With the cost of traditional energy sources on the rise, interest in alternate energy sources like solar power is skyrocketing. On Oct. 4, at 18 locations in metro Atlanta and 36 sites statewide, the Georgia Solar Tour (GST) demonstrated how solar power can and does work in Georgia. The GST educated homeowners and businesses on how the new Georgia Clean Energy Property Tax Credits can save them money by installing their own solar systems.

The Georgia Solar Tour offered Georgians the opportunity to tour homes and buildings to see how neighbors are using solar energy, energy efficiency, and other sustainable technologies to reduce their monthly utility bills and help tackle climate change.

The GST was organized by the Georgia Solar Energy Association and the National Solar Tour and made possible locally by:

Platinum Sponsors
Alston + Bird
Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP
Radiance Energies
Southface

Gold Sponsors
Georgia Solar Power Company
Hannah Solar
One World Sustainable
Solahart
Suncatcher
Xantrex

Solar Reception
A special reception was held at Southface Energy Institute to conclude the Georgia Solar Tour, with comments by John Baumstark, CEO of Suniva.

According to survey results from the 2007 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 less than 50 percent before the Tour.

74% of participants indicated that they had never visited a solar or green-built home prior to this event.

“We were very excited to showcasing the power of solar at 36 sites around our state on the 2008 Georgia Solar Tour,” said Georgia Solar Energy Society Vice-Chair, Laura Capps. “It’s through the support of our partners and sponsors that the Georgia Solar Tour was possible.”

A fast growing segment of the population is implementing renewable energy technology to increase reliability and lessen environmental impact. Interest in solar energy technology and energy efficient design continues to grow as energy prices rise. The Georgia Solar Tour offers the public a close up look at how solar technology works, and a chance to find out more about costs, savings and the ease of adding solar.

About Georgia Solar Energy Association — The Georgia Solar Energy Association is a non-profit organization working to promote renewable energy in the state of Georgia through education, research and advocacy. We promote all renewable energy production including, but not limited to, wind energy, solar thermal, photovoltaic energy, bio diesel and bio fuels, and micro-hydro energy. We work towards further development and promotion of the solar industry in Georgia. For more information, visit GSEA at www.gasolar.org.

2008 National Solar Tour — In 2007, the National Solar Tour attracted more than 115,000 attendees to 5,000 buildings in 2,900 participating communities nationwide. Now in its 13th year, this event is coordinated nationally by the nonprofit American Solar Energy Society (ASES), taking place annually in conjunction with National Energy Awareness Month. In 2008, 48 states will participate with public tours of solar powered and energy efficient homes and buildings, educating the public about current solar technologies and rebates available. (www.NationalSolarTour.org)