Pam McCurdy, 651-757-2559
St. Paul, Minn. — In Minnesota, there's a wide array of renewable energy technologies available. Visit the Eco Experience at the Minnesota State Fair to see the latest designs in energy solutions for your home or cabin. There’s something for everyone; whether you're a car enthusiast or looking to remodel or build, experts will be on hand to answer your questions. Here are some of the cool things you'll see when you visit the Eco Experience:
Innovation in transportation: the Raht. It's a bike, it's a car, it's an auto-bike. The Recumbent Automotive Human Transport (Raht™) is a plug in electric vehicle that can also be powered by the driver. This revolutionary auto-bike is highway capable and has a top speed of 80-90 mph with a range of 40-60 miles on a charge. Also on display will be a solar-charged electric scooter, the Mitsubishi iMiEV ― which was voted the greenest vehicle of 2012 ― and the new 2012 Ford Focus Electric car.
Energy Solutions Home. When considering a renewable energy options for your home, it's a good idea to start with a home assessment. Talk to experts at the Energy Solutions Home exhibit to explore your ideas. You'll learn about the importance of an energy audit, determining which renewable-energy technology (solar, wind or ground) will work for you, financing options, and more.
Thinking of downsizing? How about a tiny solar house? Remember the fun you had playing in your fort or climbing the tree house when you were younger? Capture your youthful imagination with the solar tiny house. The 8- by 16-foot, 128-square-foot livable house features solar technology that provides electricity for lights and appliances, hot water for hand washing, and space heating from a solar-powered furnace. It's a home built for Minnesota living.
The sound of music...from sunbeams. Be sure to stop at the solar-powered acoustic sculpture. This interactive sculpture collects and amplifies sound by converting solar power into electricity to power small percussive devices. By playing with the sun's light, you can control the sound and feel the vibrations from this fascinating musical creation. It really shows how solar power works.
About the Eco Experience
A partnership between the Minnesota State Fair, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, and more than 150 organizations and businesses across the state, the Eco Experience has become the second most popular exhibit at the fair. The Eco Experience is the largest environmental event of its kind, nationally, in the last two decades. Since 2006, almost 2.5 million visitors have attended the 25,000-square-foot exhibit to learn more about clean air and water, saving energy, climate change, recycling, healthy local food, transportation, green building and remodeling, and other ways to lead more eco-friendly lives. Look for more information on the Eco Experience website.
