Off Grid Education

The following Off Grid Education course is now being offered in a one-day session at the Ark from 9am to 5pm on Saturday, November 26th. The material being taught will be the same as the Algonquin College course content. The main difference is that participants will be able to view and experience all of the off-grid equipment first hand.

Course registration is $60 and the class will be limited to 10 participants. Course registration is nonrefundable.

Use the "Buy Now" button below to instantly register for the November 26, 2011 Off-Grid Education Course at the Ark. Once registered you'll be directed to a page that will give provide you with all the necessary course notes and information.

Realities and Practices of Off-Grid Living

By request, I am offering another REALITIES AND PRACTICES OF OFF THE GRID LIVING course here at THE ARK on SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26th from 9am until 5pm.

This course is designed to teach students the reality of what is involved for living off-the-grid. Mike Caldwell, course instructor, designed and built his own home (The Ark) and has now lived off-the-grid for six years using both solar and wind power. This course explores the two parts to off-the-grid living - 1. creating power for the home and 2. conserving whatever power the home may possess. This course explores the challenges of producing power given the Ottawa Valley weather conditions and explains many of the tricks necessary to survive when not connected to a power line. The average North American home consumes 32 kilowatt hours of power per day. Mike explains how his family (2 adults, 3 dogs, 2 cats, 3 horses, 1 llama and 1 alpaca) lives a relatively normal lifestyle while hosting weddings, youth programs, and leadership retreats yet still consuming less than five kilowatt hours of power per day. So, whether your dream is to live off-the-grid or to simply reduce your carbon foot print and consume less energy, this course will be of interest to you.

Students will see first hand the system in place at the Ark and will be given all the necessary course notes. You can email Mike using the "Contact Us" (on the left hand side navigation bar) or call at 819 422-1222 if you have any questions.

Click here for a direct link to the Algonquin College OnCourse Information and Registration page.

Click here to access the pdf file slides of our first class.