This is the 11th year for the U.S. National Solar Tour, organized by the American Solar Energy Association (ASES). On Oct. 7, homes and businesses that run on renewable energy open their doors to the public to spread the word about how it works and to experience it in action. As more and more buildings are running on renewables, there are opportunities to visit and meet your progressive neighbors in most areas of the country.
Last year, 72% of surveyed tour guests attended their first solar or green-building tour. Visitors talk with hosts about the energy efficiency strategies they chose, learning about how various strategies work, what it costs and why it makes sense. Although the focus of the tour was initially on solar installations it has broadened over recent years to include a range of renewables and green building features. This year’s tour includes LEED-certified buildings, Energy Star homes and net-zero energy homes.
The tour began in 1991, when John Schaeffer, president of Real Goods Trading Co. in Hopland, California, launched the National Off-Grid Day. John handed the reins to ASES in 1996, when national attendance was 5000. In 2005, attendance was estimated at 68,000, a 34% increase over 2004. ASES estimates that 3700 buildings held tours in 1600 communities in 43 states last year. 90,000 people are expected to participate in 2006!
Schaeffer’s challenge is as relevant today as when he issued it in 1993: “We must keep the pressure on and reinvigorate the populace to the dangers of global warming and the senseless emission of greenhouse gases at a time when we have the technology and know-how to do better.”
The 2006 elections will take place three weeks after the tour. In some states, the outcome will affect the policies necessary to transition to a sustainable energy future. Many campaigners will attend National Tour events to show their support for renewable energy and energy efficiency incentives.
Momentum is building, with numerous new tours this year. This is a way for you to participate, learn and be part of the community that is taking us all closer to a sustainable society.
www.nationalsolartour.org
Last year, 72% of surveyed tour guests attended their first solar or green-building tour. Visitors talk with hosts about the energy efficiency strategies they chose, learning about how various strategies work, what it costs and why it makes sense. Although the focus of the tour was initially on solar installations it has broadened over recent years to include a range of renewables and green building features. This year’s tour includes LEED-certified buildings, Energy Star homes and net-zero energy homes.
The tour began in 1991, when John Schaeffer, president of Real Goods Trading Co. in Hopland, California, launched the National Off-Grid Day. John handed the reins to ASES in 1996, when national attendance was 5000. In 2005, attendance was estimated at 68,000, a 34% increase over 2004. ASES estimates that 3700 buildings held tours in 1600 communities in 43 states last year. 90,000 people are expected to participate in 2006!
Schaeffer’s challenge is as relevant today as when he issued it in 1993: “We must keep the pressure on and reinvigorate the populace to the dangers of global warming and the senseless emission of greenhouse gases at a time when we have the technology and know-how to do better.”
The 2006 elections will take place three weeks after the tour. In some states, the outcome will affect the policies necessary to transition to a sustainable energy future. Many campaigners will attend National Tour events to show their support for renewable energy and energy efficiency incentives.
Momentum is building, with numerous new tours this year. This is a way for you to participate, learn and be part of the community that is taking us all closer to a sustainable society.
www.nationalsolartour.org
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