Fresno Solar Tour History October 1, 2005 Under the direction of Mark Stout the first-ever Fresno Solar Tour won the "Best New Solar Tour of 2005" award from the American Solar Energy Society. A total of 68,000 people participated in the National Solar Tour. In Fresno we showed nine solar homes and two large commercial solar installations. Media coverage included ABC, CBS, and FOX TV; KIRV and KFCF radio interviews; and three articles in the Fresno Bee. October 7, 2006 As Co-coordinators Mark Stout and Tom Cotter led one of the most successful tour in California for 2006. The Fresno Tour showed seven residential and two large commercial solar installations. Media covererage expanded to a KSFR interview (MP3) with Mr. Stout on San Joaquin Spotlight. National Solar Tour On the national level tour participation grew to over 88,000 participants including 3,700 buildings in 2,100 different communities. The American Solar Energy Society has been growing its grassroots National Tour of Solar Homes for the past 12 years. Interest in this event has skyrocketed and the impact has been substantial. A recent survey showed that a majority of the people who attend a tour go on to add solar and energy efficiency technologies to their own buildings. The tour gives them an opportunity to learn first hand how solar works, how much it costs, and how much it saves. This year the National Solar Tour is anticipated to include tours in 46 states. More than 100-thousand people are expected to attend. Here are a few quick facts to consider: According to recent U.S. EPA figures, residential and commercial buildings generate approximately 40% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. That's a higher percentage than either transportation or manufacturing. (Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas emissions, April 2007). There's a significant trend toward reducing this carbon footprint. An increasing number of businesses and recreational facilities are going solar and many builders are incorporating energy efficiency into the creation of new homes One person can change a neighborhood. There are many examples where one person added solar and within a few years, neighbors did the same. During natural disasters, solar powered buildings may be the only buildings with electricity. The organizer of the National Solar Tour in Baton Rouge, Louisiana provided shelter for 10 friends and neighbors during and following Hurricane Katrina. While power was out throughout the area, solar power kept his lights on, fans and refrigerator running and provided power to watch TV news updates about the storm and flooding. Following hurricane Katrina, portable solar power was used to get the St. Bernard Port, Harbor & Terminal District back up and running. During California's record heat wave in July families using solar power helped keep the grid up and running by providing their surplus energy to the utility grid. Many environmentally aware baby boomers are turning to solar for their retirement homes. Solar technologies are working their way into mainstream America. It's now possible to purchase a solar system at your local home improvement store. Big business is investing in future energy needs by purchasing solar now. Familiar names like Kohl's and Wal-Mart are implementing solar technologies. The American Solar Energy Society has been in existence for 52 years. It is a not-for-profit public benefit corporation, dedicated to promoting the use of solar and sustainable energy. Information and awareness help this trend grow. Each year in the Fall the American Solar Energy Society's National Solar Tour opens thousands of homes and buildings throughout the country to educate the public on renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies and practices that support a sustainable energy economy. Tours show attendees how home and building owners provide their power needs from the sun/wind, save energy from building design and energy-efficient appliances, protect against power outages, and reduce their impact on the environment. Tours are organized through independentgroups including ASES chapters, state energy offices, environmental and conservation groups, solar businesses and volunteers.

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