How do solar panels actually function on a home?  Is it truly beneficial to invest in renewable energy for your business?  Answer these questions and more by participating in the 2011 Illinois Solar Tour on October 1st!  This event gives you the opportunity to tour innovative green homes and buildings in Illinois to see how you can use renewable energy and energy efficiency to reduce monthly utility bills and help tackle climate change.  This tour is part of the American Solar Energy Society (ASES) National Solar Tour, featuring over 5,500 buildings in 3,200 communities, making it the world’s largest grassroots solar event!
 
By taking part in this annual event, you will not only view homes and businesses but speak with homeowners and business professionals who are currently utilizing renewable energy.  The annual Solar Tour is a vehicle to educate and demonstrate to the public that renewable energy works in Illinois and that many homes and businesses are taking advantage of this resource.  With ten regions in Illinois participating in this event, there is sure to be a tour near you.  Check out photos from last year’s Illinois Solar Tour here!
 
Does your renewable energy business have Photovoltaic, Solar Thermal, Geothermal, or Small Wind installations it would like to display?  This is a great marketing opportunity to showcase your work!  Just submit an application with up to 5 sites your business would like to exhibit on the Tour.  In addition to individuals seeing your installations on the Tour and our website, over 40,000 people throughout Illinois will read about them in Mindful Metropolis! This year, we are partnering with Mindful Metropolis, who will include the Solar Tour Guidebook as an insert in their September, 2011 issue. This application is due by May 27th! 
 
If you are a home or business owner with renewable energy installations, submit this application to be a part of the Illinois Solar Tour.  We would love to display your home or business and show that Illinois is Ready for Solar!
 
With a reach of over 100,000 individuals, and print copies going to over 600 locations in-and-around Chicago, this is also a great opportunity to advertise in the Illinois Solar Tour Guidebook!  Submit an application by June 1st.
 
Learn more about the 2011 Illinois Solar Tour and all of the ways you can get involved on our website.