SENSATIONAL

INNOVATEYOUR HOUSEandrising suntheweb extraFor what you needto know – anddo – before gettingserious aboutalternative energytechnologies, visittechlifemag.ca/energy-efficienthomes.htm.this fall, 24 students started classes in NAIT’s newAlternative Energy Technology program, where they’rebeing trained to work in the growing Alberta industry. Or,in essence, “like Wayne Gretzky says, to skate to wherethe puck is going, not to where it is,” says Gordon Howell,a professional electrical engineer and principal with HowellMayhew Engineering Inc., who will teach a solar photovoltaicand solar thermal course in the new program. “This isa transformational change in society. This is an energyrevolution. To prepare for this takes a long time.”And it requires the right policies and trained people.Students are learning about technologies from biomassto fuel cell to solar electric to geothermal in the newCentre for Sustainable Energy Technology – and couldone day consult with you about what renewableenergy system makes the most sense for yourhome or business. Here, instructors andadvisers in the program offer a primer onthe alternative energy technology choicesreadily available for the homeowner.— Kristen Vernon2illustration by sandy brown128 techlifemag.ca