By Sally Stafford
On October 2nd, the American Solar Energy Society opens homes and businesses across the nation for one day to educate the public about renewable energy, energy efficiency, and ultimately, lower utility bills. The Texas Solar Energy Society will be represented by their chapters in Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas/Fort Worth for this self-guided tour. As of September 15, 669 tours were signed up nationally for the largest grassroots solar tour in the country. Free to the public, some tours, such as Houston, will offer tour goers printed maps for a small charge.
Solar San Antonio is organizing the San Antonio Solar Tour, featuring approximately 25 locations in Bexar County, including a Red Robin restaurant, a church, the Aggie Solar Decathlon House, a solar learning center, and Naara Café which has the world’s only commercial SOLARbrella. Also included is the Pearl Brewery with a 200 kW commercial solar site, an energy-efficient Daikin heating and cooling system, a rainwater collection system, and xeriscape landscaping. Technologies on the tour include solar electric, solar water heaters, attic fans and skylights, and rainwater collection systems. Homeowners and installers will be present at each residential location to answer questions and offer advice. Additional exhibits and giveaways provided by CPS Energy, Clothesline Cleaners, Alamo City Electric Auto Association, and Natural Awakenings Magazine are available at each stop. Maps are available at each location and on the website.
Celebrating its first year, the DFW Solar Home Tour is hosted by the North Texas Renewable Energy Group . The tour is spread across the Metroplex and showcases over 30 homes, as well as The Tarrant Regional Water District, boasting a 238 kW solar array. With a focus on energy efficiency, the tour features solar electric, water and space heating, wind turbines, greenhouses, rainwater collection, a SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels) house, and split system heating and air conditioning. Maps and home locations will be posted on the DFW Solar Home Tour website.
The 7th annual Houston Solar Tour & Social is a collective volunteer effort of members from the Houston Renewable Energy Group, Transition Houston, RD Architecture, LLC, for Green Marketing & Design, Foresight Communications Group, Lone-Star College—Montgomery, The University of Houston, The City of Houston, as well as an entire Solar Team. The tour begins with a social from 9 am to noon at the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture University of Houston. Members of the Houston’s renewable energy community will be available to educate the public about the latest in sustainable living as well as entertain tour goers with music, refreshments, and free giveaways. The driving tour runs from noon to 5 pm. Technologies include geothermal, wind turbines, solar hot water, insulation, radiant barriers, shading, and more.
The Texas Solar Energy Society and its chapters invite you to visit your nearest tour, see the potential of solar and other renewable energy options for your home or business, educate your families, and have a great time with members of the renewable energy community.
Sally Stafford is a professional writer, volunteer, and student of renewable energy. She is currently pursuing photovoltaic studies and is affiliated with Austin Green Energy Group.