World’s largest grassroots solar event is coming to town

14th annual National Solar Tour to ramp up on October 3, 2009
highlighting new ways to save money on energy bills

WHO: Coordinated nationally by the nonprofit American Solar Energy Society in collaboration with nearly two hundred local environmental and energy groups.

WHAT: More than 150,000 will attend the ASES National Solar Tour to learn how to slash monthly utility bills and go green. The general public is invited to attend open-house tours of solar powered and energy efficient homes in some 3,000 communities in 48 states across the U.S. This is the world’s largest grassroots solar event. Find a solar tour near you: www.NationalSolarTour.org

WHEN: Saturday, October 3, 2009 (in most locations, check listings)

WHERE: In 3,000 neighborhoods in 48 states across the U.S.

WHY: With solar costs 30-40% lower than just a year ago and incentives now covering 1/3 to 2/3 the costs, more families and businesses are going green to save money during tight economic times. The ASES National Solar Tour features property-owners who open their doors to neighbors to share how they are using the latest solar & energy efficient technologies to drastically reduce monthly energy bills, reduce harmful carbon emissions, and enjoy tax credits and cash incentives as they improve their property values.

WEBSITE: www.NationalSolarTour.org

According to survey results from last year’s National Solar Tour, 76% of participants said they are very likely to invest in solar or energy efficient technology after the Tour, compared to less than 50% before the Tour. A stunning 74% of participants indicated that they had never visited a solar or green-built home prior to this event.  Last year’s National Solar Tour attracted close to 140,000 people.