National Solar Tour sparks a solar energy revolution
-- with up to 150,000 participants --
the largest grassroots solar event in history

Economic uncertainty and skyrocketing energy prices help ignite record interest in solar energy as part of the 13th annual National Solar Tour, ramping up on October 4, 2008 in 48 states, boosting demand for solar across the U.S.

BOULDER, CO - As families tighten their belts to ride the latest economic roller coaster, an unprecedented number of homeowners are learning how to go solar and save on monthly utility bills by attending the National Solar Tour, the largest grassroots solar energy event in history.

The nonprofit American Solar Energy Society (ASES) is bringing together as many as 150,000 citizens to tour some 5,000 homes and businesses in 48 states to learn about money-saving technologies as part of its 13th annual National Solar Tour on October 4.

The National Solar Tour features property-owners who open their doors to neighbors to share how they are using the latest solar technologies to drastically reduce monthly energy bills, reduce harmful carbon emissions, and enjoy tax credits and cash incentives as they improve their property values. 

Amid a struggling U.S. economy, these powerful open-house tours and neighbor-to-neighbor discussions show everyday people how they can combat soaring energy prices with solar energy and energy efficiency - while generating green-collar jobs across the U.S.

"The National Solar Tour highlights how families are using solar energy to fight back against skyrocketing energy costs," said Neal Lurie, Director of Marketing for ASES. "Participants come in curious, but they leave convinced ready to go solar."

According to survey results from last year’s National Solar Tour, 76% of participants said they are definitely or very likely to invest in solar or energy efficient technology after the Tour, compared to 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 more than 115,000 people in 2,900 communities in 46 U.S. states. 

The National Solar Tour will take place on Saturday, October 4, 2008 in most locations (and other dates in October) in conjunction with National Solar Energy Awareness Month, which is October.

The National Solar Tour is coordinated by the American Solar Energy Society in partnership with dozens of outstanding solar organizations. Solar businesses are encouraged to get involved to help promote solar tours in their community. Details on the specific dates and times of tours across the nation are at: www.NationalSolarTour.org.


ABOUT THE AMERICAN SOLAR ENERGY SOCIETY:
For more than 50 years the American Solar Energy Society has been leading the renewable energy revolution. It is the nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the use of solar energy, energy efficiency, and other sustainable technologies across the U.S. ASES leads national efforts to promote solar energy education, public outreach, and advocacy. www.ases.org                                   

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