Our Lady of the Lake School Implements Solar Thermal Technology

Our Lady of the Lake School, located in Wedgewood area of Seattle, has implemented a new solar thermal system to reduce the impact on the environment and to cut down energy costs.

The solar thermal system installed by Net Zero Impact will supplement the currently utilized natural gas water heating facility at the school. The system comprises 240 solar- thermal tubes supplied by Kingspan Solar and is mounted over the roof of the school. The solar tubes convert the direct and diffused sunlight deflected over the system as well as the solar heat generated during the chilly, overcast and sultry period to heat the water. The heated water is used to compliment the existing radiant heat systems, domestic water requirements and forced-air heating systems. The solar thermal tubes has over 400% more solar power generating efficiency than the solar panels that use solar cells and is useful for locations that crave for sunny surroundings. The solar thermal installed at the Parish in a period of 25 years will reduce 6 ¾ tons of CO₂ emissions which can be equated to planting 15,000 new trees or removing 56 cars off the road to prevent carbon emissions or saving 100 million BTU’s of natural gas every year of its operation. The new solar thermal installation will allow the school to save around 10% of its yearly expenditure on utility power consumption.

Barry Andersen, Net Zero Impact’s President, said that the installed solar thermal system will improve the environment and reduces the utility bill of the school. He wanted the state of Washington to emulate other states in offering incentives for the investments made on renewable energy systems.