LBReport.com

See LB-Area Homes Run On The Sun, Open For Free "Solar Tour" Sat. Oct 1

(Sept. 30, 2005) -- Would you like to see firsthand how some of your neighbors have equipped their homes to run on the sun?

Seven solar-powered LB area homes (listed below) will be open on Saturday, Oct. 1 from 11:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. as part of the American Solar Energy Society's 10th Annual National Solar Tour and the 3rd Annual Long Beach Solar Energy Tour. It's a free, self-guided event. The LB homes listed below are part of thousands of solar-powered homes and businesses across the country who'll open their doors so the public can see solar powered options firesthand.

Tour coordinator and long-time LB solar advocate Regina Taylor tells LBReport.com, "This is a perfect opportunity to see solar energy working in real time with your neighbors."

Chris Garner, Dir. of LB's Energy Dept. (municipal gas utility) said in a written release, "Public interest in alternative energy sources such as solar power is increasing for both environmental as well as economic reasons."

In addition, at the Colorado Lagoon between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., there'll be an informative solar session presented by Millikan High School Students. LB Poly High School’s solar powered boat will be on display and the City of Long Beach Gas and Oil Department and the El Dorado Nature Center will provide giveaways to the first 50 participants.

Oil and Gas Dept. reps will provide information on this winter's higher natural gas bills and conservation tips and other solar enthusiasts will be present to provide more information on solar powered options.

The free, self-guided solar powered house tours will be held Saturday Oct. 1, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the following addresses:

3161 Marber Ave.
Long Beach, CA 90808
Details: PV panels, solar thermal
Directions: Near Bellflower and Spring

4927 Minturn Ave.
Lakewood , CA 90712
Details: PV panels, native plant garden
Directions: North of Del Amo, West of Lakewood

5157 El Roble St.
Long Beach, CA 90815
Details: PV panels, solar thermal, Honda Civic hybrid, native plants,
Directions: North of PCH, East of Clark

3909 Elm Ave.
Long Beach, CA 90807
Details: PV panels, solar thermal

13243 Palm Pl.
Cerritos, CA 90703
Details: PV panels, solar thermal, Toyota RAV4 electric vehicle, sustainable home features, a fully functioning solar playhouse for the little ones, and free solar oven baked cookies
Directions: West of Carmenita, North of Artesia

3702 Fairman St.
Lakewood, CA, 90712
Directions: Between Hayter and Downey, just south of Arbor
Details: 4 - panel stationery backup array for house/patio; mobile backup solar generator; solar motion detector lighting; solar water fountain

740 Roswell Ave
Long Beach, CA
Details: Home's features to include photovoltaic panels, native plant garden, composting, non-voc paints. The home is adjacent to the Greenbelt, a large native plant garden
Directions: Roswell is between Ximeno & Termino, accessible from 8th street.