Over 100 solar installations across the state featured in 2023 Illinois Solar Tour Sept. 30
Wendy Vernon's home in Carol Stream will be featured among over 100 solar homes, businesses, and nonprofits across the state participating in the 2023 Illinois Solar Tour on Saturday, Sept. 30.
The annual Illinois Solar Tour, hosted by the Illinois Solar Education Association, is a free experience, including both in-person and virtual events from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The tour allows the public to view real-life examples of local homeowners and businesses who have transitioned to solar to cut their utility bills and reduce their carbon footprint.
The Solar Tour operates as a network of open houses, with solar sites throughout the state opening their doors to visitors.
Many sites also offer video tours, and some communities are hosting local events in partnership with ISEA. The hybrid format will offer the public a chance to engage and ask questions of solar owners and other enthusiasts like never before.
Wendy Vernon decided to go solar because she wanted to reduce her carbon footprint and to save money on her electric bills. In addition, she included a battery with her installation, allowing her to power essential appliances during electricity outages.
"Each year, the Illinois Solar Tour provides thousands of Illinoisans the opportunity to learn about the numerous benefits of solar, from cost savings to environmental benefits," said Lesley McCain, executive director of the Illinois Solar Education Association. "Between the Illinois Climate and Equitable Jobs Act and federal Inflation Reduction Act making solar more accessible than ever, now is the perfect time for anyone who is interested in solar to visit a participating site near them and learn more."
Almost 40 communities from the suburban Chicago area are featured, including: Algonquin, Arlington Heights, Brookfield, Buffalo Grove, Carol Stream, Cary, Chicago, Deer Park, Deerfield, Downers Grove, Elgin, Elmhurst, Evanston, Glen Ellyn, Glenview, Grayslake, Gurnee, Hawthorn Woods, Highland Park, Hoffman Estates, Huntley, La Grange Park, Lake Villa, Lakewood, Libertyville, Lisle, Morton Grove, Naperville, Oak Park, Park City, Park Ridge, Riverside, Warrenville, West Chicago, Wheaton, Wilmette, Winnetka, and Woodridge.
Algonquin, Arlington Heights, Brookfield, Buffalo Grove, Carbondale, Carol Stream, Cary, Caseyville, Champaign, Chicago, Chillicothe, Decatur, Deer Park, Deerfield, Downers Grove, Elgin, Elizabeth, Elmhurst, Evanston, Fithian, Galena, Glen Carbon, Glen Ellyn, Glenview, Grayslake, Greenville, Gurnee, Hawthorn Woods, Highland Park, Hoffman Estates, Huntley, Kankakee, La Grange Park, Lake Villa, Lakewood, Libertyville, Lisle, Morton Grove, Naperville, Oak Park, Park City, Park Ridge, Riverside, Rockford, Springfield, Stickney, Troy, Urbana, Warrenville, West Chicago, Wheaton, Wilmette, Winnetka, and Woodridge.
A full list of participating sites, as well as preview photos and videos of installations at homes, businesses, and nonprofits, are available at the Solar Tour website at illinoissolar.org/Illinois-Solar-Tour.
The Illinois Solar Education Association is two sister nonprofit organizations - the Illinois Solar Energy Association and the Illinois Solar Education Association - that promote the widespread application of solar and other forms of renewable energy through our mission of advocacy and education.
Founded in 1975 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, the organization was focused on public education for the majority of its history. In the last decade, ISEA expanded its efforts to include working to ensure stable policies and regulations for solar development in Illinois. In order to do this work, ISEA founded its sister 501(c)(6) nonprofit trade organization.
The Illinois Solar Education Association is the Illinois chapter of the American Solar Energy Society, and is the state resource for renewable energy-related policy developments, educational classes, events, news, and access to local renewable energy businesses. Visit www.illinoissolar.org.