2009 Costa Mesa Solar Tour Debrief

October 3rd, 2009 was the 2nd American Solar Energy Society Tour I’ve organized and it was another successful learning experience. Approximately 200 people attended, many traveling from neighboring counties, to check out four different homes equipped with photovoltaic solar systems in the City of Costa Mesa.

Two of the four homes were nearing completion so tour attendants were able to get a sneak peak at these new green homes. Both new homes seeking a different “green” certification. One being certified under the United States Green Building Council’s LEED program and the other Build it Green’s GreenPoint Rated.

Owner/Builder chats to local students about his new green home

Feedback from tour goers was loud and clear. Not enough experts at the homes to handle the amount of traffic they received. Many of the attendants were not able to interact or even identify you the specified “solar expert” or homeowner was. More solar experts and name badges in 2010, for sure!

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