Solar hot water. Naturally.
Energy Star showcase.
The Wellstone Apartments, a new 49-unit affordable housing development, offers a range of green and sustainable features, including a solar hot water system that provides energy for most of the building’s hot water needs.
Solar skies lead the way.
The solar thermal system uses 24 4x10-foot Solar Skies collector panels custom mounted on the roof of the four-story building. The location is excellent to tap solar energy, with a clear path to the sun.
A closed-loop glycol system is employed, and the system includes two 505-gallon storage tanks.
With assistance from a Minnesota Solar Hot Water Rebate the system is projected to pay for itself in 7-9 years.
Exceeding system expectations.
The solar thermal system was designed to meet about 50 percent of The Wellstone’s hot water needs, said Cartwright.
“However, it appears that the system is exceeding expectations and meeting 60 percent of our hot water needs. It is working well, and we’re delighted to be tapping a clean energy source.”
