MEDIA ADVISORY

Contact:
Neal Lurie, ASES, 303-443-3130 x105
Richard Burns, ASES, 303.443.3130 x101

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

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

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

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

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

WEBSITE: www.NationalSolarTour.org

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. 

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.


About the American Solar Energy Society

Established in 1954, the nonprofit American Solar Energy Society (ASES) is the nation’s leading association of solar professionals and grassroots advocates. Supported by more than 12,000 members, ASES’ mission is to speed the transition to a sustainable energy economy. ASES advances education, research and policy, inspiring the nation to go solar. ASES publishes the award-winning SOLAR TODAY magazine, presents the National Solar Conference, rallies citizens to build a Solar Nation, and leads the National Solar Tour – the world’s largest grassroots solar event. www.ases.org