Southeastern Idaho Restaurant is First to Install High Performance Solar Thermal System

CHESAPEAKE, Va.--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--Solar Panels Plus (SPP), designer and manufacturer of solar water heaters, solar air conditioning/heating systems and photovoltaic solar panels, today announced that its SPP-30 evacuated tube collectors have been installed at the Homestead Family Restaurant, the first restaurant in Blackfoot and all of Southeastern Idaho to install a solar water heating system.

“The evacuated tube collectors utilize special optics, and double-wall glass tubes that work similarly to a thermos bottle to prevent heat from escaping, therefore the energy is more concentrated and more efficiently harvested and used.”

“Solar Panels Plus is thrilled to see our solar thermal collectors being installed in Idaho and look forward to providing more restaurant owners with the industry’s most efficient solar products,” said John Williams, COO, Solar Panels Plus. “The evacuated tube collectors utilize special optics, and double-wall glass tubes that work similarly to a thermos bottle to prevent heat from escaping, therefore the energy is more concentrated and more efficiently harvested and used.”

The system, installed by K&M Refrigeration, consists of five solar collectors, each with 30 evacuated tubes that function in almost any environment, including cold or freezing climates. The SPP-30 works well in environments where water temperatures up to or above 150ºF are needed or in cold or cloudy climate conditions.

“The installation of the solar water heating system from SPP is one of many energy-saving initiatives at Homestead and we couldn’t be happier with the product,” said Bill Dishman, owner, Homestead Family Restaurant.

Dishman estimates he is saving $500 a month in electricity in the nearly 5,000 square foot establishment that seats 130. The restaurant currently has two water heaters, one solely for the dishwasher and the other for hand-washing, food preparation and cleaning.

“The Homestead Restaurant installation shows a commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability—something we champion. Homestead is the first commercial establishment we have provided an incentive on and we encourage more businesses to make a commitment to energy efficiency,” said Chris Pollow, P.E., energy efficiency engineer, Idaho Power Company.

About Solar Panels Plus, Inc.

Solar Panels Plus is a Chesapeake, Virginia-based manufacturer, importer and distributor of solar energy products for commercial, residential and industrial applications including solar photovoltaics (PV), solar water heating systems, solar pool heating, and solar air conditioning and solar heating solutions. Solar Panels Plus distributes its wide range of products through a nationwide network of authorized dealers and installers. For more information, visit www.solarpanelsplus.com.