February 27, 2008—Novan Solar Inc. of Golden, Colorado has recently completed a 70-panel solar thermal system for the new Erie Recreation Center in Erie, Colorado, the company has announced.
The heating system will generate nearly 9,200 therms (the equivalent of 275 MWh) of energy every year, says Novan. This will provide a significant portion of the energy needed to heat a large aquatics area with a lap pool, leisure pool, whirlpool, water slide with splash tank, lazy river, and outdoor water sculpture and spray area. More than sixty metric tons of carbon dioxide (green house gases) will be offset by the system each year.
In recognition of its responsibility to the community, the Erie Community Center has been designed with sustainability and energy conservation as a priority. Sustainable design elements include: solar water heating system, pool HVAC heat recovery, regenerative media pool filters (first of its kind in Colorado), high efficiency boilers, enhanced roof insulation, grey-water irrigation system and the use of a high performance tinted low-e glass.
Other energy-saving features of the Center include: automatic lighting controls, natural day-lighting in all large volume areas, low emitting finish materials, use of recycled materials wherever possible, waterless urinals, extra foam sheathing as a thermal break, automatic solar shades for south and west facing glass, and the use of regional materials to reduce transport energy consumption.
Novan Solar Inc. is the largest solar thermal company in Colorado and the Southwest. The company specializes in turnkey solutions for large-scale commercial and industrial water heating needs in addition to supplying systems for residences. For more information, see the Web site.
