Solar Domestic Hot Water- Cottage Grove
(2) 4’x8’ Solar Skies solar thermal collectors are mounted on the south facing roof and heat an 80 gallon solar storage tank. The solar storage tank provides solar preheated water for a standard gas or electric water heater. The hot water is then used for a household’s basic hot water needs, such as laundry, dishwashing, and bathing. The system will produce about 130 therms of natural gas per year, or 75% of the total hot water usage of an average family of 4.
Innovative Power Systems prefers to use Solar Skies solar thermal collectors for several reasons. The collectors are manufactured in Alexandria, Minnesota. One of the many benefits renewable energy has is the creation of jobs. Solar Skies employs about 12 full-time employees, benefiting the local economy. Solar Skies collectors are also very reliable, with a ten-year warranty. In terms of performance, Solar Skies collectors compare favorably with more expensive flat-plate and evacuated tube collectors.