Expo & Annual Meeting the best yet.

Here’s a little preview of the fun:

• Keynote speakers Sarah Calhoun of Red Ants Pants & Liz Carlisle, author of Lentil Underground.

• Three days of incredible farm tours, renewable energy, conservation & sustainable agriculture workshops, & panels.

• Live & silent auctions.

• A BBQ with dancing & music by Local Yokel.

• And SO much more (including rumors of a revival of the New Western Energy Show…)

Excited? So are we! Want to get involved by volunteering, teaching a workshop, or donating an auction item? Email Laura Ginsburg at [email protected].

Read more, watch for updates and registration information at our website: http://www.aeromt.org/annual-expo-meeting/

Want to stay updated? Sign up for

our newsletter or email our Communications & Membership Director Corrie Williamson for more info about events or becoming an AERO Sponsor at [email protected].

Why the new name, you ask? We on the AERO Board decided it was time to show even more people how awesome AERO is and to encourage them to get involved. Calling it the “annual meeting” made it sound like too much business was happening (and we know how much fun we have), so we’ve decided to call it the Expo so that non-members feel welcome to join. This year’s event is all about inclusion, so we will have lots of kid-friendly activities, a good mix of hands-on and active sessions, and Arrowpeak offers room to roam for those who want to take a breather and enjoy the mountains.


SAVE THE DATE for the AERO Expo & Annual Meeting!Keynote SpeakersSarah Calhoun, of Red Ants Pants

Sarah Calhoun is the founder of Red Ants Pants, functional and flattering workwear for women, in White Sulphur Springs, MT. Calhoun has been called a “revolutionary figure in rural business today” and a “powerhouse of inspiration for women in business” and is known for her dedication to supporting rural communities. In 2011, she was invited by President Obama to attend a White House forum on jobs and economic development after serving as a US Delegate to the APEC Women in Business Summit, and in 2012 she was the National Women in Business Champion for the Small Business Administration. Closer to home, Governor Schweitzer named her the 2011 Entrepreneur of the Year for the State of Montana. Calhoun and her company have been featured in many national publications including Entrepreneur, National Geographic, Delta Sky, Country Woman, Sunset, and Airstream Life. More

Liz Carlisle, author The Lentil Underground

A journalist and Montana native, Liz Carlisle is also a fellow at the Center for Diversified Farming Systems at the University of California, Berkeley. She holds a Ph.D. in Geography, also from Berkeley, and a B.A. from Harvard University. A native of Missoula, Montana, Carlisle is a former Legislative Aide to United States Senator Jon Tester. Her book, Lentil Underground, tells the inspiring story of a handful of colorful pioneers who have successfully bucked the chemically-based food chain and the entrenched power of agribusiness’s one percent, by stubbornly banding together. Unearthing the deep roots of this movement, Lentil Underground introduces readers to a memorable cast of characters, from gun-toting libertarians and Christian homesteaders to peace-sign-waving environmental activists. Her eye-opening and richly reported narrative that will be welcomed by readers of food and farm memoirs, as well as everyone concerned with the future of American agriculture and natural food in an increasingly uncertain world. More

Photo courtesy of Red Ants Pants Music Festival & RedAntsPants.com

Photo & bio courtesy of lentilunderground.com


Resilient Agriculture recognizes the critical role that sustainable agriculture will play in the coming decades and beyond. The latest science on climate risk, resilience and climate change adaptation is blended with the personal experience of farmers and ranchers to explore: • The “strange changes” in weather recorded over the last decade • The associated shifts in crop and livestock behavior • The actions producers have taken to maintain productivity in a changing climate.

The climate change challenge is real, and it is here now. To enjoy the sustained production of food, fiber and fuel well into the 21st century, we must begin now to make changes that will enhance the adaptive capacity and resilience of North American agriculture. The rich knowledge base presented in Resilient Agriculture is poised to serve as the cornerstone of an evolving, climate-ready food system.

Expo Workshop HighlightLaura Lengnick is a researcher, policymaker, activist, educator and farmer whose work explores the community-enhancing potential of sustainable agriculture and food systems. Laura contributed to the 3rd National Climate Assessment as a lead author of the USDA report Climate Change and Agriculture in the United States: Effects and Adaptation. After leading the academic program in sustainable agriculture at Warren Wilson College for more than a decade, Laura is now an affiliated researcher with the Local Food Research Center and a climate

resilience planning consultant with Fernleaf Solutions, both located in Asheville, NC.

