Montana State University Extension Services is sponsoring One-Day Renewable Energy Short Courses on small wind turbine and solar photovoltaic technologies. The courses will be offered September 18 in Bozeman, September 20 in Helena, and September 21 and 22 in Great Falls. The full-day courses will offer training in renewable energy and will enhance teaching skills in these technologies. For more information or to register, go to www.msuextension.org or call Sarah Hamlen at (406) 209-7679.

The Alternative Energy Resource Organization (AERO) will host an Energy Tour in the Belgrade area on Saturday, September 8. Featured technologies include solar, geothermal, and water conservation systems. Information about tax credits, rebates, grants, and loans will be included. The tour begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Interactive Water Use and Resource Conservation Center at 7539 Pioneer Way, at Four Corners. To register, call 443-7272 or visit www.aeromt.org.

The Department of Environmental Quality is sponsoring the Economy, Energy and the Environment Conference, September 12-14, in Bozeman. Tracks include Energy Efficient Outdoor Lighting, Scrap Tire Management Programs, and Financing for Sustainable Communities and Energy Efficiency. Pre-conference workshops and field trips are planned. For more information and registration, visit http://deq.mt.gov/Recycle/eeeconference.mcpx.

Want to learn what a solar hot water system would look like and cost for your home? Attend this free workshop to learn about the role of energy efficiency, system options that work well in Montana, how to size a system for your home, costs, current financial incentives, and what to ask an installer. Bring your water bills and a picture of your home’s south-facing side to take a closer look at whether a system is right for you.

The workshop is Saturday, September 8, from 9 am to 2 pm, with an optional one-hour tour after the workshop to see an installed system. It will be held at the Silver Bow County Extension Conference Room located at 305 West Mercury, Butte, MT 59701. Bring your lunch or cash for on-site ordering.

Pre-registration is required for handout planning. Contact Susan Bilo at [email protected] or (406) 994-2225. Provide your name and phone number. The workshop is hosted by Montana State University Extension-Bozeman, Butte-Silver Bow, and the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT).

A new guide offering current information and steps toward developing geothermal resources in Montana has just been released by the Department of Environmental Quality. A Consumer’s Guide to Geothermal Energy in Montana shows the locations of geothermal features, permitting requirements to develop geothermal energy, and a historical profile of thermal applications in the state. The guide can be downloaded as a PDF at
http://deq.mt.gov/Energy/Renewable/pdf/CONTENTGeothermalConsumer’sGuide2012WEB.pdf.