Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
See how sustainable living can look at UAB’s FREE National Solar Tour on Oct. 3, 2026
Reading time: 4 minutes
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What if a more sustainable home could also be comfortable, stylish and completely livable? You can see for yourself at UAB’s 6th Annual National Solar Tour on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at the UAB Solar House and Sustainable Community—a living model of how technology, thoughtful design and community can work together to create more resilient ways of living.
See sustainable design in action during the UAB National Solar Tour
During UAB’s 6th Annual National Solar Tour, visitors can take guided tours of the Solar House and the surrounding pollinator gardens, Monarch waystations, community gardens and beehives—all integral elements of the project’s overall message:
“Sustainable design isn’t solely about caring for our planet. Sustainability as a philosophy helps us create things that are longer-lasting, more cost-effective and healthier for the individual as well.”
David Kirby, UAB Solar House Coordinator
Event details:
- When: Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 10AM–1PM
- Where: UAB Solar House | 1637 11th Ave. S., Birmingham, AL
- Cost: FREE | No registration required
This event is more than just a property tour—there are fun activities for the whole family (even furry friends!) to enjoy:
- FREE native + pollinator-friendly plant seeds for all attendees: including zinnias, black-eyed Susans, grey-headed coneflower, Texas star hibiscus, clustered mountain mint + more
- Live music from the UAB Jazz Band
- Bee demonstrations + honey from Foxhound Bee Company
- Create your own upcycled dog toy with the Greater Birmingham Humane Society
- Meet representatives from local community + environmental organizations
How Solar House features could benefit Birmingham
The 1,000-square-foot Solar House was originally designed by UAB students for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon. Today, it serves as the centerpiece of UAB’s Sustainability neighborhood, showing visitors how sustainable features can be incorporated into everyday life without sacrificing comfort or style.
“People are often surprised to learn that a fully solar-powered home can look and operate like a traditional house. The UAB Solar House is a welcoming, fully functional home that demonstrates how sustainability can be seamlessly integrated into everyday living.”
Bambi Ingram, UAB Chief Sustainability Officer
The house showcases everything from energy-efficient appliances and ductless A/C units to a tornado-safe room, all on a solar-powered micro-grid.
One of its newest features is an Atmospheric Water Generator that condenses humid air into filtered drinking water—a device with potential impact beyond the UAB Solar House.
“Our Sustainability Program Coordinator, Shannon Harris, conducted research on [the Atmospheric Water Generator] for her Master of Public Health degree. This device has…the capability to provide access to safe drinking water in communities that have been hit by natural disasters.”
Rose Gilliam-Marcum, UAB Solar House Coordinator
Sustainability doesn’t end at UAB’s Solar House
Earlier this year, Huffman High School students partnered with UAB to construct a solar-powered tiny home as part of a hands-on renewable energy and workforce development project. The home is planned for relocation to UAB’s Sustainable Community, with three additional tiny homes planned for the site.
Why it matters: Huffman students are proving that sustainability can start small. UAB’s Sustainable Community should inspire new generations to incorporate sustainability into the fabric of all of Birmingham’s neighborhoods.
Find out how you can make a sustainable impact at UAB’s 6th Annual National Solar Tour + tag @uab_sustainability on Instagram during your Solar House experience!
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