The Montana Renewable Energy Association hosted the 9th Annual Montana Clean Energy Fair at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds on Saturday.
The event brought hundreds from around the region to participate in workshops and demonstrations on topics including renewable energy policy, solar electricity and solar heating, batteries and energy storage, and more.
"This is our big annual event that brings together renewable energy enthusiast, activists, people involved in the industry and generally anybody who supports or wants to know more about renewable energy," said Andrew Valainis, executive director of the Montana Renewable Energy Association.
"The goal of the event is to promote education about renewable energy and bring together members of the community and local renewable energy businesses who are interested in taking the step towards cleaner energy," he added.
The Montana Clean Energy Fair featured local, Montana-based renewable energy businesses talking about the latest in their work and renewable energy education.
Steve Lanwermeyer of Techno Metal Post Yellowstone had helical piers on display at the fair. The steel metal posts can help build structures like decks, fences and even homes leaving a lower footprint on the job site with less environmental impact.
"With no digging and no need to transport or pour or let concrete cure, there’s quite a bit of savings in terms of site work, excavation, and just the price and cost of getting concrete on a job site," said Lanwermeyer.
The fair also had an electric car show, which gave people a closer look inside some of newest technology to hit the streets.
The event even had activities for the entire family. At one of the demonstrations, kids were building their own solar ovens to roast marshmallows.
"2019 was a big year for renewable energy," said Valainis. "Now I think is a really important time to learn more about what’s going on, and I think that’s why we’re seeing such a good turnout today."
