The environmental benefits of using solar heated water have been well known and documented for years. With the cost of fossil fuels continuing to rise, the economic advantages of solar thermal technology are now adding to the argument for this renewable, sustainable energy alternative.

The environmental benefits of using solar heated water have been well known and documented for years. With the cost of fossil fuels continuing to rise, the economic advantages of solar thermal technology are now adding to the argument for this renewable, sustainable energy alternative. Nowhere is it more viable than in multi-resident accommodations - such as a retirement home in Quebec and a hotel in Saskatchewan - where the demand for hot water is virtually constant.

EnerWorks, a leading North American manufacturer of solar water heating appliances, has recently shipped 40 commercial collectors and the accompanying commercial Solar Energy Unit (SEU) to Les Jardins Lebourgneuf in Quebec City, Quebec. With the system now commissioned, their 300 residents are enjoying water pre-heated by the sun.

"Solar water heating made perfect sense for this facility," says Florin Plavosin, EnerWorks Senior Director of Product Development. "The home's water heating bills will effectively be cut in half as the EnerWorks system meets close to 50% of their annual hot water needs."

With government and utility grants considered, Plavosin estimates payback on the system in only 5½ years.

The advantages were also apparent to Confederation Inn in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, which has also recently installed a 40-collector EnerWorks solar thermal system.

"Confederation Inn will be pre-heating their guests' water throughout their 42 rooms and also heating their pool using the solar collectors," says Peter Karras of Prairie Alternative Energy who worked with Confederation Inn on the project. "With federal and local grants, they are looking at a payback on the investment in about 6 years - and close to $300,000 in net energy savings over the life of the system."

Projections indicate that Confederation Inn will be reducing its green house gas emissions by over 29,000 kg annually, while emissions at Les Jardins Lebourgneuf will decrease by 17,100 kg during each year of the system's long life.

EnerWorks designs and manufactures solar heating equipment and solar collectors for commercial, industrial and residential use and provides solar water heating solutions in applications such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, hotels, multi-family and institutional accommodations, community centers, boiler make-up water, industrial processes and commercial operations.


About EnerWorks:
EnerWorks Inc. is North America's leading solar thermal technology provider. With proven, patented technology and certified systems, EnerWorks offers high quality, reliable and cost effective renewable energy solutions to the North American market.

Contact:
Florin Plavosin
Senior Director of Product Development
P: 519-268-6500
F: 519-268-6292
www.enerworks.com