11.14.2017

The tiny classroom construction phase is almost complete. The sign is now up! Internally, the biomass pellet stove is working and the solar panels are ready to charge the batteries. We hope to have the unit in Loretto in a few days.
10.19.17
The inverter for the solar panels has arrived and been installed by Redstone Renewable Energy, LLC. Now to test the system to see if the panels charge the batteries!
10.10.17
The exterior is complete, except for one small spot where the biomass stove will exhaust. We have received the biomass stove and are preparing for its installation. The inverter will hopefully arrive soon so that Redstone Renewable Energy can hook up the solar system to the batteries. We can then finish the front wall. Insulation installation has begun.

9.29.17
The exterior of the tiny classroom is almost complete! Two sides are 100% done.

We need to install our Thelin Gnome biomass pellet stove, purchased through WESS Energy Saving Systems, and corresponding exhaust pipe before we can finish the back side. The stove and piping have been ordered and are ready for pick up.

Because the tiny classroom will use both battery backup and “RV Style” grid tie, we need a special inverter. We special ordered the inverter 12 weeks ago and are still waiting for its arrival. Once that’s in, the 1.56 kW solar installation will be complete and we can finish the exterior of the last side. After the exterior is complete, construction on the interior will commence. Construction is expected to be finished by early November.
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The project is being built with the support of community volunteers!
July 2017
Redstone Renewable Energy, LLC of State College, PA, installed the tiny classroom's solar panels. The six modules combine to create a 1.68 kW solar array. The panels will produce electricity in DC, so an inverter will be used to convert the electricity to AC for use in the tiny classroom. This system will also feature a battery system.

May 2017
We purchased a tiny house shell to turn into the tiny classroom!

April 2017
The West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund awarded $23,000 towards the tiny classroom project, including an EPA certified biomass pellet stove.
Fall 2016 - Spring 2017

A team of students in the SFU Environmental Engineering program worked with the Institute for their senior capstone project, developing a design that conformed to the Institute's initial concept for the tiny classroom/office.
December 2016
A grant for $19,200 is awarded to the project from the Community Initiatives Fund of the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies.

November 2016
The Penelec Fund for the Future of Greater Johnstown of the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies provides $2,000 in funding towards the tiny classroom project.
Fall 2016
The idea to construct a mobile energy education space is conceived.