Host Daryn Kagan takes us through our solar past and into our solar future--

Meet the solar trailblazers.

Thirty years ago, under the constant threat of flooding and at the height of the '70s energy crisis, the nation's first solar town was born.

A bold move.
For over a century, the residents of Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin tried to contain the force of the nearby Kickapoo River. A complex series of levees and dams was constructed, and reconstructed, but to no avail - six major floods in 60 years brought continued devastation to the small farming community and its people. When the worst flood to date hit the town in 1978, citizens rallied together, took a radical step, and relocated to higher ground. The entire business district was rebuilt and, in response to rising energy prices, each new building was required to receive half of its heating energy from the sun. It was a risky venture, but one the people of Soldiers Grove were willing to take.

They didn't give up hope. They created it...

The town's move to solar technologies was revolutionary. A situation that could have easily defeated the citizens of Soldiers Grove empowered them instead. Three decades ahead of their time, the town's residents took a drastic step toward alternative energy. By working in harmony with nature, and challenging the conventional uses of fossil fuel, they created a model for sustainable living that just might pave the way for solar communities across America today.

But has Soldiers Grove and the perseverance of its people stood the test of time, and can the country's renewed interest in solar energy find guidance and hope in the pioneering spirit of such a small town?

Find out in Solar Town USA.