1. Where and when do the Energy Fair and Solar Homes Tour take place?

The 3rd Annual South Bay Energy Fair will take place on May 10, 2008 from 9:30 AM to 3 PM at Pacific Unitarian Church, located at 5621 Montemalaga Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275.

The Solar Homes Tour will take place on June 7th at various solar homes and businesses in the South Bay - contact us for locations and times.

Both the Energy Fair and Solar Homes Tour are secular events.

2. How much does admission cost?

Admission to the Energy Fair is a $5 suggested donation (no one will be turned away for lack of funds). The Solar Homes Tour is free (contact us for locations and times).

3. Who are the organizers of the Energy Fair and Solar Homes Tour?

Both events are organized by Environmental Priorities Network, a non-profit organization supported entirely by its members' volunteer talent, hard work, and generous donations. The Solar Homes Tour is co-organized by the local chapter of the American Solar Energy Society.

4. I'd like to exhibit at the Energy Fair. How can I apply?

Simply contact us with details of the products or information that you are promoting. The exhibitor fee is $50 (free for non-profit groups). We keep the exhibitor fee low in order to emphasize the non-profit, educational nature of this event. If your company or non-profit group offers concrete information, methods, or products that help individuals and businesses to save fuel, energy, and money, please contact us at info@southbayenergyfair.com. We are especially seeking exhibits of energy-saving home appliances and home retrofits (insulation contractors, HVAC contractors, energy-efficient appliance retailers, super-insulating window installers, etc.)

5. I am a solar home owner, and I might be interested in exhibiting my home in the Solar Homes Tour. What would this involve?

Fantastic! First of all, the people who would be touring your home would have to sign up beforehand (we won't allow people to just stroll in off the street). Also, you don't have to allow people inside your house - you can exhibit the exterior features of your home (the solar panels, inverter, meter, collectors, thermal reservoirs, drought-tolerant landscaping, etc.).

6. Bicycling or walking to the Energy Fair? Please read on:

Steep Hills!

The South Bay Energy Fair will take place in Rancho Palos Verdes, a community located on a large hill. The roads leading into Rancho Palos Verdes are not only STEEP, but also LONG. You must ascend 700 feet in the distance of only 2 miles. I have seen very athletic cyclists ride this hill as a sort of training or challenge ride.

In addition to this, there are very few bike lanes or sidewalks on the roads going into Rancho Palos Verdes. In some places, untrimmed vegetation extending onto the road forces you to ride closer to the car traffic. I have ridden it before, and I found it very unnerving.

So, my Fellow Truly Committed & Brave Souls on Bicycles, be careful if you decide to ride to the Energy Fair!

Thank you.