If you’re looking for something to do this Saturday, may we suggest checking out the amazing Solar Homes Tour, which will be happening this weekend in many cities around the country? The American Solar Energy Society (ASES) is hosting their 14th Annual National Solar Tour, which is said to be the world’s largest grassroots solar event. Planned for Saturday, October 3, communities and cities around the nation will open up their solar powered homes for the public to visit and learn more about solar power. If you’ve always wanted to see photovoltaic and solar thermal systems in action, this is a great chance to do so – and the fact that the whole tour consists of already existing homes and structures makes it inherently better for the Earth than many other tours!
This weekend, more than 150,000 participants will visit 5,000 buildings in over 3,000 communities around the US. You’ll get to see live and working solar systems as well as buildings focused on energy efficiency, sustainable design, and green materials. This is a great chance to get inspired and learn more about solar energy. The owners will also be on hand to discuss their experiences and offer tips and advice based on their own experiences.
Ed Begley, Jr., who is helping to spread the word about the tour said, “The National Solar Tour offers families an opportunity to have meaningful conversations with friends and neighbors who are reaping the benefits of renewable energy and energy efficiency each and every day. It’s a great way to get an up-close and personal perspective on how easy it can be to live the green life — and how rewarding.”
Find a tour in your area by searching the ASES National Solar Tour map.
+ American Solar Energy Society
+ National Solar Homes Tour
Photo credit: Terracom Flickr Photostream
They have one of these going on in Baltimore, I didn’t realize it was part of a national effort to promote the solar power movement. I find all this very exciting but for one problem: I am not a home owner. I am not planning on purchasing a home any time in the next 10-20 years, so I probably won’t have the opportunity. Still, good for other people’s carbon footprint I suppose.