Neighborly advice/cooperation on renewables

Songkhla Province specifically, but would gladly also connect with others elsewhere. Solar is the main interest. But lots of other practical stuff too. Any posters here who have renewable energy systems at home or who live in a property with it who can provide advice on the subject? This might well suit someone with a engineering background or DIY interest who likes to get others involved in whatever they have already built or are going to build. I have a construction background, but really would like to gain further skills in a friendly and cooperative environment.

I sought have something like this in mind for the longer term:

http://mensshed.org/

(I note many mensheds are not at all against female involvement.) I have space at home to work, but strangely enough for a place in Thailand, I have to be careful not to annoy the neighbors with say noisy powertools. So if you are say out in the sticks a bit and have your own workshop, where you can let rip a bit ........, and perhaps could do with some occasional company and assistance.