I’m interested in solar energy, but with our frequently cloudy weather, I wonder if it’s a good idea here. How can I learn more?
We’re seeing more and more interest in solar energy these days, in part because of numerous state and federal financial incentives.
This is a great time to learn more. The annual National Solar Tour is Oct. 2. This is an excellent opportunity to see some local solar installations and talk to people who live with them every day.
This year’s tour, organized by Solar Washington Southwest and Clark Public Utilities, will feature stops at eight homes. They offer a variety of features and different types of systems, so you should be able learn a lot in a short period of time.
John Zagunis of Solar Washington Southwest is coordinating the event again this year. He said its purpose is to provide participants an opportunity to tour homes and see how neighbors are using solar energy, energy efficiency and other sustainable technologies to reduce their utility bills.
He said an increasing focus of the tour is on energy-saving techniques through building design, energy-efficient appliances and use of green materials during building or remodeling.
The Solar Smart House is a new home that received the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum designation. It is the first LEED Platinum home in Southwest Washington, and one of only four in the state of Washington.
Among the home’s many features are solar water heating, a photovoltaic solar electric system and a wind generator. It is also designed to take advantage of location for maximum solar benefits.
Another home on the tour was built using locally made fiber-cement blocks manufactured from recycled material. This product is finished with durable environmentally responsible lime stucco.
Most of the homes feature solar water heating systems. Some of these systems are simple, while others are more complex. A properly sized solar water heating system can provide more than half of the hot water needed by a typical home throughout the year. And from May to September, such a system should provide almost 100 percent.
Another home on the tour features a solar-electric system that started small and has been expanded over time.
The National Solar Tour is the largest solar energy event in the world. Now in its 13th year, the tour continues to grow in popularity. Last year, more than 115,000 people visited some 5,000 buildings in 2,900 communities.
In Clark County, the day begins with a presentation at the Clark Public Utilities’ Electric Center Community Room at 10 a.m. Oct. 2. After the presentation, you can visit any or all of the homes on the tour.
The cost is $5 for a tour map, which covers the cost of printing and organization.
The Energy Adviser is written by members of the energy counselor team of Clark Public Utilities, who provide conservation and energy use information to utility customers. Send questions to energyadviser@clarkpud.com or to Energy Adviser, c/o Clark Public Utilities, P.O. Box 8900, Vancouver, WA 98668. A panel of local energy-efficiency and energy product specialists will review your questions. Previous topics are available at http://www.clarkpublicutilities.com.
