A new, state-of-the-art solar water heating system that will eliminate 38 tons of carbon emissions was unveiled this week as part of the
RossHill Retirement Residence in Ross Township.
It will be the largest solar thermal array in western Pennsylvania.
Designed by Pittsburgh-based
Tudi Mechanical, providers of sustainable HVAC and plumbing services, the 1.74 million BTU day solar domestic hot water system will replace a natural gas heating system. The system will heat 657,000 gallons of water annually and is expected to save residents $10,000 annually in energy costs.
The 94,000 square foot independent living facility, with 94 apartments for residents 62 years and older, was constructed by
Sota Construction Services Inc., a leader in local green development. RossHill was designed by Rodrigues Associates Inc. and includes a roof deck, a greenhouse and wellness center. The building was sited to take advantage of the sun by orienting the long axis east to west as well as to maximize the views from the hilltop.
The system was funded by a $208,730 Energy Harvest Grant from the
Pa. Dept. of Environmental Protection.
“This effort is necessary if we are to meet the challenges that lie ahead of us,” says Ernie Sota, president of Sota Construction. “We’re going to be seeing 30 to 40 percent increases in electricity in the next few years. These efforts start with better insulation and tighter buildings, little steps that make a building green and result in quality construction. Otherwise you end up with a solar powered Humvee.”
Writer:
Debra SmitSource: Ernie Sota, Sota Construction Inc., Kevin Evanto, Allegheny County