Mother’s Solar Tours

1 / 3
A spectacular sunrise over the Dead Sea.
A spectacular sunrise over the Dead Sea.
2 / 3
TOP:  The tour visited numerous solar manufacturers. BOTTOM LEFT:  Israel's largest commercial solar system, on a hotel in Netanya. BOTTOM RIGHT: Integral solar houses at the Beth Hashita Kibbutz   
TOP:  The tour visited numerous solar manufacturers. BOTTOM LEFT:  Israel's largest commercial solar system, on a hotel in Netanya. BOTTOM RIGHT: Integral solar houses at the Beth Hashita Kibbutz   
3 / 3
TOP LEFT: Sky scrapers tower above Jerusalem's Dome of the Rock. TOP CENTER: A camel patiently waits outside the Garden of Gethsemane. RIGHT: Ancient tombs in the Valley of Kidron. BOTTOM LEFT: This aqueduct once brought water to the Roman city of Caesarea. BOTTOM CENTER: Nabatean ruins survive in the Negev desert.
TOP LEFT: Sky scrapers tower above Jerusalem's Dome of the Rock. TOP CENTER: A camel patiently waits outside the Garden of Gethsemane. RIGHT: Ancient tombs in the Valley of Kidron. BOTTOM LEFT: This aqueduct once brought water to the Roman city of Caesarea. BOTTOM CENTER: Nabatean ruins survive in the Negev desert.

“Israel has the ugliest roofs in the whole world!” our charming and knowledgeable guide, Alex, remarked as we gazed out on a sea of rooftop solar collectors.

In response, the sun-energy enthusiasts taking part in MOTHER EARTH NEWS’ Solar Tour of Israel (cosponsored with Jordan College and Solar Age ) roared in protest. We felt that the solar water heaters — gracing almost every building throughout this Mediterranean country — were a beautiful sign of common sense.

The fact is, even the few people who had little interest in solar tours and originally viewed our Israeli trip as an inexpensive way to visit an exotic, historic land could hardly help being impressed by the commitment to sun power that this small nation has made.

Nor could such folks fail to appreciate the remarkable generosity with which Israel’s solar scientists, manufacturers, builders, and researchers shared their time (and knowledge) with us. Whether we were visiting integral solar houses or methane digesters on various kibbutzim . . . exploring the potential of producing electricity from solar ponds on the Dead Sea . . . talking to Dr. Harry Tabor, one of the world’s most respected pioneers in solar energy . . . or catching up on the latest developments in solar greenhouse design at the Desert Research Institute, all of our questions were answered with a courtesy and thoroughness that left no room for complaint.

History Under Your Feet

  • Published on May 1, 1980
Online Store Logo
Need Help? Call 1-800-234-3368