Introduction
Solar energy is not just for space stations and Martian explorers. In homes, schools and business across the country, renewable energy technologies are producing clean, reliable, and affordable power. On Saturday, October 18th, you can see for yourself what it is like to live with solar power by going on the Tour of Solar Homes and visiting the Full Circle Farm in Blount County, TN.
In its fifth year, the National Tour of Solar Homes is a day long event organized and held in many communities across the country. The National Tour of Solar Homes highlights solar energy technologies that are working right now, in real places, for real people. The National Tour of Solar Homes is a partnership between the American Solar Energy Society, local coordinating organizations and the homeowners, and is sponsored by the Department of Energy
Why go solar?
In many ways, the sun is fundamental to our lives. It is a source of light, warmth, and energy. The sun has always been, and always will be. It is a prime example of a resource freely given to us by nature, yet most of us fail to utilize its potential. Most of our current power needs are met through the use of fossil fuels. However, as John Nolt comments in the book What Have We Done?, fossil fuel reserves are depleting at a rapid pace. We have already used up most of our nation's oil supply, natural gas will not last much more than another century, and coal, too, is depleting fast at current rates of consumption. Not only are these natural resources finite, they contribute heavily to our current environmental crisis. Pollution, scarred landscape left behind by mining, and carbon emissions are but a few of the negative consequences of fossil fuel use. Nuclear energy use is surrounded by tremendous debate concerning safety and expense. In short, we need an alternative energy source that is safe, reliable, and sustainable. Harnessing the sunÍs energy is one feasible solution.
There are many advantages to "going solar." Over 30,000 homes in the U.S. currently utilize solar technologies, two of which are included in today's Solar Homes Tour. Across the country, homeowners have stated several reasons for using renewable energy, ranging from monetary incentives such as lower residential energy bills, to more personal incentives such as increased self-reliance and the peace of mind in knowing that solar energy is environmentally clean and sustainable. Consider the facts-- solar energy frees us of our dependence on imported energy, which has often left us at the mercy of trade embargoes and military conflicts; individually, it frees us from being at the mercy of large, impersonal power companies; the cost of fossil fuels is increasing in proportion to their decreasing supply, while renewable technology cost is reducing; investing in energy efficiency and technology creates jobs; and solar energy reduces the environmental impact of conventional energy operations.
The Solar Homes Tour is a part of FGS's Sustainable Living Program, which highlights proactive solutions to current unsustainable living patterns. The goal of the program is to empower people to regain control of their lives and engage in sustainable living practices which meet current needs without jeopardizing the needs of future generations.
Sustainable living means a change in lifestyle. Utilizing the sun's energy is but one important step in an integral strategy of reduced consumption, support of local organic farmers & sustainable agriculture, energy-efficient building design, support for public transportation & car pooling, and reducing waste through recycling, reuse, and reduced consumption.
The Full Circle Farm, a local 2 year old flower, herb, and vegetable farm, will be part of the 1997 National Tour of Solar Homes. The farm, located 10 miles south of downtown Knoxville in the Tarklin Valley of Rockford in Blount County, is owned by Tim Brown and Georgia Pomphrey. Leaving their 5 year old solar home in Atlanta behind, Tim and Georgia moved to Tennessee 2 years ago and built their solar powered small temporary house. The house is entirely powered by solar panels, including a solar-powered deep well pump, a SunFrost refrigerator and a passive solar water heater. Supporters of the philosophy of voluntary simplicity, Tim and Georgia hope to serve as an example of living contentedly with solar energy. Please take the time to come by on October 18 to learn more about and enjoy the unique lifestyle and efforts that are part of sustainable solar living.
Virginia Turner's house is located in Seymour, about 20 minutes south from Downtown Knoxville. With grass growing on her roof, her house is also called an "underground house". The house has a glass solarium that leads into a living area, while the bedroom is warmed up by skylights. Located in a subdivision, it has a 3 acre pond in the front yard. According to Virginia "it does not feel at all like living in a suburbian area". Her house appeared in the living section of the Knoxville News Sentinel a few years ago.
Guest Lecturer, Richard Austin:
Richard Austin is a degreed engineer (Engineering Physics) who has been involved in solar design for over twenty years. He has created new and innovative designs in solar space heating, solar water heating, and solar toilets (dehydration/disinfection). He has studied extensively and has practical experience in installing photo voltaic systems and solar greenhouses. His presentation will focus on new low-cost designs for solar applications.
1997 Tour Co-Sponsors:
U.S. Dept. of Energy
Interstate Renewable Energy Council
Special Thanks:
Knoxville Community Food Cooperative
McKay Used Books
Earth to Old City
New York Bagel Deli
Sponsored By:
The Foundation for Global Sustainability
and
The American Solar Energy Society