An Elgin church with a solar array on its roof is one of three properties in Kane County taking part in the 2016 Illinois Solar Tour.

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Elgin, located at 39W830 Highland Ave.,  joins Brian Gravenhorst’s house in Aurora and Bob Flora’s house in Batavia as sites for the free, statewide event, which opens public and private buildings to the public  between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1.

One of the principles of the Unitarian Univiersalist Church is to “respect the interdependence of web of life on earth of which was are a part.” The solar power at the church practices environmental stewardship and saves money, according to the Illinois Solar Tour webpage.

Gravenhorst’s house, at 3167 Savannah Drive, was installed Sept. 2, 2015. “Electricity prices are not going down, and it was the right thing to do,” he said.

Flora’s home, at 815 Greenwood Court in Batavia, as well as both his cars are powered, heated and cooled by electricity.

The Illinois Solar Energy Association is a nonprofit organization promoting widespread application of solar and other renewable sources of energy through education and advocacy. The National Solar Tour is the largest grassroots solar event worldwide, with 48 to 50 U.S. states participating annually.

On Oct. 1, participants will learn how the church is utilizing solar and other clean energies to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and to become energy independent. Meet members who are knowledgeable about renewable energy installations, learn why they did it, the process, what they love about it and lessons learned.

For information about the Illinois Solar Tour, go to www.illinoissolar.org.

For information about the Unitarian Universalist Church of Elgin, go to www.uuce.org.

SOURCE: ISEA website, Unitarian Universalist Church news release