Solar projects in communities throughout Vermont will be open for public tours the third Saturday in June. “Celebrate Solar Tours” will take place across the state on Saturday, June 20, the weekend of the Summer Solstice. Like open sugarhouse weekend in the spring and open art studio weekend in the fall, the summertime tours will give Vermonters the opportunity to get an up-close view of solar systems to learn about the technology, solar economics, and the benefits of solar to our community.
Solar customers, host farmers, and owners alike will be on-hand to speak with the public – with many of the sites offering fun events, also.
Among the solar sites open to tour June 20: iconic and sweet Vermont attractions like Cold Hollow Cider and Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks, high-tech attractions like Draker Solar Labs and Small Dog Electronics, agricultural farms like Champlain Orchards, multi-customer shared community solar arrays, and some of Vermont’s highest producing solar farms.
“Folks know us and visit us for our cider and donuts. But we are thrilled to open up the field behind our cidery to share the benefits of solar technology to our business and our community. We’ll of course also be serving up some sweet treats for those who come by,” said Paul Brown, owner of Cold Hollow Cider in Waterbury Center, which has a 150kW system powering its operations.
Left. Morse Farm in Washington County. Top, Pulling in Addison County.
More than 40 systems are anticipated to participate in the day and a growing statewide map can be found here. Many participating sites will host refreshments, music, or other entertainment. Other planned solar events include community walking tours of residential solar installations, miniature golf and on-site yoga.
“One of the immeasurable values of living in Vermont is the strength of our communities. We now have an opportunity to work together to repower Vermont through shared, group solar arrays, like the one in my backyard,” said Evergreen Erb of Jericho.
The grassroots event is supported by Renewable Energy Vermont, with new sites being added throughout June.
Why “Celebrate Solar”tours? Solar is increasingly part of our energy future and fabric of our communities. And much like open sugar houses in the spring and open art studios in the fall, we’d like to open up our solar success stories to community members statewide to learn about these systems powering our neighbors. Starting this year, the third Saturday of June—right around the Summer Solstice— will become an annual rite of summer passage where our solar community opens up their farms, businesses, and even homes to give community members Vermont solar tours. The Celebrate Solar Tours are an up-close understanding of local solar power, to learn about how it works, how these projects pencil out, and the story behind controlling our energy future with the sun. This year’s Celebrate Solar Tours day will beSaturday, June 20that various times throughout the day. |
About Celebrate Solar Tours - June 20
The first annual Celebrate Solar Tours on June 20 will feature public tours of more than 40 solar systems of varying size throughout the state. The public will have the opportunity to get an up-close understanding of the technology, economics and benefits to the community. Open systems will be designated with roadway signage and many will feature music, refreshments or other entertainment.
Source: Renewable Energy Vermont. 5.28.2015