ALLIANCE, Ohio — Across Ohio, people are trimming their energy bills, increasing their independence and taking steps to address climate change. Anyone can get involved and those interested can join others for the annual solar tour.
Renewable energy-powered homes and energy-efficient homes and buildings will be shown during free open houses across Ohio, Oct. 2 and Oct. 3.
The event is being coordinated by Green Energy Ohio, in cooperation with the American Solar Energy Society’s National Solar Tour. The demonstration of installed renewable energy technologies and energy-efficient building practices is the largest in the United States.
This event provides the opportunity for people to visit and talk with owners living and working with clean energy technologies.
People can use the Green Energy Ohio’s website as an interactive tool to search more than 200 open house sites, and select guided tours in communities across Ohio that feature solar, wind, biomass, green design, energy-saving technologies and much more.
This is the second year the Ohio Solar Tour includes sites in Stark County. In addition to the many sites scheduled for visitation throughout the county, two special events are scheduled for the public Oct. 2.
Bus tour
A guided bus tour is scheduled to visit seven locations in the county, including sites that showcase geothermal and energy efficient features, solar photovoltaic, solar thermal, wind turbines and an energy audit for a homeowner conducted by ESW Energy of Canton.
The tour will commence at 10 a.m. with a scheduled return by 4 p.m.
All interested participants must reserve a spot in advance by calling 330-409-8096. Tour members will meet at the Stark Parks Exploration Gateway Lobby, 5712 12th St., N.W., Canton. Complimentary parking is available.
Guests may bring a brown bag lunch, or reserve a box lunch for $4. This tour is free and open to the public.
Vendor exhibition
A vendor exhibition and site tour is planned from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Oct. 3, at the University of Mount Union in Alliance at the newly renovated Timken Physical Education Building.
Visitors may also stop by the display area and speak with technical representatives who will be available to answer questions related to wind, solar and renewable topics.
Demonstrations include solar cooking, a solar construction trailer and scale models of wind turbines. A home energy auditor will also be available.
The complex is located at 480 W. Hartshorn St. in Alliance.
The new Gartner Welcome Center, a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Silver building, which features geothermal and energy efficient components will also be on display.
Mahoning Valley
Mahoning County will also be hosting a guided tour Oct. 2 from 9:40 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Mahoning Valley Organized Guided Tour kicks off at the old South Range High School, located off of state Route 164 in North Lima.
This free tour spotlights Mahoning County’s renewable energy and energy efficiency sites. Valley Energy Solutions will provide vans to each of the sites. R.S.V.P. in advance by contacting Chrissy at Valley Energy Solutions 330-702-0147. Seating is limited and on a first come, first serve basis.
Open house tours throughout the county will also be available both days.
For additional information visit www.greenenergyohio.org or call toll free 866-GREEN-OH.
