The DuPage County Forest Preserves had solar thermal water heating systems installed in their remote forest preserve bathroom facilities. Solar water heaters, which are also called solar domestic hot water systems are a cost-effective way to generate hot water.  They can be used in any climate and are an excellent way to conserve energy.

The pictures below illustrate how 4×8 solar panels are installed on the roof of the forest preserve buildings. The panels use solar energy to heat the potable water.

Spring Creek Reservoir in Bloomingdale, IL

Solar Thermal panels installed on the roof of DuPage County Forest Preserve bathroom facility.

Hidden Lake Forest Preserve in Downers Grove, IL

Piping to the potable hot water supply from the solar panels.

Solar panels on the roof of a DuPage County Forest Preserve building.

A bright idea comes up every morning at this home in Woodridge

This Solar installation is in Woodridge, IL.  It is being done in conjunction with the building of a large addition to the home. The family is able to live in the home during the construction period since the new part of the home will stay completely closed off until construction is finished.

At that time they will cut the opening through to the new part of the home. They have had no major interruptions in their water or power needs during the construction. This family will be using the solar thermal units for space heating as well as potable hot water for their cooking, laundry, dishwashing, shower and bathing needs. The panels on the roof and an extra hot water storage tank as well as coils in the heating system are what the Robert Bair team is working on. The family will see a large drop in their gas bills since this system will assist their gas forced air heating and gas water heating system. The addition is expected to be completed by Jan 2007.