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Welcome to the American Solar Energy Society - Join Us!

Leading the Solar Energy Revolution

Established in 1954, the American Solar Energy Society is the nation’s leading association of solar professionals and advocates. Together with our members we’re building a solar-powered, energy efficient nation. But, we can’t do it without solar supporters like you. Will you JOIN US ?

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Be Solar Inspired!

"After decades of development, solar energy solutions have moved into the mainstream," said National Solar Tour Manager Richard Burns. "Solar prices are 30%-40% lower than we saw two years ago. State and federal incentives are the richest we've seen, and an evolving consciousness surrounding how solar cuts energy costs, creates green jobs and improves property values is emerging. From Main Street to rural retreats, the National Solar Tour is changing how everyday people view their energy choices. It's a catalyst that's accelerating the use of solar energy and energy-efficient practices across America."

On October 1,  2011, more than 165,000 people are slated to build a new solar landscape for America by joining the nonprofit American Solar Energy Society's 16th Annual National Solar Tour, the world's largest grassroots solar event.

You can, too.

The National Solar Tour provides an opportunity for solar-interested citizens in states across the U.S., Mexico -- and Puerto Rico! --  to view the real-life solar solutions people in their communities are deploying to save money, assert their energy independence and help the environment. Those attending this year's tour will discover a surprisingly diverse solar landscape – including solar-powered duplexes, houses, condos – even solar-powered schools, farms and businesses.

While the bulk of the 700+ tours affiliated with the event occur on Saturday, Oct. 1, a few, like those in Alaska and Austin, TX occur earlier in the year to accommodate inclement weather and other factors.

Take a look at  the unconventional ways people and proprietors are showcasing their solar stuff, cutting their energy costs – and creating a more sustainable energy future.

Then, whether you're a homeowner, landlord, business, public official or solar citizen, create a conversation; decide where you fit in.

Together, we can drive the momentum of the world's largest grassroots solar event and demonstrate that the benefits of solar energy and its energy-efficiency cousin have not only hit the mainstream, they're here to stay.

Your Solar Stories!

By Terri Steele

Iraq war veteranOn November 13, 2001 – two months after the largest attack on domestic soil this generation has seen – Jeffrey Owens enlisted in the U.S. Army. It was shortly after his 30th birthday. “I wasn’t looking for a career, I just wanted to serve,” he recalls. He enlisted as a combat engineer and shipped overseas.

sequoia livingWhen Tom and Lisa McGinnis moved into the foothills of Sequoia National Park eight years ago, they knew they wanted to build a life for themselves that would efficiently integrate them into the natural landscape with little environmental fallout.

solar schoolhouseWhen a raging fire devastated a Columbia, Missouri elementary school trailer, its students had nowhere to turn. The ABCs of recovery for this demoralized population started with an Architect with knowledge in sustainability -- and an interest in sharing it.

Solar oilman's family.Dewey Bartlett, Jr. is a third generation oil man. The 62-year-old Oklahoman has been in the oil and gas exploration business all his life.  But when it comes to the polarizing energy debate, he’s breaking new ground. This oil prospector is going solar.  

solar panelsOf the 30,000 people who live in Phoenix's Sun City West retirement community, there are two senior citizens who have a particular affection for the sun -- even the scorching, 107-degree heat it brings to Arizona's dog days of summer.

Just how was a couple in their early thirties going to afford a solar system to power their 800 sq. ft. condominium? The idea came to them when they sat down to plan the gift registry for their September 2007 wedding.

Prout's quest to be among the first solar powered funeral homes began in earnest in 2004, when he heard New Jersey was entering into a clean energy program. By 2005, he had 114 roof-mounted PV panels (17.4 kW) saving him $600 and $800 a month on his electric bill.

Solar PV LadiesToday’s runaway energy costs – coupled with unprecedented job losses, falling home prices, the highest foreclosure rate in 30 years, bankruptcies in abundance, a $700 billion corporate bailout, a precarious dependence on foreign oil and plummeting investments -- are enough to keep just about anyone up at night. But Newbury, Mass., residents LuAnn Kuder and Maureen O’Brien are sleeping soundly. They’ve found a way to “Beat the Street” (Wall Street that is) with the returns they’re realizing on their retirement savings.

The favorite new topping for green business consultant Art Krebs's Dunkin Donuts fare isn't maple or chocolate sprinkles – it's a new kind of glaze called solar photovoltaics (PV).

thumbnail of solar panelThe rich state incentives that drive deployment of solar energy solutions in the majority of America's lower 49 don't exist in Alaska, whose oil-rich resources are legendary. But that hasn't dampened Alaskans' laudable enthusiasm for the power of solar energy.


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