It was a perfect Autumn day on Oct. 1, 2005 for the DC Metro Tour of Solar Homes. Solar homes in the DC area were open so people could learn about this exciting technology.

A great example of how to reduce energy bills and help the Earth at the same time was Lee Bristol's house.

Photovoltaic (PV) cells at the top of the roof generate electricity.

Hot water is provided by these collectors. They use a high tech design developed for use in the space program. Hot water is stored in a tank in the basement. Often the existing water heater shell can be used for storage, reducing costs.

Surprisingly, the tubes are cool to the touch. They have a vacuum inside, so the outer glass isn't even warm.

Lee Bristol runs LBA Renewable Energy Systems, Inc.

They can help you plan a system to reduce some or all of your conventional energy use. They specialize in systems with "evolutionary growth paths". You can start out small and expand your system as you like. 

also: Solar Decathlon on the Mall, Oct. 7-16