Saturday, June 20 — Solar projects in communities throughout Vermont will be open for public tours the third Saturday in June. “Celebrate Solar Tours” will take place across the state on Saturday, June 20, the weekend of the Summer Solstice.
Like open sugarhouse weekend in the spring and open art studio weekend in the fall, the summertime tours will give Vermonters the opportunity to get an up-close view of solar systems to learn about the technology, solar economics, and the benefits of solar to our community.
Solar customers, host farmers, and owners alike will be on-hand to speak with the public – with many of the sites offering fun events, also.
Among the solar sites open to tour June 20: iconic and sweet Vermont attractions like Cold Hollow Cider and Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks, high-tech attractions like Draker Solar Labs and Small Dog Electronics, agricultural farms like Champlain Orchards, multi-customer shared community solar arrays, and some of Vermont’s highest producing solar farms.
“Folks know us and visit us for our cider and donuts. But we are thrilled to open up the field behind our cidery to share the benefits of solar technology to our business and our community. We’ll of course also be serving up some sweet treats for those who come by,” said Paul Brown, owner of Cold Hollow Cider in Waterbury Center, which has a 150kW system powering its operations.
More than 40 systems are anticipated to participate in the day and a growing statewide map can be found by visiting https://www.revermont.org/main/celebrate-solar-tours/. Many participating sites will host refreshments, music, or other entertainment. Other planned solar events include community walking tours of residential solar installations, miniature golf and on-site yoga.
“One of the immeasurable values of living in Vermont is the strength of our communities. We now have an opportunity to work together to re-power Vermont through shared, group solar arrays, like the one in my backyard,” said Evergreen Erb of Jericho.
The grassroots event is supported by Renewable Energy Vermont, with new sites being added throughout June.