Laura will speak on agriculture and community at the Expo and Annual Meeting on Saturday afternoon at 2:45.

Photo and bio courtesy of New Society Publishers.

Attention Communication-Savvy Members!The communications committee is looking for two volunteers to join the team. It is an exciting time in AERO’s communications, with expansion of the Sun Times and new developments in online media.

The positions require a person experienced in writing, mixed media, and an awareness of the publishing world, and be capable of helping make phone calls to potential sponsors. Volunteers will be expected to commit 1-2 hours per week.

We would like to fill the positions by the end of September. Please inquire with communications committee co-chair Ephie Risho at [email protected].


Farm Tours at the Expo Friday, Sep 25thPrairie Heritage Farm: Jacob and Courtney Cowgill

Tour will meet at 11 am, at 420 10th Lane NE, Power

Directions from Great Falls:Travel north on I-15.Exit at Power.Head west for 7 miles on Highway 431.Turn left (south) onto 10th Lane NE.Our farm is 1/4 mile on 10th Lane on the right (west). You’ll see a red barn and the high tunnel.

Info: Prairie Heritage Farm is a certified organic, diversified farm near Great Falls, Montana. They grow fresh vegetables, vegetable seed, and ancient and heritage grains (including Emmer and Einkorn). The farm is owned and operated by Jacob and Courtney Cowgill, two central Montanans returning to their roots. They believe that family farms nourish not only the people who work them, but the people they feed and communities in which they live. They believe organic agriculture, diversification and a robust local food system are good for the health of the farm, customers, community, and the environment.

The tour will likely consist of visiting the high tunnels and low tunnels, and discussing our season extension and winter growing experiments. We’ll talk about our heritage and ancient grain projects, and our vegetable seed work with the Triple Divide Organic Seed Cooperative. As most of the veggies will have been harvested from the fields, there may not be much to see, but we’ll still walk the vegetable fields to look at what’s remaining and talk about our growing systems and the national development in small-scale vegetable farming techniques and technologies.

Straw Bale Build: Heather & Kevin Hadley

Tour will meet at 11 am, at 2388 Old US Hwy 91, Cascade

Directions from Great Falls: Take I-15 south, travel 31 miles Take Exit 247-Hardy Creek, then turn right onto Old US Hwy 91At about .6 miles will be 2388. Turn up driveway and stay left at fork (new driveway) by garden, and follow up the hill.

Directions from Helena: Take I-15 north, travel approx. 55 milesTake Exit 247-Hardy Creek, then turn left and under I-15At about .7 miles will be 2388. Turn up driveway and stay left at for (new driveway) by garden, and follow up the hill.

Info: Transplants from Juneau, Alaska, we moved to Montana to be close to Heather’s parents in their golden years. We have chosen to build a post-and-beam, straw bale infill home on the property Heather’s parents have called home for 20 years. We broke ground in July and are currently working on our foundation with our large stack of 400 organic straw bales on site, looming over us. We will talk about how we started with a much larger design, but having become enamored by the small building movement, have scaled down the size of our home to 690sf. As well, having lived in a travel trailer for over two years with a 70 lb. husky, and one more winter to go, we’ve learned that we can be very comfortable in a smaller space. We follow the straw bale construction philosophy of Andrew Morrison of Strawbale.com and will discuss that philosophy and construction details as learned from him. If you participate in both straw bale home tours, you will see how diverse straw bale construction can be - and it’s all good.


and teach others how to grow food by nourishing what we have in our community and connecting with others who are doing the same.

Tour will explore the Westside Orchard Garden, a 2.2 acre plot where Gardens from Garbage grows, model and employs a variety of gardening methods, teaching classes for adults, mentoring kids raising their own vegetables, experimenting with new and innovative methods for growing, and hosting seminars for groups. They produce their own garden soil with bokashi composting and develop lasagna-composted gardening beds.

Timeless Seeds, Inc.: with Dave Oien

Tour will meet at 11 o’clock at 48 Ulm-Vaughn Road, Ulm

Directions from Great Falls:Take I-15 south, travel 8.6 miles to Exit 270, UlmTurn right at the off ramp stop signTtravel approximately 1 mile and Timeless will be on your left.

Directions from Helena: Take I-15 north, travel approx. 78 miles to Exit 270 UlmTurn left at the off ramp stop sign and go under I-15Travel approximately 1 mile and Timeless will be on your left.

