The American Solar Energy Society (ASES) will launch the "8th Annual National Solar Tour" on Saturday, October 4 to allow participants to "see first-hand the successful use of many forms of renewable energy including passive solar designs and solar-electric generating systems in a variety of buildings."

According to ASES, the tour will feature more than 1,200 city, suburban and rural homes, business offices and public buildings equipped with solar systems. ASES said it expects the tour to draw as many as 30,000 visitors nationwide.

"The National Solar Tour gives people the chance to meet directly with others who have incorporated solar design features in their buildings and use photovoltaic energy in their daily lives," said ASES executive director Brad Collins. "Visitors can experience the comfort of increased daylight in buildings; learn about the benefits of solar and other forms of renewable energy; watch electric meters run backwards; and see the actual savings on utility bills in buildings in their community."

ASES said tour attendees will also have the opportunity to win a free two-kilowatt solar electric system with inverter and battery backup worth more than $11,000.