example of a vibro-bot a.k.a. bugbot!

UPDATE: Thanks to everyone for their interest in Bugbot! THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT!

In this workshop, participants will learn how to construct a circuit that gathers solar energy and releases it in bursts, and then use it in the creation of a small, light-powered, vibro-bot. These Bugbots will respond directly to the intensity of the light that they are exposed to, using solar energy to power two vibrating pager motors. On a sunny day they will skitter about frantically… On cloudy days they will move intermittently as they build up energy.

During the course of this workshop, participants will be introduced the basics of solar electronics and circuit construction. Each participant will solder their own circuit board and build a Bugbot of their own to take home. Participants need no prior experience in this field. Just come with a willingness to learn!

Date: Saturday, March 13

Time: 1pm-5pm

Cost: $35 (covers materials and other workshop costs)

Taught by Christian Cerrito, Resident Researcher Interactive Telecommunications Program, NYU. Visit his website here!

Green Your Home from the Inside Out!

Saturday, March 27th, 12pm – 3pm
Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, Building P
1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island

Solar One, New York City’s green energy, arts & education center, in partnership with the NYC Compost Project and the NYC Department of Sanitation, presents Green From the Inside Out on Saturday, March 27 at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden.

Green From the Inside Out gives Staten Island homeowners the knowledge and resources they need to make their homes more environmentally friendly by saving energy (and money!), reducing waste, and recycling correctly. Come test your recycling knowledge, find out about composting, learn what incentives are available for your home improvements, find out if solar power and green roofs are right for you, and talk to vendors of green products and services. Featuring presentations by Solar One, the NYC Compost Project, the NYC Department of Sanitation, and New York State Energy Research and Development Authority Energy $mart Communities.

Please RSVP to Celia Salgado at 212-505-6050 or celia@solar1.org.

Presentation Details:

Composting 101

The NYC Compost Project on Staten Island will discuss the simple steps involved in creating rich compost from household food scraps.  Learn about the different ways to compost at home, how to effectively maintain a compost bin, troubleshoot common issues, and utilize the finished product in your garden.

Recycling and Beyond

Learn the basics and the fine print of New York City’s curbside recycling program.  Best practices in waste prevention and reuse, as well as legislative updates on materials not collected curbside, such as plastic bags and rechargeable batteries, will be discussed.

Reducing Energy Costs Through Energy Efficiency

Find out how to save money, help the environment, and make your home even more comfortable. Learn easy tips for energy savings, as well as cost-effective ways to make a big difference in your home energy bills.  Government and utility incentives for homeowners to make energy-efficiency improvements will be discussed by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) Energy $mart Communities Coordinator for Staten Island.

A Survey of Rooftop Solar Applications in NYC:  Solar Thermal and Photovoltaics

Learn the difference between the two most common kinds of solar power used in New York City homes, and how to determine which application is right for you.   Solar One’s Chris Neidl will review the generous government incentives currently available for solar and discuss how homeowners can find a solar installer.  “White roofs” and “green roofs” will also be discussed.

Free event! Refreshments will be provided!

The next Green from the Inside Out will be held February 27 at the Interpretive Center at Clay Pit Ponds Park Preserve in Staten Island. More information is available here.

Below: NYSERDA Energy $mart Communities Coordinator Max Joel discusses ways to save energy in apartment buildings.

Solar One in partnership with the Office of Recycling Outreach and Education will be touring Green from the Inside Out, a three-part workshop on recycling, energy efficiency, and rooftop possibilities for multifamily buildings, throughout New York City.

These workshops are designed to give building owners, shareholders, and managers the tools, resources, and information they need to green their multifamily building.  Look below for the workshop descriptions, to see the date and location of the next workshop, and to reserve your spot.

If you would like us to bring these workshops to your neighborhood, contact Celia Salgado at celia@solar1.org, or 212-505-6050.

6:30pm: A Survey of Solar Energy Roof Applications for NYC: Solar Thermal, Photovoltaics, Green Roofs and White Roofs

In this workshop Solar One will introduce, define and discuss the economic and quality of life implications of three solar rooftop applications that have considerable promise in the five borough area: solar thermal technology, photovoltaics and white roofs.

