The Renewable Energy Day is a great way to explore options for moving away from fossil fuels. Learn about rooftop and community solar options, EV’s and electric bikes, and geo-thermal installations from trusted Wilmette neighbors.
“Home base” for the event will be the parking lot of St. John’s Church across from the library. There you will find the GGW tent and volunteers, electric vehicles (EV’s) and bikes on display, and a table for the Village’s community solar program.
As a preview, a Going Green Matters Webinar was held on Sept. 21, 2022, explaining many ways to address climate change at home, including choosing energy-saving options for your home like induction burners, heat pumps, solar panels, EV chargers and more. To view a recording of this webinar, see the GGW YouTube Channel.
Below is a schedule and locations of the various events taking place from 10 am to 3 pm.
Solar Tour
- Solar Tour List of Homes with map
- Learn how and why your neighbors have installed solar panels by visiting hosted and curbside viewing only sites
- See many different types of panel installations, including systems on steep roofs, flat-roofs, semi-shaded roofs and garage roofs, and east, south and west-facing panels
- The local Wilmette Solar Tour is being held in conjunction with the Illinois Solar Energy Association’s (ISEA) state-wide tour. Visit their website for photos and information on more installations in nearby suburbs and all over the state
EV Car Show
- The EV car exhibit is in the parking lot of St. John’s Church at 1235 Wilmette Avenue in Wilmette
- Come learn about many different electric vehicle (EV) models available from your friends and neighbors Check out the new Rivian truck and a variety of Tesla, Hyundai, Chevrolet, Volkswagen and Nissan models, and more
- Visit Drive Electric Week for more information
Bike Exhibit
- The Bike exhibit is in the parking lot of St. John’s Church at 1235 Wilmette Avenue in Wilmette
- Bike Walk Wilmette is partnering with Go Green Wilmette to host this exhibit featuring electric, cargo, folding, and other alternative bikes
- Bikes are perfect for commuting, exercise, recreation, and family fun. Find out which type of bike is best for you
Power Tower Exhibit
- Take a drive or a bike ride up the Green Bay Trail to the Glencoe Community Garden
- Experience the Power Tower Climate Change exhibit
- Docents will guide you and your family through the exhibit and answer questions. The exhibit was featured in a PBS documentary
Geo-thermal Tour
Learn how Wilmette homeowners are saving energy with geo-thermal installations
- Take an in-person tour with geo-thermal owners on Saturday, Sept. 24 at the following homes:
- 11am – 12pm at the home of Michael Schuette, 1631 Walnut Avenue, Wilmette
- 12pm – 2pm at the home of Tara Lubin, 1116 Elmwood Avenue, Wilmette
- Watch short videos created by local geo-thermal owners on the GGW You Tube channel
- View these videos to learn the basics about geo-thermal energy:
- Energy 101: Geo-thermal Heat Pumps: United States Dept. of Energy
- Affordable Geo-thermal: This Old House home technology expert Ross Trethewey travels to Albany, New York to explore ways to make drilling for and installing geothermal heat pumps more affordable for average homeowners
- Stop by the Wilmette Public Library to see their display in the lobby about their geo-thermal system and other sustainability measures the library has undertaken
