Belmont Solar Once Again Participates in the 2026 National Solar Tour Hosted by the American Solar Energy Society

Sharing the Benefits of Solar and A Net-Zero Home With the Lancaster, PA Community

Over the weekend of October 2 through 4, 2026, the American Solar Energy Society (ASES) hosted the 31st edition of the National Solar Tour. This event allows people across the U.S. to see solar energy at work in real homes, businesses, and schools in their local communities, either in person or virtually. On October 3, Belmont Solar founder Ben Zook welcomed visitors to his Lancaster County home to see those possibilities firsthand.

Belmont Solar has been proud to participate in the National Solar Tour for many years now. The event closely aligns with their mantra, “from workmanship to friendship.” Their goal is to build quality solar systems tailored to their customers’ needs and lasting relationships built on trust. The National Solar Tour offers an opportunity to begin those relationships by answering questions and helping people understand what solar could do for them.

Ben has been sharing his net-zero home with the community for several years now. It’s undergone several changes and improvements over that time, but each year he’s proud to showcase it to community visitors, explain how the system works, and share what it’s like to live in a home that generates enough renewable energy to offset its energy use.

What Made This Year Special

While Belmont Solar has participated in many National Solar Tours, this year was especially meaningful. The event coincided with the company’s 25th anniversary, adding another opportunity to share what the team has learned with the local community.

Ben had recently added a solar pergola that he was excited to show off, and this year’s turnout was the strongest yet. Twelve people stopped by to visit, the most of any of the solar tours he’s hosted, and another 19 tuned in virtually this month.

Visitors could also explore the other systems and features throughout Ben’s home, including:

• Solar panels on the rooftop, pergola, and awning
• Battery backup
• Natural daylight
• An electric vehicle and charging equipment
• Electric systems with no propane or natural gas connection
• Air quality monitoring
• Three heat pumps

Together, these features gave visitors a closer look at how solar generation, energy storage, and electric systems can work together in an everyday home.

The Takeaway from This Year’s Event

Again, the team at Belmont Solar was reminded of how beneficial this experience can be for those interested in solar but still exploring their options. Ahead of the event, Ben explained what he hoped visitors would gain:

“More than anything, we want people to feel comfortable asking questions and exploring what may be possible for their own homes.”

For Ben, education, motivation, and building friendships are central to participating in the tour. Opening his home gives people a chance to see the technology in use and speak with someone who lives with it every day.

Those conversations reflect Belmont Solar’s commitment to workmanship, friendship, and trust. Helping people understand their options is an important part of helping them feel comfortable taking the next step.

Looking Ahead

Following this year’s event, Ben intends to continue to open his home for future National Solar Tours. For those who missed this year’s event, Ben notes that he tries to incorporate something new each year to show off. His goal remains the same: to give visitors an opportunity to learn about solar power by seeing the systems and technology firsthand.

Learn more about Ben’s home or subscribe to Belmont Solar’s email newsletter for updates on future events.

Photos From the 2026 Event

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