American Solar Energy Society
The American Solar Energy Society to Expand National Solar Tour via New Hybrid Approach
The visionaries who formed the American Solar Energy Society (ASES) in 1954 – the year Bell Labs patented the first silicon solar cell — saw a future powered by the sun. Since then, ASES has played a role in moving the needle for solar through convening subject matter experts at its annual conference, educating solar advocates through its Solar Today Magazine and working to increase the adoption of solar through its National Solar Tour, the largest annual grassroots solar event in the U.S.
Due to COVID-19, in 2020 ASES launched its all-virtual National Solar Tour – the first in the Tour’s 25-year history. Adoption of solar grows through word-of-mouth, and allowing participants to learn about local solar policies, the solar installation process, PV technologies available and more from each other perpetuates the increased adoption of solar nationally. Like any new format, going 100% virtual has provided useful lessons and ASES is looking to develop and expand upon a more robust platform supporting both virtual and in-person tours in 2021. ASES’ goal is to have 20,000 participants engaged in this new hybrid approach, including holding 1,500 individual open houses nationwide.
The ASES team knows from experience that knowledge and community are a powerful combination for change. The National Solar Tour is a perfect example of this belief. Like the visionaries who began this solar journey, ASES leadership continues to rise to the challenges of today by advocating for sustainable living and working towards a future of 100% renewable energy.
For more information: www.ases.org
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