Hampton Roads Green Buildings & Solar Tour

Are you curious about solar but don't know where to start? Do you want to see how cutting-edge design and solar technology can create a resilient and sustainable urban coastal community?

Join us for a unique self-guided solar tour showcasing the innovative ways homeowners and businesses in our region are harnessing solar energy and implementing sustainable systems! The cornerstone and launch-point of the regional tour will be the Elizabeth River Project's new Ryan Resilience Lab (RRL), a global model for urban coastal resilience, where we will have speakers to share solar insights and offer tours of the lab’s cutting-edge sustainable and green infrastructure. You can drop in for as much or as little of the day's programming as you like. 

This event is a regional node of the 29th annual American Solar Energy Society's national solar tour week, the largest grassroots solar and sustainable living event in the nation! For a full list of all solar tour offerings nationwide, check out map.nationalsolartour.org.

Event Highlights:

• Expert Speakers 10am-12pm: Attend a morning session featuring 20-30 min discussions on solar energy, its benefits, affordability, financing options, and community efforts to reduce barriers to solar adoption:

  10:00am - Welcome - Victoria Dunch, Resilience Research Coordinator, Elizabeth River Project
  

  10:25am - What is the Eco-District? - Nicole Knudson, Owner/Operator, Lady Fern's Native Plants

  10:45am - “Solar Basics 101” - Ann Creasy, Field Director, Sierra Club Virginia Chapter

  11:15am - Solar United Neighbors (SUN) Coop and Reducing Barriers for Solar - Brandon Praileau, Virginia Program Director, Solar United Neighbors

• Solar Home/Business Tour 11am-4pm: Visit homes and businesses with solar and green systems on a self-guided tour to get your questions answered directly from your neighbors with firsthand experience. Addresses will be made available to those who register.
• Ryan Resilience Lab Tours 12-2pm: Explore the advanced sustainable systems and green infrastructure, including rainwater recycling, an 80kWh solar array, and all-native plant landscaping
• EcoDistrict Showcase: Discover the burgeoning EcoDistrict on Knitting Mill Creek, a hub of businesses and homeowners committed to stewarding this urban tributary
  
• Electric Boat Rides 12-2pm: Enjoy free electric boat rides with Electrified Marina (EM), offering a unique perspective of the EcoDistrict from the water. Sign up ahead of time here - first come first served!
• Electric Vehicle Car Show 12-2pm: Compare electric cars and get your questions about EV ownership answered by a real EV driver

Tables with resources and people to answer your questions will be available to you all day! This event is perfect for anyone interested in solar energy and sustainable living. It’s a great opportunity to see real-world applications of green infrastructure you can replicate at home or in your business and connect with experts in the field. Pick your own adventure and attend the tours and sessions that most interest you! 

Event is free but donations are appreciated to support the Elizabeth River Project's efforts in education, restoration, and resilience!