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November
2007
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
© 2008
NETWORKING® MAGAZINE
2020 GUIDE TO GOING GREEN
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