Free IL Solar Tour features LEED Homes

The Illinois Solar Energy Association is coordinating its annual Solar Tour on October 3, 2009. This year, several LEED for Homes projects are participating on the tour.

The Yannell house will be open for outside viewing only. This LEED Platinum home produces as much energy as it consumes over 12 months through the use of passive solar heating, geothermal heating (radiant and forced air) and cooling (forced air), solar thermal water heating with radiant heat boosting, and a 10kW PV system. The building was designed by Farr Associates and AA Services installed the renewable energy systems.

Gworek home in Wilmette uses Solar PV and Solar Thermal

Another LEED for Homes project that was recently completed and awaiting certification is the Gworek residence in Wilmette. The site will be open to the public between 10am and 3pm on Saturday October 3rd. It will be a Full Tour: Visitors are welcome inside to see the mechanical components of the system.

There are many other homes on the tour as well. Best of all, it’s a free chance to see how renewable energy systems work in Illinois. http://tour.illinoissolar.org for details.