Published: October 04, 2007 10:29 am         

Solar energy devices spotlighted

Local residents will join approximately 100,000 people across the United States in learning about renewable energy and energy efficiency during the 12th annual American Solar Energy Society’s National Solar Tour.

The Michiana Area Tour will take place Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with five Goshen-area homes open for public tour. There is no charge to attend the event.

The following homes are included in the local tour: The Nafziger home, at 1807 Mayflower Place, Goshen, which features a solar hot water system installed by Michiana Solar; the Oakley home, 716 S. 11th St., Goshen, which features a grid-tied photovoltaic system installed by Home and Mobile Energy; the Shantz home, 60728 C.R. 27, Goshen, which features a self-designed and self-installed solar hot water system; and the Burkey/Piepenbrink home of 1895 S. 600 West, Topeka, which features a grid-tied photovoltaic system installed by Home and Mobile Energy and a motor home with solar panels.

Homes in South Bend and Niles, Mich., will also be featured locally.

“Real Places for Real People,” the theme of the tour, reflects the typical buildings on the tour that include energy enhancements without dramatic changes in appearance.

Home and Mobile Energy of Goshen, in partnership with the American Solar Energy Society (ASES), is coordinating this effort which has become the country’s largest demonstration of installed renewable energy technologies and energy efficient building practices.

The National Solar Tour will run in 46 states this year.

Respond: (574) 533-2151, ext. 316

justin.cripe@goshennews.com