Solar Washington is joining the non-profit American Solar Energy Society (ASES) and hundreds of solar-savvy installers and grassroots organizations throughout America to collectively showcase more than 5,000 solar-powered homes, schools and businesses – in Washington and across North America – for the 15th annual National Solar Tour, the world’s largest grassroots solar event.

The event – slated for Oct. 2 is designed to introduce the solar technologies they are using to drastically reduce monthly energy bills; reduce harmful carbon emissions; and enjoy rich tax credits and cash incentives as they improve their property values.

The free tour, which will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., will stop in Lakeland Hills at 1306 57th Drive SE, Auburn.

“In the wake of one of the largest man-made environmental disasters in U.S. history, learning about clean, job-creating energy options that provide tax breaks, lower energy bills and cleaner communities for all of us is something all residents in Washington can do to address America’s dangerous addition to fossil fuels,” said Dave Kozin, Solar Washington Board Member and Director of A&R Solar in Seattle.

“The ASES National Solar Tour is bringing 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,” he said.

On Oct. 2, Solar Washington is organizing open house tours of homes and businesses throughout Washington State. In addition to Auburn, the tour is expected to visit Clallam County, Clark County, Kitsap County, Seattle, Skagit Valley, Shoreline, Snohomish County and Tacoma.

The self-guided tours, which last year attracted more than 150,000 people in 49 U.S. states and Puerto Rico, afford participants the direct perspectives of homeowners and installers about the costs, processes and economic and environmental benefits of going solar. The tours also give a glimpse at how a variety of solar systems look in and around structures with different architectural styles.

This event – whose theme this year is “Be Solar Inspired” – is free and open to the public.

For tour updates or to learn more about sponsoring, hosting or volunteering for a tour in your community, visit, www.NationalSolarTour.org or e-mail tour@solarwashington.org.