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Solar hot water in municipal buildings and facilities

Solar water heaters use energy from the sun to heat water. In this Solution, the Local Government takes leadership and acts as role model for the community, by implementing a set of measures to deliver solar hot water (SHW) systems in the buildings and facilities it owns and / or operates.

Such measures include an assessment of the potential for solar hot water use in municipal buildings / facilities, and a procurement process to select a technology provider and ensure delivery, and maintenance of the systems to ensure high levels of performance throughout time.

Motivation / Relevance

The energy consumption for the production of hot water can be significant in different types of municipal facilities, namely swimming pools, laundries, canteens, hospitals, public housing facilities, etc. Typically, water is heated by using fossil fuels and/or electricity. This presents an opportunity for renewable solar energy use, through readily available technologies.

Main impacts

  • Demonstration of solar hot water systems` results to the community.
  • Build consumer confidence in solar thermal systems.
  • Attract solar thermal installers to the local community and help raise awareness and build workforce capacity

Benefits and Co-Benefits

  • Reduce the Local Government´s energy bill.
  • Enhance the Local Government`s profile as green and sustainable.
  • Reduce GHG emissions of the Local Government`s activities.
  • Build local value chain, improve local skills and create additional jobs related to solar thermal
  • Reduce overall costs of the technology, facilitating its adoption from the private sector and individual citizens.

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