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FAQ

How can I contribute to STG? Are you currently taking donations?

STG's 501(c)3 status is currently pending with the IRS. While we are excited to get as many people as possible involved in our work, we cannot officially accept donations until our tax-exempt status has been approved. We expect to start soliciting donations in late summer 2008, so please check back then!

How can I get involved with STG?

We are always looking for help with administrative functions, funding acquisitions, engineering design, construction, and testing, and partner outreach. At this time, we are primarily looking for volunteers; information on part- and full-time positions opening up at STG will be posted on the website as soon as it becomes available. If you are interested in getting involved in any capacity, please send us an email at info@solarturbinegroup.org.

Can I get a high resolution copy of one of STG's photographs?

High resolution versions are available for most of the images on our website. Send an email to info@solarturbinegroup.org letting us know which image you are interested in and what you'd like to use it for. We are happy to share our photographs and simply ask that you cite STG when you use them.

I would like to build one of these systems. Is it possible to get a copy of the plans?

Unfortunately, we are not currently releasing plans for our microgenerator systems. Our deployment strategy is coupled with intensive training of a local manufacturing partner, with the end-goal of handing off rights for local manufacture and sales to this organization. We are not currently able to support training or implementation of single-system installations.

How can I purchase a microgenerator system?

At this time, STG does not manufacture these systems for sales. Our focus is on technology development coupled with training of local manufacturing partners to reach markets in developing countries. For more information on availability in your location, please contact the lead engineers at our local partner organizations, listed on our “Contact” page.

I am part of a group interested in becoming a local manufacturing partner of STG. How do I get more information about starting a partnership?

The focus for this funding cycle is on research and development for the next generation of microgenerator. We will post more information on our website calling for proposals for the subsequent funding cycle, so please keep an eye on the website for more details!

Would it be possible to install a microgenerator system at my home, local school, church, clinic, or other location?

While we at STG would love to see microgenerators installed around the globe, we cannot currently support single-system installations. Our implementation methodology focuses on strong partnerships with local manufacturing partners. An intensive training period results in a hand-off of local technology manufacturing rights, strengthening the local economy while bringing clean energy to the population. If this is something you would be interested in, please keep us in mind and keep an eye on the website for more information about applying to be part of our next round of field trials.

Are there micro investment opportunities in the local operators using STG designs?

STG is currently in the process of helping our first project partner incorporate a for-profit enterprise based on STG's designs. At this time, we are not yet accepting donations or investments for this enterprise. Such opportunities will, however, be available within the next 12-18 months (FY2009). More information about such opportunities will be posted on our website as soon as it becomes available.

How can I get a copy of STG's application for tax exempt status or most recent federal filings?

As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, our application for tax exempt status and yearly financial filings are available to the public. To obtain a copy, please send your name and address, along with a description of the information you are seeking, to financials@solarturbinegroup.org and we will be sure to satisfy your request within 3-5 business days.

Would a Stirling Engine work with your parabolic collectors?

A Stirling engine is another example of a heat engine which could work in the place of our ORC engine. The choice of engine design is motivated by ease of construction (number of machined parts, tolerances, etc.), cost, and complexity of design. Our organization has chosen to focus on the ORC engine as we feel it provides a simpler design that is easier to teach, construct, and maintain. Initial analysis has also shown that the capital cost of an ORC engine will be competitive or lower than that of a Stirling engine for the system size we are considering.