Want to see local homes with solar energy? Tours set for Saturday

The Illinois Solar Energy Association is holding a statewide Solar Tour, which is scheduled to include a handful of locations in Madison and St. Clair counties.

People will be able to see how homes and businesses use solar, wind and geothermal systems to become energy independent.

The tour will allow people to learn how the systems reduce monthly energy bills, reduce carbon emissions and what tax credits and financial incentives are available, the solar energy association said.

Most of the open houses are scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and tour hosts are scheduled to be available to answer questions about solar and wind systems.

“The Illinois Solar Tour showcases real life examples of the practical, economic and environmental benefits of using clean power to fuel our everyday lives,” said ISEA Executive Director Lesley McCain. “Now, is a particularly exciting time for solar energy in Illinois as Springfield legislators consider Clean Jobs legislation that would boost opportunities across Illinois from city neighborhoods to rural farmlands.”

Juggle.com in Swansea is one of the businesses participating. The business plans to allow tour participants to see a 9.6-kilowatt solar electric system above the business’ main entrance. A presentation by Mike Hornitschek, director of strategic development at StraightUp Solar, former commander of Scott Air Force Base, also is planned.

Participating locations

▪  Clifford Clark residence at 3424 Brown St. in Alton with an outside viewing only from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

▪  Cletus Garde residence at 2506 Vandalia St. in Collinsville with an outside viewing only.

▪  Collinsville Area Recreation District office at 10 Gateway Drive.

▪  Chris Krusa residence at 27 Rose Court in Glen Carbon

▪  Kevin McKee residence at 204 Collinsville Road in Troy

▪  Juggle.com at 33 Bronze Pointe in Swansea

This story was originally published September 30, 2015 at 11:44 AM with the headline "Want to see local homes with solar energy? Tours set for Saturday."