Green Guide

Here Comes the Sun: Largest Solar Tour in the World Shines on Long Island

On October 6, a record-number of Long Islanders took advantage of the unusually warm fall day and came out in droves to witness first-hand how their neighbors are saving money and combating global warming by leveraging the most powerful energy force in the world: the sun.

This was the sixth annual “National Solar Tour and Home Performance with ENERGY STARTM Open House” a free, self-guided tour of solar-powered homes and businesses across the island, from Montauk to Kings Point. The tour, which included 97 sites, was hosted in our region by Renewable Energy Long Island (RELI), a non-profit group that promotes clean, sustainable energy use and generation for Long Island. RELI is the only not-for-profit organization on Long Island with an exclusive focus on clean energy and provides information to consumers on energy efficiency and renewable energy sources to protect our environment, economy, and public health.

“We are extremely grateful to the energy-savvy business and homeowners who graciously opened their doors so their neighbors could learn more about solar power and other forms of renewable, green energy,” said Gordian Raacke, RELI’s executive director.” Some of the hosts had more than 80 visitors. Once people realize that solar power not only can reduce their bills dramatically, but also reduce pollution and make a huge dent in solving the climate change crisis, they realize it’s the right thing to do—for the planet and their pocketbooks.”

David Hensen of Miller Place was one of those who welcomed visitors to his home which features numerous renewable energy and efficiency measures. “All of this is part of an overall plan to make my home as near net zero energy balance as possible,” said Hensen. “We didn’t only add a solar photovoltaic system, we also got our home properly insulated, added geothermal heat, replaced our conventional light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs, and tried to minimize energy loss in every possible way.” Hensen says all of these measures have reduced his electric bill by about 60-70 percent. Better yet, his home has served as an inspiration to many of his friends and neighbors. “Six or seven other homes in our neighborhood have gotten solar panels since we installed ours,” he said. “I think they’re copying us—and that’s fine by me!”

New to the tour this year was a state-of-the-art demonstration at seven sites showcasing how LIPA’s Home Performance with ENERGY STAR™ Program can save consumers up to 40 percent on their energy costs by implementing energy efficiency improvements that increase the health, safety and comfort of their homes while helping to reduce electricity consumption and protect the environment. Some of the measures are as simple as switching to energy-efficient light bulbs and adding weather stripping.

Long Island Solar Community Gather to Celebrate Solar Tour

On October 11th at the Fatfish Bar and Bistro in Bay Shore, the Long Island solar community gathered to celebrate the success of this year’s Solar Tour and Home Performance with ENERGY STAR™ Open House on Long Island.

The evening was hosted by Renewable Energy Long Island (RELI) as a thank-you to all 97 home and business owners, event sponsors, partners and supporters who made the Tour such a great success.

Several hosts new to the Tour this year were actually participants in the 2006 Solar Tour. “This demonstrates how well the Solar Tour actually works,” said Gordian Raacke, RELI’s executive director. “Homeowners sharing their solar experience with their neighbors are a credible and compelling source of information. It is very gratifying to see how effective the Solar Tour really is.”

For more information about how to ‘go solar’ visit www.LIshines.org

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