Solar Powered Creativity: 5 week course with Art and Energy CIC

Course Overview: This hands-on course empowers participants to integrate the magic (and science!) of solar-powered elements into their creative projects. Students will gain skills, knowledge and confidence in sustainable design, practical low voltage electronics, creative crafting and renewable energy. You will each take home your own beautiful solar-powered nightlight, plus lots of ideas for future creations!

This short series of workshops is suitable for all, including beginners, hobbyists and those with a curious mind excited to explore renewable energy through creativity.

Course dates: (5 weeks) Tuesdays, 12 Nov, 19 Nov, 26 Nov, 3 Dec & 10 Dec 2024

Location: Sustainability Hub, University of Plymouth

Course times: Tuesdays, 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Price Range: £175

(Please note that we will cancel the course a fortnight ahead if we don’t have sufficient numbers of participants - Participants will receive a full refund.)

Features: Live talks, personalised feedback, extensive materials, and project-based learning.

Enrolment: Open to people of all backgrounds and who enjoy crafting.

Prerequisites: None, but a passion for creativity and environmental sustainability is encouraged.

• Understand Solar Energy Basics: Learn the principles of how solar energy is captured and converted into electricity.
• Circuit Design and Assembly: Gain practical skills in designing and assembling simple electronic circuits.
• Sustainable Design Practices: Explore the importance of renewable energy and sustainable design.
• Hands-On Project Completion: Create a functional and aesthetically pleasing solar-powered nightlight.
• Creative Problem Solving: Develop troubleshooting skills and creative approaches to design challenges.

The course is divided into five modules, each focusing on different aspects of incorporating solar powered elements into creative projects.

Each session will include a creative activity.

Module 1: Introduction to Solar Energy

Overview of renewable energy sources

Basics of photovoltaic (PV) cells, how they work and how they're made

Real-world applications of solar energy

Skill - soldering solar cells

Module 2: Understanding Circuits and Components

Introduction to basic electronic components (LEDs, resistors, capacitors, etc.)

How to read and create simple circuit diagrams

Safety measures when working with electronics

What can we power?

Use your solar cells to power a simple kinetic artwork

Module 3: Introducing the solar nightlight

Art and Energy examples

Our relationship with energy

Pre-mades, upcycling & designing for sustainability

Designing your house

Module 4: Making it your own

Decorating the solar nightlight (part 1)

Sharing ideas and finding solutions (part 1)

Collaboration in creativity

Module 5: Final Touches and Creative Customisation

Decorating the solar nightlight (part 2)

Sharing ideas and finding solutions (part 2)

Presenting and sharing

Starter Kit will be provided: Solar art materials and up-cyclable bits and pieces. Solar house kit to build, decorate and take home. Electronics kit to use for hands on learning in class.

Tools that will be provided: Soldering iron, wire cutters, multimeter, and basic crafting supplies.

Textbooks: Reading suggestions will be shared ahead of the course

Supplementary Readings: Selected articles and case studies on sustainable creativity and environmental action planning

Organisation Website: www.artandenergy.org

Discussion Forum: Access through the course website for peer interaction and support on https://BuryTheGiant.Club

Resource Center: Online repository of supplementary materials and tools for project development is available for course participants.

Summary: By the end of this course, participants will have been introduced to new skills and ideas and feel empowered having created functioning solar-powered artworks. They will have a basic foundation in renewable energy and simple electronics, inspiring further exploration and projects in sustainable technology.

• Name: Jenny Ayrton
• Biography: Jenny Ayrton is a British artist known for her enchanting glass sculptures and creative storytelling through art. Combining her passion for materials and making processes with environmental advocacy, Jenny has also become involved in promoting renewable energy through artistic endeavours.In addition to her glass art, Jenny Ayrton has collaborated with various organisations to integrate art and renewable energy. She is one of the founders of Plymouth’s eco-collective, was the first artist in Residence at Plymouth Scrapstore as part of British Art Show 9, runs regular community litter picking walks, and is a director of The Art and Energy Collective. This organisation focuses on combining artistic expression with renewable energy technologies to create functional and aesthetically pleasing solutions that raise awareness about sustainability.Jenny's involvement in projects like Art and Energy demonstrates her commitment to using art as a medium for environmental advocacy. By incorporating solar technology and other renewable energy sources into her artistic creations, she helps to promote the importance of sustainable living and the potential for integrating green energy solutions into everyday life. She particularly enjoys finding unusual solutions for combining and upcycling materials.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Sustainability Hub, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, United Kingdom