Event Description: Learn directly from the innovators who have adopted solar technology how it works, what it costs, and why its time has come. In association with the American Solar Energy Society and local coordinating groups, NorCal Solar offers its 9th annual Solar Homes Tour. On October 1st, nine communities in the Bay Area, North Coast and Central Valley will provide more than sixty-five sites for (usually) self-guided tours of solar and green buildings. Owners, designers, and/or contractors will be available at most sites to answer questions and discuss design, construction and technology. The tour sites showcase energy efficiency, active and passive solar technologies, and a wide variety of sustainable living solutions.

Tour Communities: Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Francisco, Oakland, Contra Costa, Santa Rosa, Arcata, Fresno, Chico.

Tour Date: October 1st (check individual tours for exact tour times.)

Tour Contact: Liz Merry, 530-852-0354, info@norcalsolar.org, www.norcalsolar.org.

Tour Fee*: $10 per couple for pre-registration; $15 for on-site registration. Check each local tour for exact details.

How to Take this Tour*:

One Tour Guide is admission ticket for up to two adults (participants 17 years old and under are free with paying adults.) Pre-registration is encouraged and available online at www.norcalsolar.org. Some Tours may include a mini-bus or other guided-tour option; some offer discounts for taking the tour by bicycle. Ridesharing is highly encouraged and organized through the SpaceShare service on the tour website.