Local self-guided solar tour offered Oct. 2-3

Northstone Solar, a Whitefish-based business, in conjunction with the American Solar Energy Society, has coordinated its first-ever tour of solar installations in the valley.

The free, self-guided tour of seven local homes and businesses with solar technology will be Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 2-3, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Each tour is offered as either an in-person visit or an online virtual event. For details go to www.nationalsolartour.org/tag/whitefish-solar-tour-by-northsone-solar/

The local tours are part of the 26th annual American Solar Energy Society’s national solar tour during which hundreds of solar installers and grassroots organizations throughout America showcase solar-powered homes, schools and businesses.

“The ASES National Solar Tour shows families and businesses real-life examples of how their neighbors are harnessing free energy from the sun to generate electricity, warm and cool their homes, heat water and slash monthly utility bills,” said Lee Calhoun of Northstone Solar.

The tours show participants the direct perspectives of homeowners and installers about the costs, processes and economic and environmental benefits of going solar. The National Solar Tour also gives Montanans a glimpse at how a variety of solar systems look in and around structures with different architectural styles.

“The National Solar Tour demonstrates an array of practical and economical solutions available right here, right now,” ASES Executive Director Carly Rixham said in a press release. “It encourages neighborhood conversations addressing the growing need for clean energy.”