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Tours

The 2007 Tour of Solar Homes is over, but join us in the fall of 2008.

Tour of Solar Buildings

On Saturday, October 6, 2007, buildings across the nation were opened to interested visitors.

The tour provided an opportunity to see first hand energy systems that won’t run out of power, can’t have services cut off or withheld, that continue to function when neighbors lose power, and safeguard human health and protect the environment.

For the eighth consecutive year, north central Illinois residentsopened their homes and buildings to the public from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the annual tour. 

If you missed this year's tour, please check back for the posting of home that will be open for the 2008 annual Tour of Solar Buildings.

Homes on the tour included:
       •  Marlene Bertolozzi, 32960 Dawn Dr., Kingston:
Hybrid photovoltaic and wind power system.
       •  Jim Kohlart, 7834 Hoosier Rd., Ashton, (456-3411):
Hybrid photovoltaic and wind power system with battery backup.  Three wind generators for comparisons.
       •  Victor and Polly Zaderej, 3588 S. Daysville Rd., Oregon (cell only):
Super insulated “one-watt” house built on German Passivhaus principles.
       •  Bob and Sonia Vogl, 1230 E. Honey Creek Rd., Oregon, (732-7332): Hybrid grid connected photovoltaic and wind power system with battery backup; stand alone (Cabin type) photovoltaic installation.
       •  David Merrill, 139 Perene, Byron, (234-2530):
Hybrid photovoltaic and wind power system with battery backup.
       •  Keith and Mary Blackmore, 9024 West Grove Rd., Forreston, (938-3204):
Ground mounted photovoltaic system, super-insulated house, greenhouse.
       •  Chuck Thorpe, 2273 N. Schlegel Rd., Lena:
Photovoltaic system.

Outside viewing only (Do not enter property):
       •  Ken and Janet Williams, 8234 Crestview Rd., Stillman Valley:
Wind turbine with 12’ rotor diameter.
       •  Joe and Anne O’Connell, 1276 Belvidere, Belvidere:
Solar heat and hot water system.
       •  Tom Peterson, 825 24th Ave., East Moline:
Grid connected photovoltaic system with battery backup.
       •  Rich Maes, 1421 Mary Drive, Kewanee:
Photovoltaic system.

School (Outside viewing only):
       •  Reagan Middle School, 620 Division St., Dixon:
Largest ground mounted solar installation on a school in Illinois.

Bob and Sonia Vogl’s new book, Living with Renewable Energy, stories of
many of the homes on the tour in addition to others, was available
at their home during the tour.  Copies are still available. 
Contact sonia@essex1.com for more information.

We greatly appreciate the support of our members and sponsors.

Their contributions have helped make the Illinois Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair possible.

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2008 Sponsors:

Gold

The Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation
Web Site

Illinois
Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Web Site

Silver

Blue

Green

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Join us for the Sixth Annual Fair on August 9th and 10th, 2008.