The American Solar Energy Society's National Solar Tour, currently in its 19th year, is the largest grassroots solar event in the nation, involving about 150,000 participants and 5,000 solar-energy sites nationwide. This year, the Fitzsimmons family in Warwick will debut their new contemporary hybrid zero energy/Energy Star house as part of the national tour.

On Saturday, October 4, 2014, the Fitzsimmons family will open their home at 28 Cascade Road with tours at 10am, 11:30am, 1pm, and 2:30 pm to explain the energy saving features of the house, with professionals on hand to answer in-depth technical questions. House features include: 

• photovoltaic net metered solar panels
• geothermal HVAC system (with hot-water assist feature) is 3 - 4 times more efficient than conventional heating/cooling systems
• triple-pane European swivel-tilt windows
• LED lighting, and much much more

While there is no registration for the tour, the Fitzsimmons request that people arrive promptly for their selected tour time, turn around at the top of the driveway, and park downward for easy exit.

For more information, visit the American Solar Energy Society website at www.ases.org.