MAPLE TERRACE

In 2010 TAC completed a 1.62 million BTU solar thermal array on the Maple Terrace apartment complex, which is operated by the Loveland Housing Authority and is home to 300 residents, who on average earn less than one-third of the regional median income (view slideshow). On a clear Colorado day the installation will heat 2,320 gallons of water and over the array’s 25+ year life expectancy this will add up to over 20 million gallons hot water for the housing and is expected to save more than $5,000 a year that otherwise would be spent burning fossil fuels to heat the water. These savings will directly help the Housing Authority of the City of Loveland continue to provide low-cost housing to residents by saving more than $100,000, and will reduce CO2 emissions by more than 640 tons over 20 years.

The project consists of a total of 50 panels and using two different types of solar thermal panels – one a traditional flat plate collector, and the other a new concentrating collector that is designed to produce a higher temperature water – and using a cutting-edge metering system to compare the output.

This project was made possible thanks to the generosity of the Colorado Carbon Fund, the Governor’s Energy Office, the City of Loveland, and the Housing Authority of the City of Loveland.

The Maple Valley project is especially promising because it will save money, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, cut emissions, field test cutting edge renewable energy technologies, and bring alternative energy to low-income households.