PEC members showcase home solar installations at 6th annual Hill Country Solar Tour
Event featured self-guided tour and activities for kids
More than 300 Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC) members and guests last weekend had the chance to tour member-owned solar installations, learn about the state of renewable energy in Texas and attend an installer fair as part of the sixth annual Hill Country Solar Tour.
The event, held at the cooperative’s Oak Hill office, included a self-guided tour of four member-owned solar installations, ranging from a few roof-mounted panels to an entire carport full.
Organized by PEC, the Texas Solar Energy Society and the American Solar Energy Society, the event featured learning opportunities for attendees of all ages, including a chance to get firsthand information from local installers and the always popular solar car kits for kids workshop.
PEC offered opening remarks on the current state of renewable energy at the cooperative as well as in Central Texas and discussed the many ways the cooperative is committed to offering members viable options for installing and using renewable energy.
Local energy experts, including Charles Upshaw of the University of Texas at Austin’s Webber Energy Group and Charlie Hemmeline, executive director of the Texas Solar Power Association, also spoke about relevant topics.
Anna Beliveau, an eighth-grade student at Blanco Middle School, was the grand prize winner of the “Show Us Your Bright Ideas” youth art contest. Her design was featured on T-shirts promoting the event. Other age group winners included Sadie Nash from Lago Visa Intermediate School in the 8-10 age category and Lori Lewis from Blanco Middle School in the 11-14 age category.
Visit us on Facebook to see some photos taken throughout the day!