Info: Created in 1987 by four organic farmers to market product from their own farms, Timeless Seeds now contracts and sources organic pulses and grains from organic farmers throughout Montana and the region. This certified organic facility cleans, processes, and packages pulses and grains for distribution throughout the United States and for export. The hallmark of Timeless Seeds has been the introduction of unique and highly nutritious specialty grains like our Black Beluga Lentils, Purple Prairie Barley, and Black Kabuli Chickpeas. Timeless Seeds is proud to provide its customers with GMO-free and certified organic products and strives to follow the three pillars of sustainability: people, planet, and profits.

Quinn Ranch & Montana Organic Horizons Snacks: Bob Quinn

Tour will meet at 10am at 333 Kamut Lane, Big Sandy

Directions from Great Falls:Head east on 10th Ave S toward 15th St STurn left at the 1st cross street onto US-87 N/15th St S (signs for Black Eagle/Havre)Turn right onto State Hwy 236/Judith Landing Rd (signs for Montana 236)Turn right onto Kamut Lane

Info: The tour will explore the Quinn Ranch’s experimental orchard & vegetable garden, viewing the nine-year rotation demonstration, and the vegetable oil threshing facilities, where oil from Montana Horizons Organic Snackfood production is cleaned up and repurposed for use in the farm’s tractors.

The tour will then move on to Big Sandy for a bowl of soup at the deli and a tour of the newly opened Montana Horizons Organic Snacks processing facility. A family owned business, they are dedicated to producing nutritious and tasty organic snacks made from Kamut® brand ancient wheat. Today, Kracklin’ Kamut® is produced in the town’s previously operated log cabin bakery.

Keep in mind that this is the longest drive from Arrowpeak or Great Falls, and plan accordingly!

Gardens from Garbage: Mike Dalton (aka Captain Compost)

Tour will meet at 11 am at the Westside Orchard Garden, 400 16th Street SW, 59404 Great Falls

Gardens from Garbage grew out of a recognized need for sustainability - for the vitality of our environment and our communities. Our current food system relies heavily on transporting food grown in distant environments, which results in fuel consumption and reliance on an unsustainable system. Instead, we strive to learn


Homeowners build a solar air system and decrease propane fuel use by 50%Cathy Champion-Predmore, AERO member

A couple of amateur builders in Helena have built an inexpensive but effective solar panel. The results are surprising!

The project, completed in 2013 (nearly 20 years after it started!), was designed to be a supplementary heat source for a two-car garage with music studio and hot tub room above. The homeowners installed a rock room for mass under the garage, then plywood ductwork connecting the rock room to the attic. The owners did everything except build the solar panel, until 20 years went by and the shingled roof wore out and they committed to finishing the solar collector project while replacing the roof.

The model for the project was designed by a relative. He used drawings from West Central WI Community Action Agency in Glenwood City, Wisconsin that were in a magazine called The Solar Survey. The relative created his own drawings, which were then altered to include additional insulation and a different, modern glazing material. His system included a 30-gallon tank buried in the rock room to pre-heat water, but this one does not. Both solar systems were designed as part of new building construction, however it is very feasible to retrofit a new panel to existing buildings, even without the rock storage.

Materials for this 20’X8’ collector cost around $2,300.00. Everything except polycarbonate sheets and toggle ventilators was purchased locally. The system cut this couple’s propane bill covering September 2013 through August 2014 in half from the previous year. There are two 14” attic fans that blow air. One fan is automatically turned on when the air in the solar panel reaches 90, 110, or 130 degrees F. When the music studio is heated to 72 degrees, a switch rotates a gate and directs the hot air to the rock bin under the garage. Then at night, when the room cools off, a different fan kicks on and blows heat from the heated rocks to the music studio until the heat is depleted, or the studio is too warm. In February of 2015, the rock bin was observed to be 130 degrees – plenty of heat to keep the whole building warm.

During the first winter, 2013-14, the rock bin was not yet hooked into the system. On sunny and partly cloudy days, the collector provided many BTUs for the music studio and the owners’ propane bill was cut by 50%, from $800/year to $400/year. There were many Montana winter days when the sun (and a 14” attic fan) raised the temperature in the music studio 10 degrees. Some days, they had to open the door and cool off! When the rock bin gives that extra mass of heat for cold winter nights, they anticipate their propane bill will total $100/year or less.

(HELENA MEMBERS: Look for an open house tour of this home and solar system later this fall!)