7:15 pm: Combating Rising Energy Costs with Energy Efficiency for Multifamily Buildings

Find out how to reduce fuel and utility costs while improving resident comfort and building performance. Solar One’s NYSERDA Energy $mart Communities Coordinator will present cost-effective ways for residential building owners and managers to make lighting, appliances, heating and cooling more energy efficient. Learn about the government and utility incentives that are available for your building, as well as the Community Preservation Corporation’s new Neighborhood Energy Loan Program that provides financing for retrofitting multi-family apartment buildings for energy efficiency.

8pm: Navigating NYC’s Recycling Landscape

Hear about new recycling laws and old misconceptions. Find out how to avoid fines, improve your recycling program and get your tenants to recycle.  Learn about other ways to reduce waste, recycle more and help make NYC a little greener. OROE is a program of the Council on the Environment of New York City.

WHEN:  Monday, January 25th

6:30pm to 8:30pm

WHERE: Sol Goldman YM-YWHA

344 East 14th Street New York, NY

RSVP’s required.  Send email to celia@solar1.org to RSVP

RSVP’d guests can arrive at 6:15 to speak with Vendors about products. Presentations will start at 6:30pm and run until 8:30pm. There will be breaks in between presentations to talk to Vendors.

Free!  Refreshments will be served.  Vendors will be available to answer any technical questions about energy audits, different roof applications, and recycling.

GREEN FROM THE INSIDE OUT is a product of Solar One, in partnership with the Office of Recycling Outreach and Education. This series was made possible by a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency.

Solar One just completed the first installment of Going Solar in NYC, a short video series that provides New York property owners with practical information regarding solar investment in the Five Borough area.

In this episode David Buckner, President of Brooklyn-based Solar Energy Systems, one of the city’s largest and longest running installation firms, provides an overview of the requirements, processes and costs that are typical of solar investments for commercial properties.

Tonight’s Event is full. Space is still available for the 1/25 Green From the Inside Out.

Solar One in partnership with the Office of Recycling Outreach and Education will be touring Green from the Inside Out, a three-part workshop on recycling, energy efficiency, and rooftop possibilities for multifamily buildings, throughout New York City.

These workshops are designed to give building owners, shareholders, and managers the tools, resources, and information they need to green their multifamily building.  Look below for the workshop descriptions, to see the date and location of the next workshop, and to reserve your spot.

If you would like us to bring these workshops to your neighborhood, contact Celia Salgado at celia@solar1.org, or 212-505-6050.

A Survey of Solar Energy Roof Applications for NYC: Solar Thermal, Photovoltaics, Green Roofs and White Roofs

In this workshop Solar One will introduce, define and discuss the economic and quality of life implications of three solar rooftop applications that have considerable promise in the five borough area: solar thermal technology, photovoltaics and white roofs.

Navigating NYC’s Recycling Landscape

Hear about new recycling laws and old misconceptions. Find out how to avoid fines, improve your recycling program and get your tenants to recycle.  Learn about other ways to reduce waste, recycle more and help make NYC a little greener. OROE is a program of the Council on the Environment of New York City.

Combating Rising Energy Costs with Energy Efficiency for Multifamily Buildings

Find out how to reduce fuel and utility costs while improving resident comfort and building performance. Solar One’s NYSERDA Energy $mart Communities Coordinator will present cost-effective ways for residential building owners and managers to make lighting, appliances, heating and cooling more energy efficient. Learn about the government and utility incentives that are available for your building, as well as the Community Preservation Corporation’s new Neighborhood Energy Loan Program that provides financing for retrofitting multi-family apartment buildings for energy efficiency.

WHEN:  Wednesday, January 20

6:00pm to 8:30pm, plus post-event mixer!

WHERE: Central Park Arsenal

830 5th Avenue, Suite 318, NY

RSVP’s required.  Send email to celia@solar1.org to RSVP.

And from 8:30-10:00pm we are hosting a special event! Only on this special evening we will be hosting a Winter Networking Mixer overlooking Central Park! Invite your clients and business partners to partake in this unique networking evening. Find out what’s going green, and who’s going green in the Upper East Side! Entrance is free and drinks can be purchased.

RSVP’d guests can arrive at 6:00 to speak with Vendors about products. Presentations will start at 6:30pm and run until 8:30pm. There will be breaks in between presentations to talk to Vendors.

