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State Solar Listserves: A Resource for All Things Solar

Rich Maranto February 13, 2014

State Solar Listserves: A Resource for All Things Solar

Interested in going solar but not sure where to start? Want to connect with other solar enthusiasts in your area? Then check out a solar network in your state!

 

Citizens in DC, MD, VA and WV have recently formed solar networks as part of an effort to build support for solar in their states. The networks, named DC SUN, VA SUN, MD SUN, and WV SUN, communicate via online listserves that are open to any individual or business interested in solar.

The listserves serve as a place for practical advice on how to go solar, as well as to keep track of local developments around solar. Members of the networks use their listserve to:

  • Ask questions about going solar and get help if they are are having problems with their system.
  • Connect with people who have already gone solar and share their experiences.
  • Follow new developments related to solar in the state.
  • Take action on solar policies and issues.
  • Get help starting their own solar initiatives to help grow solar in their state.

By keeping the discussion focused on solar, the listserves also appeal to a much broader base of participants that might not identify as ìenvironmentalists,î but who support their right to produce their
own power and are invested in their stateís solar future. This allows each network to help build a much larger group of grassroots solar supporters than if the discussion was focused on ìenvironmentalî
issues.

How do I join?

Visit http://bitly.com/statesolarnetworks to join your stateís solar network. Community Power Network, a national organization that supports community renewable energy initiatives, helps host the listserves and provides technical support to activists in each state. Join us!

Originally published, 2013 Maryland Solar Tour guide by Anya Schoolman

Filed Under: MGG, MGG-Conservation, MGG-Renewable, MGG-SustainableDesign

Campaign To Divest

Rich Maranto January 13, 2014

Campaign To Divest

photo by Rainforest Action Network via flickr (CC)

In his June 25 climate address, President Obama stated: “Convince those in power to reduce our carbon pollution. Push your own communities to adopt smarter practices. Invest. Divest.” The Divest Montgomery County campaign aims to do that, and ultimately encourage installation of solar energy in the County and across the nation. The County’s Employee Retirement Fund’s investments total over $3.2B. Analysis of similar public employee pension funds suggest that over $100,000,000 may be in fossil fuel company holdings – i.e., corporations that develop oil, gas or coal. Our petition directs the County to end further fossil fuel investments in its pension fund and to sell off its existing holdings over 5 years.

photo by Natural Resources Defense via flickr (CC)

Divest Montgomery County is part of a national campaign led by noted environmentalist Bill McKibben (350.org), and includes campaigns involving over 100 local governments and 300 colleges. The 350.org campaign is inspired by the successful 1980s anti-apartheid movement to divest from corporations doing business in South Africa — which Nelson Mandela says was critical in ending apartheid. As the fossil industry loses its respectability, its ability to influence politicians will wane, we hope. 350.org’s Go Fossil Free campaign thus helps create the political space for legislation limiting carbon pollution and promoting solar PV and hot water and other clean, renewable energy sources and efficiency solutions. To learn more about the campaign contact Peter Murtha (pete.murtha@gmail.com) or Geoff Kidd (netgk@hotmail.com).

Originally published, 2013 Maryland Solar Tour guide by Peter Murtha

Filed Under: MGG, MGG-Conservation

Maryland Tour of Solar and Green Homes 2013

Rich Maranto September 5, 2013

Maryland Tour of Solar and Green Homes 2013

The Annual Solar Tour of Homes is organized by a staff of dedicated volunteers to educate the public on the positive aspects of solar energy and sustainable design.

This year we have over 48 solar and green homes on tour. Homes are open from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, October 5 and 6. Plan your trip in advance with our handy centerfold maps. As you tour the homes, consider energy improvements to your own home.

The self-guided tour of solar and green homes is always held on the first weekend in October. The tour booklet (16MB download of the 2013 booklet) contains maps, directions to each home as well as informative articles.

The printed tour booklet is available for $2 at these locations:

Beans & Bagels
49 East Patrick St.
Frederick, MD

Trail House
17 S. Market St.
Frederick, MD

Main Cup
14 W. Main St.
Middletown, MD

Common Market
5813 Buckeystown Pike
Frederick, MD

Mom’s Frederick
5273 Buckeystown Pike
Frederick, MD

South Mountain Creamery
8305 Bolivar Road
Middletown, MD 21769

The 2013 tour will be on Saturday, October 5, and Sunday, October 6, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event will highlight a variety of design, technology and sustainable living concepts being used in homes throughout Maryland and the panhandle of WV.

Most homes and buildings on the tour contain a combination of renewable energy and energy conservation features. Some highlights include:

  • Photovoltaic (pv) systems
  • Solar hot water systems
  • Geothermal systems
  • Wind power turbines
  • Green roof and water conservation
  • Energy-efficient appliances and lighting
  • Energy-saving building construction techniques

Some homeowners also practice additional conservation measures, such as composting, native plantings, water gardens and drive fuel-efficient or alternative energy vehicles.

Additional homes located in MD, VA and DC can be viewed on our Sister Solar Tour, the Annual Washington, D.C. Tour of Solar Homes & Buildings.

How to Show Your Home on the 2013 Tour

To include your home on the tour, please use the “Contact” form on this website to submit your request before May 1, 2014.

Solar Tour Advertising and Sponsorships

For sponsorhips and advertising in the 2014 Maryland or Washington DC Metropolitan area Tour of Homes, please use the “Contact” form on this website to submit your request. The deadline for Ad submissions is June 1, 2014.

  • Click here for the 2013 advertising/sponsorships price list.
  • Maryland guide artwork sizes (width x height)

Full-page ad: 5 in. x 8 in.
Half-page ad: 5 in. x 4 in.
Quarter-page ad: 2.5 in. x 4 in.
Business card sized ad: 2.5 in. x 1.5 in.

  • Washington DC Metro guide artwork sizes here

About Us

The Annual Tour of  Solar and Green Homes is organized by a staff of dedicated volunteers to educate the public on the positive aspects of Solar Energy. We are a not for profit 501 (c)(3) organization interested in promoting sustainability and renewable energy.

Filed Under: MGG, MGG-Conservation, MGG-GreenTechnology, MGG-Renewable, MGG-SustainableDesign

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