ROYALSTON – Those interested in installing a solar energy system can get their questions addressed this weekend.

The Residential and Backyard Solar Workshop will be held this Saturday at Camp Caravan, 255 South Royalston Road, in Royalston. Sponsored by the Gardner Ale House, Moon Hill Brewing, and Camp Caravan, the event runs from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The workshop is being facilitated by Stefan Maier, owner of Domestic DC Systems in Orange, but he was quick to point out the event is not a sales pitch.

“I’m actually winding down my business,” he told the Athol Daily News. “I’ve been in the solar business since 2012. I may do some consulting once I’m done, but I’m not looking for any new customers. We’re doing this solely as a public service.”

Maier said the workshop will cover the basics of the installation process and include the installating of a small solar unit on a shed at Camp Caravan.

“That way people can see what the process is really like – the kind of work that can expect to put into the project,” said Maier. “Each participant will get to work with a hands-on installation of a solar panel, charge controller, battery, and light on a garden shed at Camp Caravan.”

Maier will also go over the benefits of owning a solar system, explain the function of each component, how much energy is generated via a rooftop system, and whether acquiring a battery is recommended. He will also provide advice on how to select a vendor.

Maier said many people don’t understand the benefits of net metering when it comes to solar energy.

“In the end, many times net metering ends up returning the cost of the system to the homeowner and can generate a bit of income,” he said. “The benefits include a good financial return on your investment in a solar system while reducing impact on the environment.”

Maier said while solar panels work best on roofs with a south-facing orientation, they can be installed in such a way that homes that don’t face directly south can still utilize the sun’s energy. He added that the installation of a ground-mounted system is also an option.

Many homeowners, he explained, are concerned about removing trees near their home in order to diminish the amount of shade that may fall on a rooftop system.

“It’s understandable,” he said. “We all like trees. But obviously, solar won’t work in the shade and it can be installed with a minimum impact on the surrounding trees.

Maier added that the 30% federal tax credit for solar systems remains in effect and there are state and utility company incentives available.

Pre-registration for the event is required. Log onto registrar@campcaravan.org. For questions, please contact Gerry Szal at 978-939-8616 (no texts). Fee is $35 for individuals, $50 for couples and covers lunch provided by the Gardner Ale House. No special skills or previous knowledge is required.

Greg Vine can be reached at gvineadn@gmail.com.