(Sept. 30, 2005) -- Would you like to see firsthand how some of your neighbors have equipped their homes to run on the sun?

Seven solar-powered LB area homes (listed below) will be open on Saturday, Oct. 1 from 11:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. as part of the American Solar Energy Society's 10th Annual National Solar Tour and the 3rd Annual Long Beach Solar Energy Tour. It's a free, self-guided event. The LB homes listed below are part of thousands of solar-powered homes and businesses across the country who'll open their doors so the public can see solar powered options firesthand.

Tour coordinator and long-time LB solar advocate Regina Taylor tells LBReport.com, "This is a perfect opportunity to see solar energy working in real time with your neighbors."

Chris Garner, Dir. of LB's Energy Dept. (municipal gas utility) said in a written release, "Public interest in alternative energy sources such as solar power is increasing for both environmental as well as economic reasons."

In addition, at the Colorado Lagoon between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., there'll be an informative solar session presented by Millikan High School Students. LB Poly High School’s solar powered boat will be on display and the City of Long Beach Gas and Oil Department and the El Dorado Nature Center will provide giveaways to the first 50 participants.

Oil and Gas Dept. reps will provide information on this winter's higher natural gas bills and conservation tips and other solar enthusiasts will be present to provide more information on solar powered options.

The free, self-guided solar powered house tours will be held Saturday Oct. 1, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the following addresses: