Neighbors Band Together to Create Word's Largest Grassroots Solar Event

On October 5th, 2013, Wilmington, NC will be one of the few places on the East Coast to participate in the World's Largest Grassroots Solar Event, the National Solar Tour, organized by the American Solar Energy Society and hosted by local Cape Fear Solar Systems. Just last year, the National Solar Tour attracted more than 150,000 people in 49 U.S. states and Puerto Rico. Cape Fear Solar Systems, LLC will be this year's host in the Wilmington area, presenting five solar installations, including new construction as well as retrofits.

The Tour will take place on Saturday, October 5th, from noon till 5 pm and will provide a terrific opportunity for those interested in finding an antidote to America's dependence on fossil fuels. People frustrated with the economic, environmental and social tolls can do something to help. They can improve their energy awareness by learning more about the benefits of solar energy.

The tour introduces Wilmington residents to solar technologies their friends and neighbors are using to slash monthly energy bills, improve property values, and benefit from generous tax credits and incentives as they assert their energy independence and create a cleaner community.

The tour also provides an opportunity to talk with professionals about the variety of solar solutions available. They will explain costs, incentives, installations and how solar works to create clean, renewable energy to power homes, businesses, schools, churches and electric vehicles.

The solar expert-guided, organized bus tour will start at noon with an OPENING CEREMONY at the Cameron Art Museum Courtyard, to commemorate the 100th system installed by Cape Fear Solar Systems in the Wilmington area as well as the overall increase of renewable energy usage in our region. The ribbon-cutting event will be enriched with remarks from Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo, residential solar systems owner Ronald Hess and President of Cape Fear Solar System, LLC, John Donoghue.

The Tour will be accompanied by TWO OPTIONAL SEMINARS, "Overview of Available Solar Incentives" and "Is Solar for Everyone?," available to registered participants during the morning at the Cameron Art Museum.

The Solar Tour, as well as the Solar Seminars, are free and open to the public, but registration is required. To register, please send an email to pr@CapeFearSolarSystems.

Access to the solar-powered properties will be possible only through the guided bus tour. Self-guided visits will not be possible.

To learn about the national event visit www.NationalSolarTour.org, or go to www.CapeFearSolarSystems.com/News/WilmingtonSolarTour for more information on the local program.

Solar makes sense! It is a clean and local energy source.

Take a tour of a solar powered neighbor's home or business and learn how you, too, can take advantage of the tax credits, slash energy bills and help the environment by going solar!

About Cape Fear Solar Systems, LLC

Wilmington, NC based Cape Fear Solar Systems, LLC designs and installs turnkey solar systems for residential, commercial and agricultural customers. Fully licensed, insured and certified, Cape Fear Solar Systems offers solar panels for solar water heating, photovoltaic (solar electric) and pool heating applications. Cape Fear Solar Systems is a Premier Dealer for SunPower, the world's most efficient solar panels. Locally owned and operated, Cape Fear Solar Systems has installed over 90 solar systems in the area and is recognized by its customers for having a high standard of integrity, accuracy in forecasting the output of installed systems, and outstanding post-installation customer service. Extensive experience, in-house engineering capabilities, and having achieved all three solar NABCEP Certifications (PV Installation Professional, PV Technical Sales Professional and Solar Heating Installer) make Cape Fear Solar Systems the local solar leader in Southeastern North Carolina.

About The American Solar Energy Society (ASES)

Established in 1954, the nonprofit American Solar Energy Society is the nation's leading association of solar professionals and grassroots advocates. Supported by more than 7,000 members, the ASES mission is to speed the transition to a sustainable energy economy. ASES advances education, research and policy, inspiring the nation to go solar. ASES publishes the award-winning SOLAR TODAY magazine, presents the National Solar Conference, and leads the National Solar Tour – the world's largest grassroots solar event. www.ases.org.