Solar Thermal Water Heating System Installed in Idaho Restaurant

Solar Panels Plus, a Virginia-based solar energy product designer, manufacturer and distributor, recently announced the installation of a high performance solar thermal water heating system in a restaurant in Idaho.

According to the company press release, this is the first restaurant in all of Southeastern Idaho to install a solar water heating system.

Using evacuated tube (ET) technology, the SPP-30 system was installed in the Homestead Family Restaurant in Blackfoot. By harnessing the power of the sun, evacuated tube solar collectors use light from the sun to heat liquids. Each of the five solar collectors installed at the restaurant contain 30 evacuated tubes.

The system uses high durability, double-walled borosilicate glass tubes with a vacuum between two sides, similar to Thermos bottles. The glass tubes prevent heat from escaping, concentrating the energy. And in order to improve output and efficiency, three optical coatings are used on the tubes to absorb more and reflect less of the sun’s energy – copper, stainless steel and aluminum.

The SPP-30 solar thermal system provides hot water for both commercial and home use and can operate in freezing and cloudy conditions. In most climates, the SPP-30 can produce up to 120 gallons of hot water, enough for a family of four to six. The state-of-the-art SPP-30 solar thermal systems are Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC) certified and include a comprehensive 10 year limited warranty. Solar Panels Plus also offers photovoltaic solar panels, solar pool heating systems, solar air conditioning and heating systems.

Bill Dishman, owner of the 5,000 square-foot restaurant, estimates the new system will save the 130-seat restaurant approximately $500 a month in electricity costs. The Homestead Family Resturant was the first commercial business to take part in the local Idaho Power Company’s energy efficiency incentive program.

Image courtesy of Solar Panels Plus