The UC Davis Extension program will offer a new two-day course this spring on small windmills, or "wind-energy systems," for anyone interested in knowing more about using the systems at a home or business.

The course is co-sponsored by the California Wind Energy Collaborative, a partnership of the University of California and the California Energy Commission. The lead instructor is Case van Dam, a UC Davis professor of aeronautical engineering who is active in all aspects of wind energy, including the design and testing of wind turbine blades.

Participants should gain a broad range of both fundamental and practical wind turbine knowledge, including the ability to determine if a small wind-energy system would be good for a given site, how to size a system for their needs, and details of the installation and permitting processes, including California incentive programs.

The course meets Friday night, April 28, and all day Saturday, April 29, on the UC Davis campus. The fee is $95 ($125 after April 14) and includes course materials and a box lunch.