Jul 16 2010
Recently, a novel solar thermal system was launched in Knox County. Work on this project was conducted by Trane and solar company FLS Energy. This solar thermal system, while meeting the hot water needs of the county, will save natural gas expenses of $60,000 annually and decrease carbon dioxide emissions by 174 tons per year.
The system, featuring 300 solar collectors, generates and stores hot water of around 14,000 gallons per day for domestic purpose. Funding for the solar farm valued at $1.88 million was provided by means of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program of the U.S. Department of Energy.
This thermal system installation comes under the improvements of $16.2 million that the county introduced in August 2009 in partnership with Trane for addressing old infrastructure and high operating and energy expenses. These improvements are expected to be completed by January 2011.
Once completed, these improvements are likely to decrease the energy expenses of the county an estimated 36% by enhancing and upgrading infrastructure in 37 traffic intersections, 24 parks and 40 facilities. Moreover, the improvements are likely to generate more jobs for the county and decrease the environmental impact of the county.
Source: http://www.flsenergy.com/