Free!  Refreshments will be served.  Vendors will be available to answer any technical questions about energy audits, different roof applications, and recycling.

GREEN FROM THE INSIDE OUT is a product of Solar One, in partnership with the Office of Recycling Outreach and Education. This series was made possible by a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency.

In this workshop Solar One will introduce, define and discuss the economic and quality of life implications of three solar rooftop applications that have considerable promise in the five borough area: solar thermal technology, photovoltaics and white roofs.  Note Location:  University Settlement, 273 Bowery (at Houston)

6:00 PM -  Navigating NYC’s Recycling Landscape

Recycling: it’s good for the city, benefits the planet and is required by law, but many find the reality of recycling challenging.  How does your building’s program measure up and how can you improve your recycling performance? 

Residential building managers, superintendents, board members and others will benefit from this presentation from the Office of Recycling Outreach and Education (OROE).  Hear about new recycling laws and old misconceptions. Find out how to avoid fines, improve your recycling program and get your tenants to recycle.  Learn about other ways to reduce waste, recycle more and help make NYC a little greener. OROE is a program of the Council on the Environment of New York City.

7:00 PM – Combating Rising Energy Costs with Energy Efficiency for Multifamily Buildings

Concerned about the increasing costs of energy in your building?  Green from the Ground Up presents a workshop for Energy Efficiency in Buildings that offers tips on reducing your building’s energy use while making an environmental impact.  Learn how to improve your building’s energy efficiency in lighting, appliances, and heating systems, thereby lowering your fuel and utility bills. 

In this workshop, Solar One’s NYSERDA Energy $mart Communities Coordinator will discuss government incentives available for your building such as the Multifamily Performance Program, and weatherization programs.  Vendors will be available to answer any technical questions, and to sign up your building for an energy audit.

8:00PM – A Survey of Solar Energy Roof Applications for NYC: Solar Thermal, Photovoltaics, Green Roofs and White Roofs

Over one million buildings make up New York City’s one of a kind built environment, and the nearly one billion square feet of largely vacant roofscape that mark its vertical border amount to what is perhaps our most underutilized asset.  Our roofs have an enormous potential to accomodate clean solar energy applications and therefore to address a number of our most pressing local energy challenges, including the urban heat island effect, escalating household energy costs, power failure, growing carbon emissions, and poor air quality.

Looking to reduce your building’s energy use, and need resources to help?  Join Energy $mart Communities Coordinator, Diana Pangestu, for a seminar on two of NYSERDA’s more popular incentive programs – the Multifamily Performance Program, and Photovoltaics Incentives.  Find out the in’s and outs of each program, how much incentives are available, and how you can start saving money today.  Get energy efficiency tips for your building and find out what government tax credits and incentives you may be eligible for.  For more information, contact diana@solar1.org or 212-785-0734.  Location:  Solar One Building – 2420 FDR Drive, Service Road East.

Solar One is the contract implementer of the NYSERDA Downstate South Energy $mart Communities Program.  For more information on NYSERDA programs, contact your local E$C Cordinator, or visit the websites:  

www.getenergysmart.org      www.nyserda.org     www.powernaturally.org

GETTING TO Sycamore Flower Shop + Bar.

1118 Cortelyou Road, Brooklyn. MAP

TRAIN – Q to Cortelyou. The bar is 4 blocks to the west of the subway station exit, on the same street (Cortelyou)

TAKE A LOOK at a slide show of pictures from last month’s party at Southpaw on Flickr.

CONTACT: Chris Neidl, Neidl@solar1.org, 212 505 6050

Over one million buildings make up New York City’s one of a kind built environment, and the nearly one billion square feet of largely vacant roofscape that mark its vertical border amount to what is perhaps our most underutilized asset.  Our roofs have an enormous potential to accommodate clean solar energy applications and therefore to address a number of our most pressing local energy challenges, including the urban heat island effect, escalating household energy costs, power failure, growing carbon emissions, and poor air quality.

In this workshop Solar One’s Chris Neidl will introduce, define and discuss the economic and quality of life implications of three solar rooftop applications that have considerable promise in the five borough area: solar thermal technology, photovoltaics and white roofs.

WHERE: Southpaw, Park Slope, Brooklyn

FREE!

RSVP: GREENRENTER@SOLAR1.ORG