Scope of the Project!

I started the Open Sun Project in 2011 to create the technology for our new solar coffee roaster.  As the project progressed, we made the decision to go with photovoltaic solar panels and to use a large electric heater.  This, in some sense, made all of the work of developing an open-source heliostat unnecessary.  I had already put considerable effort into the project, though, and really wanted something to come of it.  For this reason, I have continued with the project, releasing the first of 4 open source technology publications:  The weatherized stepping gearmotor.

Where Are We Now? 
As of the start of February, we are in the final stages of wiring and testing the new electric heater system with the grid-tied solar panels.  The coffee roasting side of our building downtown has been re-wired, thanks to Adams Electric and Black Hills Energy, and I am putting all of my wiring into conduit before I plug it all in!  I have also recently re-done our website at www.solarroast.com.  It now includes a tab for "The Open Sun Project."

The 'New' Open Sun Project
The website tab for the Open Sun Project now includes several technology projects that fit under the banner of Solar Roast Coffee.  The top project is the heliostat project that we started for our roaster.  Now also included are our Solar Food Dehydrator, the Solar Truck completed for Solar Roast On The Road, and lastly a *new project:  We are in the beginning stages of cooperation with a Haitian coffee plantation, in hopes to install a working solar coffee roaster for their own use.  Please stay tuned for progress on this exciting front, and thank you all for your interest in Solar Roast Coffee's Open Sun Project.