Generate Your Own Energy With Renewables
Is renewable energy right for your farm or small business?
Join us as we present on the five common renewable resources in Pennsylvania.
- Learn about the resource, the technology, the pros and cons, and financial aspects.
- Discover what to look for in an installer.
- Meet with installers in an expo environment.
- See an example project.
Each event will focus on one of the following energy forms: biomass, geothermal, hydro, solar, and wind.
The seminars/expos will provide attendees with recommendations and information on how to use renewable energy technologies and resources in their operations. Each location will have an actual example of the given technology for you to view and discuss.
Utilizing renewable energy can help rural Pennsylvanians by reducing energy costs, reducing risk, and providing a revenue stream through electrical sales to utilities.
This program is supported thanks to funding by the USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program.
Renewable Energy Seminar and Expo Event Schedule
Event Schedule
| Biomass |
March 12, 2013 |
Saint Francis University Topics included the production of heat and electricity from woody biomass and anaerobic digestion, among others. The day concluded with a visit to SCI Cresson, where attendees viewed the combined heat and power boiler and turbine system. Thank you to AFS Energy Systems and SAP&DC for sponsoring this event. |
| Geothermal |
July 23, 2013 |
Saint Francis University Attendees will learn about geothermal heat pump systems that provide heating and cooling for buildings. A tour of several campus buildings utilizing this resource will be included. |
| Micro-Hydro |
June 6, 2013 |
Whispering Creek Retreat Attendees will learn about micro-sized water turbines that can be used to generate a consistent source of electricity. Although few systems exist in PA, there is much potential. In cooperation with the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture. |
| Solar |
August 2013 |
Site To Be Determined A number of different technologies capable of utilizing the sun's energy will be discussed, including passive design, water heating, and photovoltaics. Attendees will also view example projects. |
| Wind |
May 14, 2013 |
Saint Francis University Small wind turbines and community and commercial scale wind projects will be discussed. A tour of the campus' 2.5 kw, 120 foot tall wind turbine will be included. An optional visit to a commercial wind farm will also be available. |
* Event schedule subject to change. We will promptly update registered guests if there are changes. Stay tuned for details and be sure to find us on Facebook for all of the latest news and events.
Register Today!
Is renewable energy right for your farm or small business?
Thank You to USDA Rural Development for funding this program!

USDA is an Equal Opportunity Provider,
Employer, and Lender
Reserve your seat now by registering for our event(s). Our program will be geared towards farmers and small businesses, but if you do not qualify, you are still welcome to attend, as space allows. Lunch will be included.
- Admission prices are as follows:
- $10.00 early registration (up to 10 days before each event)
- $12.00 late registration fee (up to 5 days before each event).
*Excludes micro-hydro event - register through PASA.
Download our attendee application or contact us to learn more!
Exhibit, Speak, Sponsor
Please join us to educate Pennsylvanians about renewable energy. Speaker and sponsorship opportunities available. Be sure to display in our exhibit area. $25 to setup. Please register at least 14 days before event. Become a sponsor and receive added attention to your organization. Opportunities include sponsoring bus trips, refreshments, and more. Non-profits, consider partnering with us to expand our outreach. Contact us to learn more about how your organization or other individual/group can become involved with these events. Ideas welcome.
Download our installer application or non-profit application.
Additional Information
Limited space, reserve your spot today - available on a first come, first serve basis. Specific times and agenda will be announced as events are organized. You can find us using the driving directions on the university's site.
Saint Francis University aims to be as accessible as possible. Please contact our Accessibility Services Coordinator, April Fry, with specific inquiries at 814-472-3176 or complete our online request form.
Please send application and payment to the address below. Cash/check payment accepted. Sorry, no credit cards. Make checks payable to “Saint Francis University Renewable Energy Center.” Please watch for confirmation of registration and event updates.
Contact us:
Renewable Energy Center
Saint Francis University
P.O. Box 600
Loretto, PA 15940
814-472-2872
renewable@francis.edu
