Dr. Edward Franklin will present “Solar Energy and Applications for Agriculture” for the April 18 Hardscrabble program at the Bullion Plaza Museum.
Franklin will discuss different types of solar photovoltaic systems, how to measure power produced by solar modules, and how to determine where to install a solar array to maximize output of a system. The presentation will also include factors that affect solar photovoltaic system performance.
Franklin is an associate professor in the Department of Agricultural Education and provides instruction for the agriculture technology management instructional program. He began working with solar photovoltaic energy systems in 2012 to update the electricity instruction.
He facilitated USDA grants to provide renewable energy outreach to Cooperative Extension personnel, and multiple populations including students, teachers, farmers and ranchers.
He has conducted solar photovoltaic workshops for teachers in multiple states and authored several solar-related factsheets published by Arizona Cooperative Extension.
Currently, he is working with Pima County 4-H to deliver a Solar Clover student-engagement program to create solar-related educational experiences for 4-H youth and leaders.
The program includes building solar pizza box cookers, solar fountains, and solar racers. In spring 2018 he will introduce a new solar photovoltaic course for UA students.
The Hardscrabble program, sponsored by the Gila County Historical Museum and the Bullion Plaza Museum, will begin at 6:30 p.m. with the doors opening at 6 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.
The program is free to the public, but donations are always welcome. Gila County Historical Museum and the Bullion Plaza Museum are recipients of funding from United Fund Globe-Miami.
