The six solar thermal panels on top of Blackstone North are up and running. Unlike photovoltaic panels which generate electricity, the solar thermal system generates domestic hot water for all of Blackstone, home of University Operations Services. Inside each panel, fluid circulates through tubing and is heated by the sun. This heat from the fluid is then transferred to the domestic hot water tanks which supply Blackstone with about 500 gallons of hot water each weekday. When hot water demand is high, or sunlight is low, the existing electric hot water heaters will still be used as a supplement.
The idea was hatched a few months ago when a committee, which included Facilities Maintenance Operations, Environmental Health & Safety, and The Office for Sustainability, was formed to develop a new alternative energy project for the Blackstone site. The solar thermal project was selected for its practicality and feasibility. It was financed by the Green Campus Loan Fund, and the cost will be paid back over 13 years in electricity savings.
The average homeowner can get involved with the alternative energy movement as well. Solar thermal panels similar to the ones installed on Blackstone North are available on a residential scale for private homes. Individuals who install thermal solar panels can even take advantage of federal tax credits: 30% of the cost of the system, up to $2,000.
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Solar thermal panels similar to the ones installed on Blackstone North are available on a residential scale for private homes.
