The renewable energy installations at Lake Land College are garnering state-wide attention as the college was invited to participate in the 2011 Illinois Solar Tour by the Illinois Solar Energy Association and the American Solar Energy Society.

The tour, which will take place on Saturday, Oct. 1, is a free, self-guided, state-wide event that demonstrates how Illinois homes and businesses are using solar, wind, geothermal, passive solar design and energy efficiency to become energy independent. Owners and installers of renewable energy systems will give tours and answer questions on how to harness the power of the sun and wind to fuel homes and businesses.

Joe Tillman, renewable energy instructor and coordinator at the college, said that tour participants at Lake Land College will get to see the many renewable installations the college has including the solar panels, solar hot water converter and photovoltaic panels in addition to the wind turbines and the geothermal loop.

“We’re going to feature and discuss all of the installations the college has on campus, with a specific focus on the solar energy production,” said Tillman. “We will also discuss the amount of energy the installations produce and offset, and will talk about how Lake Land College’s hybrid renewable system, a combination of wind and solar energy, works best with the Illinois climate.”

Tours will be given at the top of each hour starting at 9 a.m. with the last tour starting at 4 p.m. Participants should report to the west foyer of the West Building on Lake Land’s campus.