West Washington High School

The system features a two-panel and a three-panel system located at opposite ends of the building to supply hot water to each end of the school. The solar hot water systems will provide up to 70% of the hot water needed by the school over the course of the year, saving tons of greenhouse gases linked to climate change and saving thousands of taxpayer dollars in energy savings over its projected 30 year life span.

The design consists of two separate re-circulating loops located at opposite ends of the school each with their own set of solar panels.  This “smart design” of the two-loop system was based on the school’s demand and load which will drastically increase energy efficiency and conservation.  

This drain back system only operates if the sun is shining and if there is a demand for heat from the storage tanks.  The system will not overheat or experience glycol stagnation in the summertime (when there is no call for hot water) because it uses no glycol – the water is pumped through the panels. Freezing in cold weather is not a worry because the panels and piping are sloped to allow the water to drain back. This system is 90% efficient in energy conversion and is virtually maintenance free – once it is up and running the school will be able to harvest energy from the sun for 30 years or more!  The solar collectors won OG-300 certification from the SRCC and are rated as best in their class at energy production and come with a warranty.