Backyard Biodiesel - Classes


Learn how to make biodiesel & build the equipment to do it!


				Intro to Homebrewing Biodiesel Class See a homebrewing site in action - we’ll make a full batch of fuel during the class. You’ll learn the whole process from testing the veggie oil, brewing the biodiesel, washing it, filtering it, and putting it in your vehicle. Bring a delicious dish to share for a potluck lunch. Priority is given to those who have a diesel vehicle and a site to homebrew. We’ll schedule a processor & washtank building workshop after this, for people who want to build one. Taught by Jennifer Radtke of the BioFuel Oasis and Berkeley Biodiesel Collective, with assistant Alan Pryor of the Berkeley Biodiesel Collective and the Alameda Co-op. Upcoming Intro to Homebrewing Biodiesel classes: Intro to Biodiesel Saturday, July 26, 2008, 9am - 5pm Will be held in San Francisco, CA See the Solar Institute website for details and to register. Intro to Biodiesel Saturday, September 4, 2008, 9am - 5pm Will be held in Hopland, CA See the Solar Institute website for details and to register.

				Build Your Own Biodiesel Processor Class You must have taken one of our intro classes before you take this class. Both classes are usually offered together, so you can sign up for both if you like, and take the Intro class a day before the Processor Building class. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to build your own, small-scale (~40 gallon) biodiesel processor from start to finish using materials that cost less than $700! The first 5 participants who sign up will have the option to bring the materials for building their own processors to take them home at the end of the class. By the end of this workshop, you’ll be well on your way to making your own affordable, cleaner-burning alternative to petroleum diesel. This workshop includes: Hands-on building of biodiesel processors, including construction, use and maintenance Testing of a new processor by making a fresh batch of biodiesel Other advanced biodiesel topics Upcoming Build Your Own Processor class: Build Your Own Processor Sunday, July 27, 2008, 9am - 5pm Will be held in San Francisco, CA See the Solar Institute website for details and to register. Build Your Own Processor Friday, September 5, 2008, 9am - 5pm Will be held in Hopland, CA See the Solar Institute website for details and to register.

				Biodiesel Intensive - From the Processor to the Pump You must have taken one of our intro classes before you take this class. Both classes are usually offered together, so you can sign up for both if you like, and take the Intro class a day before the Intensive class. Find out how you can make your own biodiesel to use in your community, support local biodiesel co-ops, or start a small business in biodiesel distribution or retailing. The first 5 participants who sign up for the processor-building portion of the class will build their own processors and take them home at the end of the class! This workshop will offer: Hands-on building of biodiesel processors, including construction and maintenance Information about tax incentives for producers who are helping biodiesel to go mainstream Tips on securing a supply of vegetable oil And much, much more! Upcoming Biodiesel Intensive class: Thursday - Sunday, September 4-7, 2008 9am - 5pm each day Will be held in Hopland, CA See the Solar Institute website for details and to register.