The Penn State chapter of the American Solar Energy Society (ASES) is joining the nonprofit's national office and hundreds of solar-savvy installers and grassroots organizations throughout America for the 20th annual National Solar Tour, a showcase of thousands of solar-powered homes, schools and businesses ― in State College and across North America. The event is the world’s largest grassroots solar event.

The tour, slated to begin at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 11, showcases the solar technologies community members are using to drastically reduce monthly energy bills, reduce harmful carbon emissions, and enjoy rich tax credits and cash incentives as they improve their property values.

The ASES National Solar Tour shows families and businesses real-life examples of how their neighbors are harnessing free energy from the sun to generate electricity, warm and cool their homes, heat water, and slash monthly utility bills. 

On Oct. 11, Penn State’s ASES chapter will hold open house tours of approximately half a dozen homes and businesses in the greater State College area.  

The tours in recent years have attracted more than 150,000 people in 49 U.S. states and Puerto Rico. Tours afford participants the direct perspectives of homeowners and installers about the costs, processes, and economic and environmental benefits of going solar energy. The tours also give State College residents a glimpse at how a variety of solar systems look in and around structures with different architectural styles.

“The National Solar Tour demonstrates an array of practical and economical solutions available right here, right now. It encourages neighborhood conversations addressing the growing need for clean energy,” said Carly Rixham, ASES executive director.

This tour is free and open to the public. To learn more about sponsoring, hosting, volunteering for, or attending the event, visit www.clubs.psu.edu/up/ases/solar-tour.php or contact Zach Gilbert at ztg5025@psu.edu.