Solar Energy is Harnessed to Heat Water for Tenants in the Louisville Area
On a rooftop of a multi-duplex building in Louisville, solar panels reflect rays of sunlight and future prospects for renewable energy amidst recent concerns over electric and gas prices. Cynthia Cooke is landlord and owner of the historic 1800’s building on Hepburn Ave, where SunWind Power Systems, Inc. recently installed hot water solar panels.
Cooke was able to capitalize on a $500 rebate offered by the University of Louisville Energy Center and a $2000 federal tax credit, and should observe a net savings of approximately 21% on her annual utility bill. However, the current economic advantage is not the primary reason Cooke decided to go solar. Rather, she chose solar power because it is clean, non-polluting, free, and sustainable. The environmental advantage made the decision easy for this local activist.
Part owner and installer for SunWind Power Systems, Inc. Jeremy Coxon, describes energy as a commodity and most people as renters. “In choosing renewable energy, people become owners of energy,” Coxon said. He tells his customers to expect 70% reduction in their hot water bills.
Solar hot water systems are a century old, but recent improvements in the technology and rising energy prices have brought renewed interest. Solar hot water is not only more efficient than photoelectric solar panels, but also has quicker financial returns; typically 5-8 years.
On a sunny afternoon, the solar powered system on Hepburn Avenue heats 120 gallons of water from 65 F up to 125 F with a maximum setting 140 F. The system even works during the winter months, as long as there are 4 hrs. of sunlight, and is also protected from freeze-ups. At night and on cloudy days, the system will shut off in order to trap the energy in the tanks.
In addition, the solar powered system is fully automatic, requires low maintenance, and has a life expectancy of 40 or more years. The glass on the solar panels is more durable than a car windshield and does not require cleaning. Installation of panels can be done on any roof (flat or sloped), any direction, and even on garages and lawns.
Getting into the renewable energy business was not difficult for Jeremy and Patricia Coxon who started the company together. Between the pair, there is extensive experience in the fields of science and engineering and a deep concern and understanding for the energy problems we face in the future. SunWind Power Systems is currently a certified solar and wind power installer and dealer for a number of alternative energy equipment suppliers.
Additional services and products offered by the company include comprehensive energy assessments, solar heating for pools, photovoltaic (PV) and wind powered electric systems, solar domestic space heating, solar powered attic fans, and tubular sky lights for natural day lighting.
Optimistic that solar power can be part of the answer for the world’s energy problems, SunWind Power Systems is here to serve the Kentuckiana area, and information on the company can be found at http://www.sunwindpowerinc.com/.
About the Author: Patricia Coxon is the president and co-founder of SunWind Power Systems, Inc.
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Print Article | Download PDF | 369 views | May 18 2007
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