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Solar thermal collectors provide an inexpensive heat source that is often an economical alternative to traditional hot water heaters. In some cases, the solar heat is also useful as a source of space heating, although the economics of such projects is usually unfavorable. The case studies presented here include two installations that use solar thermal collectors to provide space heating and hot water. More examples of solar hot water systems can be found in the case studies for energy efficiency and passive solar heating and cooling.
Case Study: Multi-Unit Housing Uses Solar Energy for Hot Water and Radiant Heating
The Westwood CoHousing Community is a planned unit development with 24 town homes and a Community Building on 4.5 acres. The 3800-square-foot Community Building includes a shared commercial kitchen, large dining and gathering area, play room, lounge, two guest rooms, laundry facilities, library, mailbox area, workshop space, and central mechanical room.
The roof of the Community Building faces south and holds solar collectors which provide most of the energy needs for the project's district radiant heating system and the recirculating domestic hot water system. Back-up heat is provided by three central natural gas boilers. The project's building envelopes were designed and built to energy-conserving specifications.
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