Ed Eaton has been active in the solar energy field since 1983 when he founded the Tucson Solar Potluck & Exhibition, now entering into its 40th year, and co-founded the solar energy advocacy group Citizens for Solar. In 1983 he started Our Sun Solar a solar oven company where he is sole proprietor today installing PV systems and building and designing solar ovens. In 1988 Ed served on the Arizona Solar Energy Association’s Board of Directors
Ed has participated and organized many educational demonstrations and events for the general public, schools, environmental groups and energy professionals. His work has led to several installations of photovoltaics in school camps, state parks, and environmental learning centers.
Ed has worked in the solar industry as a professional system designer, installer and teacher.
He worked for Solar Energy International (SEI) as one of the primary instructors from 1993 to 2003 where he instructed workshops in Solar Water Pumping, Solar Cooking, Basic and Advanced Photovoltaics. Ed is an ISP certified Master Trainer of Photovoltaics who has taught over 3000 people through SEI and his own personal workshops.
Ed takes pride in being a mentor to youth of all ages. Encouraging them to get involved with renewable energies. Ed was the director of Solar Energy International’s Renewable Energy Youth Camp for 5 years and of CampUs a renewable energy camp for teens for 4 years.
CONSULTING TEACHING WORKSHOPS
PHOTOVOLTIAC SYSTEMS and SOLAR OVENS
TIMELINE:
1988-1991 3.5 years Employed with Photocomm Inc. as Sales Engineer. Responsibilities include system design, sale, equipment procurement and in some cases installation. Other duties included handling of “walk-in” clients. Sales were wholesale and retail both domestic and international. At the time Photocomm Inc was the nation’s largest distributor of renewable energy products. I was responsible for system design in all areas of photovoltaics. This included lighting systems, remote homes, water pumping, recreation vehicles, monitoring equipment, bus shelters, irrigation systems and more.
1991-92 Employed with Hitney Solar Products, Chino Valley, AZ as Office Manager
Responsibilities include system design, sale, equipment procurement and in some cases installation. Other duties included handling of “walk-in” clients. Sales were wholesale and retail both domestic and international.
1992-93 Self employed with Our Sun Solar, Tucson, AZ
Responsibilities include system design, sale, equipment procurement and in some cases installation with dealer network in Mexico. I supplied equipment to dealers primarily located in Sonora, Mexico.
During this same time, I was employed by Fringe Area Solar, Douglas, AZ as a partime employee doing photovoltaic, solar thermal installations.
1993 – 2003 Employed with Solar Energy International (SEI), Carbondale, CO
Duties included workshop development, curriculum development, marketing, workshop logistics, system design and installation and more. I was a primary instructor for basic photovoltaics, advanced photovoltaics, solar water pumping, solar cooking. I also was director of SEI youth camp for 5 years and lead person for Solar Energy International Installs (SEI&I) a division of SEI focusing on photovoltaic installations.
2003 to present Self-employed with Our Sun Solar, Paonia, CO
Duties include design and installation of photovoltaic systems of all types. Designing and constructing solar ovens, stand-alone light standards, LED lights and teaching various classes on energy and photovoltaics. Sub-contractor with Solar Energy International as instructor for photovoltaic workshops. SUN-ETCH art pieces utilizing photovoltaic energy.