Solar Thermal Center
Solaqua Power & Art is creating a comprehensive Solar Thermal Center that will include demonstration models, equipment sales and distribution, installation crews, workforce development training and public education of solar thermal technologies. Solar thermal systems capture the sun’s energy, in the form of BTU’s, to heat water or air at up to 80% efficiency.

Workforce Development Training
The Center will feature a state-of-the-art training facility powered by renewable energy, with classrooms and labs that are equipped with a variety of solar thermal collectors, tanks, pumps, controllers, and other components. A mobile lab will also be developed that can be transported to other locations for hands-on training classes.

Public Education
• Partnerships established with technical schools and SUNY Community Colleges including Bronx, Columbia-Greene, Dutchess, Orange, Rockland, Sullivan and Ulster. Solaqua has developed a curriculum for professional Solar Thermal education that qualifies for PDH’s (Professional Development Hours) and is in the process of being certified by IREC (Interstate Renewable Energy Council). Solaqua is developing level one certification for "packaged" system installers, and advanced level two certificate programs for the design and installation of custom-component systems.

• The Solaqua Campus currently has a solar thermal demonstration project co funded by NYSERDA (PON 1085), monitoring the collection of two types of solar thermal panels, evacuated tubes and flat plate collectors.
• Building a state-of-the-art solar thermal heater/absorption chiller air conditioner (at Building 14).
• Partnering with BOCES programs to develop curriculum and lesson plans for High School students in HVAC vocational programs.
• Building mobile solar thermal demonstration models for schools and special events to educate the public about solar thermal energy.
• Working to develop public awareness campaigns to promote solar thermal energy.
• Sponsoring Hudson Sister Cities program to send solar ovens to Pallisa, Uganda.
• Developing solar convection ovens for commercial distribution.

SOLAQUA EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH
SunDog Solar’s Executive Vice President, Betsy Wyman, and Peter Skinner, P.E, President of Earth Environmental Group developed and teach a course, “Solar Thermal Installation and Design.” This class has been taught as part of the Continuing Education Program at Ulster and Bronx Community Colleges. Students receive 16 PDH (Professional Development Hours).

The class is in the process of being accredited by IREC (Interstate Renewable Energy Council). Classes are ongoing at Bronx, Columbia-Greene, Dutchess, Hudson Valley, Orange, Rockland, Sullivan and Ulster Community Colleges. SunDog is partnering with BOCES to develop programs throughout the State. The Center’s educational mission focuses on high school and adult education, for professional certification and nonprofessionals.