Solar Powered Camp TrailerLiving in the small town of Red Lodge, one becomes friends and neighbors with everyone in town. The first 10 minutes of a doctor visit is spent catching up on each other’s lives before having to break off to conduct the business at hand.

So it went with my annual eye exam. Larry, my eye doctor, and I were chatting away, when one of us said the words “camp trailer,” at which point we broke out the photos, where we learned that we had the same model. Then he said that he had just installed a solar panel on his camp trailer. He had my full attention. We almost forgot my eye exam.

There are two types of RV traveling. One is “camping” in an RV park where unlimited electricity, water and sewer are provided. The other is “dry camping” in a National or State Park or Forest Service campground or just traveling into BLM land with no service. This second type is our preference most of the time. Electricity from our 12 volt batteries powers our lights and furnace and stove fan. Running out of electricity is usually the limiting factor on how long we can dry camp. Our two propane tanks last much longer.

To extend one’s time while dry camping, or to be able to use more electricity, most folks use a generator to re-charge their batteries. These are expensive, noisy, smelly and burn dinosaurs. Solar panels would be a nifty answer to that dilemma.

With Larry’s help, I bought a 60-watt solar panel, a controller, 50 feet of wire and 10 LED replacement light bulbs for about $175 on eBay, free shipping.

In April, we did a two-week camping/hiking trip to Utah and used our solar system for the first time. In the evenings we used some lights, and in the morning we ran the furnace to take the chill off, which dropped the battery charge level to about 2/3. But every day, after returning from a day’s hiking, the batteries were at full charge.

EBay now sells a kit with a 100 watt solar panel, controller and 50 feet of wire with connectors for $175. Search for “100 W solar panel kit.” Also switch to LED lights. I bought 10 bulbs for $15.

Installation:

1. Plan the wire route from the solar panel on the roof to the controller, then to your trailer service panel where the battery cables come in.

2. Locate the panel on the roof. I located my panel above a closet that was above the service panel. The controller mounted to the back wall of the closet. The controller has lights that indicate the system status. The panel comes with four L brackets that mount the panel flat to, and about 1-2” off, the roof.

3. Drill a hole in the roof, maybe under the solar panel. Be certain that you’re not drilling into something.

4. The wire has a male and female connection on each end. Connect them to the panel wire pigtails. Now feed the other end through the roof to the controller.

5. Caulk the wire and screw holes.

6. Mount the controller. Cut the wires to length and attach to the controller.

7. Connect two more wires to the controller and feed them to the service panel.

8. Connect those wires to the posts that the battery wires connect to.

9. Now go look at the pretty lights on the controller. You’re done!

An alternative set-up would be to wire up everything, fit the panel to an easel stand, fit battery alligator clamps to the wire ends, store it all in a nice case, then just set it up on the ground each time.

Les Hedquist [email protected], 406-425-3804


1096 Helena Ave • OPEN: Mon-Sat 8-8; Sun 9-7 • 406.443.5150

Thank You Helena for Our First 40 Years!

Your locally owned natural and organic supermarket since 1975.

Follow AERO on Facebook

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AERO is a proud founding

member of Montana

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Support AERO’s work to build sustainable communities, while proudly displaying your values with the AERO License Plate! This sponsored plate is available at all Montana county motor vehicle offices. The first-time cost of the plate is $35, which includes a manufacturing fee paid to the state, as well as a donation to AERO. After that the annual renewal cost is $20, all of which goes directly to AERO. Because we are not able to track license plate sales, we cannot offer a membership for your purchase of a plate.

September 11, 5-9pmSummer Sustainability Tour Meet and Greet + Dinner at the Salad BarN in Whitefish, hosted by Pam Gerwe of Purple Frog Gardens and AERO Members Jim Mahnke and Diane Taylor, with special guests from Glacier Climate Action

September 14, 5:30-8pmPints for Purpose at Bridger Brewing in Bozeman+ Summer Sustainbility Tour Stop at Groundworks Farm in Fort Shaw

September 18, 9am-4pmMontana Renewable Energy Association’s Clean Energy Fair, Missoula. Look for AERO’s Table at the fair!

September 22, 5:30-9pmHelena Member Gathering at Lewis and Clark Brewing Co. featuring presentations and discussions on Transition Towns by Chris Thompson and Resilient Communities by Max Milton + Ales for Charity!

