May 15 2010
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College has signed a contract with solar energy producing firm FLS Energy, Inc., for having the company install 39 thermal collectors on four of its campus buildings for providing hot water heated with the help of solar energy.
Funded by a 2008 U.S. Department of Energy appropriation secured by Rep. Heath Shuler, the Global Institute for Sustainability Technology project of the college is likely to generate 1,885 gallons of heated water per day. The installations of the panels will commence in spring this year and is likely to be completed by the close of this year.
FLS Energy will own, operate and maintain the solar thermal systems during the lease agreement period of 10 years. FLS Energy will sell the energy to Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College at around one-half the present price of natural gas. Over the next decade, potential savings of around $22,000 is expected through this project.
FLS Energy’s project developer Bill Bondurant collaborated with the leadership team of A-B Tech, including Risk Management and Operations vice president Max Queen; Finance and Information Systems executive vice president Richard Mauney; and Engineering and Applied Technology dean Vernon Daugherty, for determining the needs of the college.
The Magnolia Building will receive 26 thermal collectors and the Birch Building will obtain seven thermal collectors. Solar panels will also be installed for Blue Ridge Food Ventures and Fernihurst.
Source: http://abtech.edu/