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National Solar Tour Illustrates How "Main Street" Benefits from $700 Billion Economic PackageSolar Tours Shed Light On How Citizens "Beat the Street" By Going Solar(Columbia, MO, October 18, 2008) -- Citizens across the U.S. can learn how the $700 billion bail-out just approved by Congress can help Main Street versus Wall Street by participating in Show Me Solar 2008, the 2nd Annual Mid-Missouri Solar Tour organized by the Columbia Climate Change Coalition (CCCC) in collaboration with the American Solar Energy Society's (ASES) 13th Annual National Solar Tour, the largest grassroots solar event in the history of the U.S. This year’s tour features a phalanx of folks who are “Beating the Street” and reaping substantial returns on their solar investments (ROSI) through state rebates, federal tax credits and reduced monthly utility bills. Participants include an Iraqi war veteran who’s abandoned a war for oil to fight in the renewable revolution, an Oklahoma oilman who’s gone solar, a Chicago couple who were able to afford solar by placing solar panels on their wedding gift registry, a Boston couple who are realizing substantially more on their solar investments than if they’d invested in the stock market and Phoenix-area early-adopter octogenarians who are living large thanks to their small, solar-subsidized energy bills. "The Main Street component of this economic package stimulates renewable energy markets by an estimated $230 billion and creates or retains nearly 440,000 green jobs by providing businesses and citizens across America with rich new incentives to go solar. There's no longer a $2,000 tax credit cap on deploying solar photovoltaic, (electricity-generating) systems on one's home. Rather, folks can realize tax benefits for up to 30% of the value of their new solar systems," said ASES Director of Marketing and Communications Neal Lurie. "The ASES National Solar Tour offers real-life examples of how folks are using the latest solar technologies to harness free, renewable solar energy to generate electricity, warm and cool their homes, heat water, improve property values and slash monthly utility bills.” The tax credits, which the bailout plan extends for the next eight years, were originally set to expire in December of this year. “Runaway energy costs, falling home prices, job losses and this nation's economic instability are personally affecting Americans of all walks of life,” said Lurie. "The National Solar Tour affords folks some great ideas on how to bring some stability and predictability to these volatile market factors," he added. Last year’s National Solar Tour attracted more than 115,000 people in 46 U.S. states. This year’s participation is up more than 20%. Forty-nine states and Puerto Rico are involved. The self-guided tours begin October 4 in communities across the U.S. This event is open to the public. Details of the local tour are at: www.ColumbiaClimateChangeCoalition.org . Details on the specific dates and times of tours across the nation are at: www.NationalSolarTour.org. About CCCC: The Columbia Climate Change Coalition is a local, non-profit organization which was formed to help educate and find appropriate solutions for global climate change. CCCC offers speakers and educational programs on various topics related to climate change. Programs can be tailored to any age or type of audience. CCCC has just launched its first membership drive and welcomes you to join. For more information, contact Monta Welch at (573)443-4717. About ASES: For more than 50 years, the American Solar Energy Society has been a leader in the renewable energy revolution. ASES is a non-profit dedicated to increasing the use of solar energy, energy efficiency, and other sustainable technologies across the U.S. and leads national efforts to promote solar energy education, public outreach and advocacy. www.ases.org Regular Programs on CAT-TV & Special Educational Presentations tailored to your group or organization. Contact us to arrange presentations. Support our cause, while making a difference each time you shop, with our re-useable shopping bags---our gift with donation of $10 or more. JOIN US GET INVOLVED FOR MORE INFORMATION:
mntwelch@yahoo.com 573-443-4717
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