Homes and businesses will be open to the public for free tours of their renewable energy technology from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1.

The 2011 Wisconsin Solar Tour features advances in energy efficient construction, new products, sustainable landscaping and renewable energy technologies.

Several sites are a short drive from Waupaca.

Photovoltaic Systems LLC is located at 7910 State Highway 54, Amherst. This home and business features multiple renewable energy systems, including off-grid and grid-tied solar electric and passive solar.

Artha Sustainable Living is located at 9784 County Road K, south of Amherst. A farmhouse has been renovated into a bed and breakfast with solar thermal and radiant floor heat, grid-tied PV systems and wall mounted solar air system.

For information and directions to the tour sites throughout Wisconsin, go to www.midwestrenew.org/solartour.