September 25-27AERO Expo & Annual Meeting in Arrowpeak Lodge, outside of Great Falls. Keynote speakers Sarah Calhoun of Red Ants Pants & Liz Carlisle, author of Lentil Underground. Three days of incredible farm tours, renewable energy, conservation & sustainable agriculture workshops, & panels. Live & silent auctions. A BBQ with dancing & music by Local Yokel.

October 11, 11amHelena SUN RUN. AERO is co-sponsoring the Sun Run, whose goal is to raise awareness for renewable energy and outfit the Lewis and Clark Library with a solar installation. Join us in the walk, run, or bike parade!

October 19, 5:30-8pmRaise a Pint at Mighty Mo Brewing Company, Great Falls

Show Your Support with an AERO License Plate!

Upcoming Events

1600 S. 3rd St. West

Missoula

406.541.3663

www.goodfoodstore.com

Please register by September 20. Online registration (preferred) via AERO’s website (www.aeromt.org) or mail this form along with your check to: AERO at 432 N. Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT 59601 Additional questions? Please call (406) 443-7272

2015 AERO Expo & Annual Meeting Homegrown Sustainability

September 25-27, 2015 • Arrowpeak Lodge • (near Great Falls)

Name(s): ________________________________________________ Address: __________________________ City: ________________ State: _________________ Zip: __________ Phone: ________________ Email: ___________________________ Childcare will be offered Saturday. My child is attending & will need care (Y/N) ______ Names_________________________________________

RATES FOR REGISTRATION AND MEALS Visit aeromt.org/expo for EARLY BIRD PRICES through Sept. 1! Lodging other than camping is limited: call 406-443-7272 or visit aeromt.org/expo to register and sign up for cabin, queen room, & bunk options online. Camping: _______ x $5 a night = _________ Full Registration Includes activities Friday morning through Sunday noon, and all meals from Friday breakfast through Sunday breakfast.

Number of attendees: ______ x $100 (AERO member) = _________ ______ $250 (AERO Family: 2 adults & kids) ______ $350 (Non-member family) ______ x $150 (Non-member) = _________ ______ x $50 (Student) = _________

Friday OR Saturday All day Friday includes tours, all sessions, Sarah Calhoun keynote, cake-off, and dinner. All day Saturday includes all meals, live auction, all sessions, Liz Carlisle keynote, and music/dancing.

Number of attendees: ______ x $55 (AERO member) = _________

______ x $75 (Non-member) = _________ ______ $150 (AERO family: 2 adults & kids)

______ $225 (Non-member family)

Harvest Market or Organizational/Business Table # of tables: ____ x $15 = _________

Name: __________________________________________ Product(s): _________________________________________ TOTAL: ________

SILENT AUCTION DONATION(S) Help make this auction the best yet to celebrate our 41st year. Do you have a unique item, service or art piece to donate? Sign up here!

Description of item(s): _____________________________________________

☐ I will be bringing item(s) to the Expo. ☐ I will drop items(s) off at the AERO office or with an AERO board member by September 20th.

Name of Board member: ____________________________

CAKE-OFF : ☐ I will be bringing a cake for the Cake-Off fundraiser on Friday night!

Tours Friday • September 25, 9 am

For more details, visit www.aeromt.org/expo

Please choose just one! ❏ Prairie Heritage Farm

(Power) 9 am # attending ___

❏ Gardens from Garbage (Great Falls) 9am # attending ___

❏ Timeless Foods (Ulm) 9 am # attending ____

❏ Straw Bale House (south of Great Falls) 9 am # attending ___

❏ Kamut Organic (Big Sandy) 9 am #attending ___

Food preferences:

❏ Vegan #: ______

❏ Vegetarian #: ______

❏ Omnivore #: ______

Food allergies: Please describe: ____________________________________________ _______________________________

The AERO Sun Times is published by the Alternative Energy Resources Organization432 N. Last Chance Gulch Helena, MT 59601EIN #81-035-0698ph: 406-443-7272 / fax: [email protected] / www.aeromt.org2015© Copyright by AERO (ISSN 1046-0993)

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AERO is a grassroots nonprofit organization dedicated to solutions that promote resource conservation and local economic vitality. AERO nurtures individual and community self-reliance through programs that support sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and environmental quality.

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY RESOURCES ORGANIZATION • 432 N. LAST CHANCE GULCH • HELENA, MONTANA 59601 TEL: (406) 443-7272 • WWW.AEROMT.ORGLinking People, Sustainable Agriculture & Energy Solutions

Sun Times September 2015

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Transcript of Sun Times September 2015