Summer has barely begun, but planning has been underway for months on the Home Energy exhibit at the 2013 Minnesota State Fair. For the second straight year, the Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources (DER) is sponsoring and coordinating the Home Energy exhibit, with expectations of making it bigger and better than last year.
At least 10 new displays are planned to provide a showcase of energy efficiency and renewable energy for Minnesota homeowners. Once again, DER has recruited numerous partners—state agencies, utilities, retailers, neighborhood energy groups, nonprofits, trade organizations, finance agencies, and more—to implement a range of educational displays that demonstrate ways to improve the efficiency, comfort, safety and sustainability of Minnesota homes.
The design of this year’s Home Energy exhibit will give visitors a chance to view all sides of one’s home—inside and out— in a fun and engaging way. The more than 6,000 square-foot exhibit will feature different areas or “rooms” of the house, with activities and displays for a kitchen and laundry area, basement, living room, bathroom, study, an outside area with landscaping, and solar and wind exhibits. The displays are interactive and will provide educational information that is easy to read and understand.
Several examples of displays include:
- Solar Clothes Dryer: A clothesline, attached to a rotating pole, will feature articles of clothing (tee-shirts, socks, pants, etc.) air drying outdoors (and saving energy), each printed with fun facts about solar power.
- Thermostat Options: This interactive display will highlight three types of thermostats (manual, programmable, and smart) used to control home heating and cooling equipment, each with descriptions of special features, best uses, costs, and more. It will help fairgoers learn which thermostat works best for them.
- Wind Photo Screens: This display will be a fun way to step into the life of a wind power worker and learn about Minnesota’s plentiful wind resources. The printed fabric screen offers multiple face holes for fairgoers to pose for photos.
More than 250,000 people visited the Eco Experience at last year’s State Fair. Don’t miss this year’s Great Get-Together—save the date, don’t be late. See you there Aug. 22-Sept. 2.
View the original article from the Minnesota Department of Commerce here.
