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getting in some hot water—
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With the rising price of conventional fuels, Dane Glueck and Jason Streit had a hunch that Kentucky homeowners and businesses might be ready to switch to solar and that heating water using the sun’s energy would be especially appealing.
Hot water for baths, showers, dishwashers and washing machines is a major utility cost for most households. After air conditioning and ovens, water heaters are the third most costly appliance to operate in most homes. Solar water heaters save Kentucky families between $150 and $400 each year in utility costs and provides a backstop against rising energy prices. Solar is a clean, renewable power source that contributes to a cleaner environment.
Glueck and Streit took their idea to MACED and, with a small loan, opened Kentucky Solar Living. Kentucky Solar Living has been busy installing solar water heaters in homes ever since. Solar water heaters are even catching on for business and institutional use, with contracts pending for schools, restaurants and hotels.
“We are proud to be a full-service provider,” Glueck said. “We take care of customers from the initial evaluation and site assessment to the time of purchase and beyond through yearly maintenance.” Kentucky’s climate provides enough sunshine to supply as much as 80 percent of the energy for heating water, although Kentucky Solar Living’s systems include a conventional back-up system for cloudy and winter days. Most systems are so durable they can last more than 25 years and will more than pay for themselves in energy savings.
“MACED has been instrumental in helping us achieve our goals,” Glueck said. Kentucky Solar Living is dedicated to preserving Kentucky’s environment. A $50 donation is made to Kentucky Natural Lands Trust each time a solar water heater is sold.
For more information or to apply for a loan, visit www.kentuckysolarliving.com or www.kysolar.org.
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Business Development | Forest Opportunities | Policy | Common Cents | Energy Efficient
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