14th Annual Solar Tour Comes to Thurston Countyby Sam Garst Folks visiting the solar tour, held October 3, 2009, learned that solar energy works even in cloudy Thurston County and were able to visit over 20 of the more than 150 solar installations in the county. The Thurston County Solar Energy & Green Buildings Tour, part of the world's largest grassroots solar event, featured a self-guided tour. For more information, visit http://www.solarwashington/org/tour This is the 14th year for the National Solar Tour. Over the past three years around 350 people each year have visited at least one solar tour location and asked home owners about the cost and efficiency of solar energy systems locally. In reality the economics of solar have never been greater. National tax credits and Washington State production incentives make solar a good choice for those who wish to reduce their impact on planet Earth. "Solar is not for everyone," noted tour organizer Sam Garst. "First, home owners and businesses need to complete the no cost-low cost measures to reduce energy consumption, such as replacement of light bulbs with compact florescent bulb, insulating walls and attics, sealing air leaks and leaky air ducts, and replacement of appliances with energy efficient, EnergyStar models which can save as much as 75% of the energy required to operate older models," he added. "Home and business weatherization is the most cost efficient investment people can make, with paybacks on investment as fast as 1-2 years. Once a home or building has been remodeled for energy efficiency, solar hot water and solar electric systems can take owners to the next level of conservation." concluded Garst. The Garst family home, built in 2006, realized significant energy savings; they have cut their total energy use to around $20 per month, while maintaining many of the features most of us take for granted. Rated one of the most environmentally friendly homes in the Pacific Northwest, the Garsts have opened their home to around 1,000 people explaining the simple techniques individuals can take to save energy. "We tend to believe that if the US Congress will only pass Climate Change legislation then the problem will be solved. In reality, the legislation moving through Congress sets the policy framework for individuals to take action to rebuild the homes in which we live and the buildings in which we work." says Garst. The theme of the 2009 Tour was 'Real Places for Real People,' which addresses the notion that we all need to do out part to save energy and limit the amount of money sent to fossil fuel suppliers located outside our communities. The Thurston County Solar Tour provided a simple way to speak with local innovators who have taken the plunge to a cleaner, healthier energy future. Sponsored Links
Off-Grid Systems Workshop
Photovoltaic Basic Course
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Consumer Energy Alliance
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