Photo by Levan Jgarkava
The 2012 Indy Solar Tour is coming to Indianapolis Saturday October 6, 2012 and bringing an opportunity for central Indiana residents to engage in activities and learning experiences about Renewable Energy Systems for their homes and businesses. The free, self-guided tour lasts from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and offers a hands-on opportunity to observe solar thermal, geothermal, and solar photovoltaic operating systems around the Indianapolis area.
The tour beings at 1 p.m. at the Hamilton County Parks Cool Creek Nature Center located at 2000 East 151st Street, Carmel, Ind., 46033. The Nature Center is a gorgeous 90-acre park that hosts various indoor and outdoor events during the year.
The Nature Center boasts a 15.7 kilowatt Solar Photovoltaic system installed August 2010. When there’s enough sun to strike the grid, the system generates anywhere from 75-100 percent of the nature center’s electrical load. “The solar system is projected to save the Nature Center $125,000 in utility costs and reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 18 tons,” said Chris Maher, president of the Indiana Renewable Energy Association. “By installing this solar system, Hamilton County Parks Department has shown real commitment when it comes to education and environmental stewardship.”
During the tour, representatives from Energy Outfitter and Precision Systems will be on hand to explain the solar photovoltaic system and provide additional information on Geothermal Heating and Cooling Systems and Home Energy Efficiency. Tour participants will also have the chance to visit other locations to see more examples of renewable and energy efficient systems.
The 2012 Indy Solar Tours is part of the 17th annual American Solar Energy Society (ASES) National Solar Tour and is the largest solar grassroots event in the world. Over 150,000 people attend every year. Local tour maps will be accessible at the Cool Creek Nature Center and InREA website.
Energy Outfitter, WaterFurnance of Indiana, and Precision Comfort Systems are funding the tour with additional support from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Central Indiana Section.
Indiana Renewable Energy Association (InREA) – Organized in 2008, Indiana Renewable Energy Association (InREA) is the official Indiana state chapter of the ASES. InREA promotes the use of renewable energy throughout the state of Indiana. For more information, visit their website.
American Solar Energy Society (ASES) – Established in 1954, the nonprofit ASES is the nation’s leading association of solar professionals & advocates. Their award-winning Solar Today magazine covers the gamut of renewable energy issues and technologies. For more information, visit their website.
