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by RACHEL DINKIN
Intern News Reporter
Appalachian State University is currently working on a project to provide solar thermal water heating for Plemmons Student Union.
“Forty-six solar thermal panels are being added on the roof of the [student union] to pre-heat the water for our needs in the building for showers in the [Mt. Mitchell] fitness center, McAlister’s Deli, Crossroads [Coffee House], Cascades Café and hand washing in the restrooms,” Director of Student Programs Dave Robertson said.
Robertson said the project should be finished in November at an estimated cost of $140,000.
 Solar panels on the top of Frank Residence Hall aid in providing hot water for the building by cutting costs and reducing the damage to the environment. Photo by Jordan Paris
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“These are solar
thermal panels designed to preheat water and thus save on fossil fuels
needed to heat the domestic hot water for the [student union],”
Robertson said. “These panels are estimated to save about $14,000 per
year in student union fees needed to pay for steam produced on campus
by burning natural gas.”
The
Student Union Greening Committee, which includes Robertson and the
Appalachian Renewable Energy Initiative committee, started the solar
project three years ago.
REI,
which began in February 2004, is a committee comprised of seven
students and five faculty members. The committee uses a $5 green fee
per semester from each student to fund renewable energy projects at
Appalachian.
Appalachian recently completed another green renovation at Frank Residence Hall, which was an administrative initiative.
Housing
& Residence Life Director Tom L. Kane said, “The solar panels on
Frank Hall can provide about 30 percent of the hot water for the
building.”
Kane said the building has regulated temperatures to reduce the university’s carbon footprint.
“Perhaps the most challenging aspect of the building is the heating and cooling system,” Kane said.
Students
in Frank Hall will not be able to set their heat above 70 degrees,
while air conditioning during winter will not be able to go below 74
degrees. Kane said a room between 70 and 74 degrees is an optimal
temperature.
Photo by Jordan Paris | The Appalachian
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