Light Up Your Adventures with Solar Power!
Ready to harness the sun for off-grid adventure? This workshop will guide you through building a 12v solar system for your van, trailer or RV. You’ll learn to how to choose solar panels, controllers, inverters, batteries, and build them into a working system. By the end, you’ll have the know-how to design and assemble your own 12V solar system with confidence.
When: November 3rd, 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Where: OSU Extension, Redmond Fairgrounds Building 3
Ticket Options: $125, $137, $156
Supplies Fee: $25
Number of Tickets: 12
Sold Out? Can’t Make the Date? Pre-Register!
Pre-registration is free; we only charge your credit card when we’re ready to schedule (and you say ok). When 7 people pre-register, we’ll set up the next workshop!
The Details
System Essentials
Get your hands busy looking at the key components that make ups a solar system model! We’ll walk you through the parts and how they fit together, with hands-on exercises like wire stripping, making connectors, and multimeter use.
Design Your System
Using our AI Solar Planning Tool, you’ll map out a solar setup tailored to your needs. Collaborate with our instructor to tweak your design, troubleshoot ideas, and leave with a step-by-step plan for success. In the end, you will put together a basic 12V power kit including a battery, fuse, charge controller, and panel — that safely powers small appliances and can be recharged by solar or by plugging into shore power.
Workshop Leader
Rick Bell
Rick Bell is a retired, decorated veteran and an expert in off-grid living and 12-volt solar systems. A lifelong student of philosophy and humanity, Rick developed and teaches School of Ranch’s 12V Solar Battery Workshop, drawing on years of living fully off grid in a complex he built with his partner, Aliah Wing. Rick specializes in practical 12V and solar systems for off-grid and mobile living. He is a gracious, curious educator who loves problem-solving, adventure, and helping his community build real-world self-reliance.
Join school of ranch
Save 20% On This Workshop!
Join School of Ranch and get 20% off all workshops for a year. Your membership helps us cover our costs. Being non-profit doesn’t mean you can lose money! We need your support and nothing shows support as much as a membership.
frequently asked questions
How should I dress?
We’ll be indoors for this workshop. Dress comfortably.
What should I bring?
Bring a smartphone (and/or a laptop). Please create a free account on ChatGPT before coming: www.chatgpt.com
Bring something to take notes with. We’ll provide all the tools and installation materials. Bring water and a snack!
Can minors attend?
This workshop is ideal for adults and teens 16+, but participants under 18 must have an adult present. Everyone must have their own ticket.
Will food be provided?
No food will be served, so bring water and a snack.
How should I prepare to use the AI planner?
Be sure you can login to www.chatgpt.com before the session. You can login with your Gmail or other accounts, or create one. It will make it easier if you can login easily at the workshop.
What is School of Ranch?
School of Ranch is a Central Oregon based 501c3 nonprofit. We hire experienced locals to teach practical and artisan skills, live and in person. Beyond teaching skills and helping grow our workshop leader’s businesses, we create common ground for neighbors. School of Ranch brings together people regardless of politics, age, background or beliefs.