Solar Hot Water
The Fort Hoosac System
In late 2006, Williams installed a solar hot water system on Fort Hoosac, a dormitory that houses 13 graduate students from the History of Art Program.Click on the images for a larger view
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The system consists of evacuated tube solar collectors that absorb the sun's energy and convert it to heat. That heat is then used to pre-heat cold water before it enters the building's hot water boilers. At many times during the year they supply enough hot water to meet the needs of the buildings occupants. Even during the rest of the year, bringing the pre-heated water up to the proper temperature for use in the building requires less fuel than heating completely cold water. As a result, the solar hot water system saves fuel and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
