The solar heating system at the Edgar May Health & Recreation Center in Springfield, Vermont is the largest solar heating system in the state. The solar array measures over 2,000 square feet and consists of 69 flat-plate collectors that capture the sun’s energy and use it to heat the Center’s main pool.

From the Center’s inception, the use of solar energy and other renewable energy technologies have been actively pursued as a way to lower the operating cost of the facility and its environmental impact. Each year the solar array will save over 7,000 gallons of propane fuel, saving the Center an estimated $700,000 in fuel bills over its first 25 years of operation (assuming propane prices increase 3% per year on average).

Each solar collector measures 4 by 8 feet and has a black metal absorber plate that captures the sun’s energy. A non-toxic antifreeze solution is circulated through the collector plates to transfer the solar heat to the pool water through a heat exchanger located in the boiler room.  On a sunny day, each collector will warm to 110 degrees and then start transferring heat to the pool, which is kept at 82 degrees. Over the course of a sunny day, the 69-collector solar array will capture over 2 million BTUs of energy, saving over 35 gallons of propane fuel.

The system was designed and installed by Solar Works, Inc. of Montpelier, VT.  Working with the Center’s architect, Freeman, French, Freeman of Burlington, and the mechanical contractor, ARC Mechanical of Bradford, the system was installed in the fall of 2006. Major funding for the project was provided by Cindy Barber and Todd Horton of Cavendish, VT.