CSTSC Projects: Expanding Our Impact, One Solar Solution at a Time!

A vibrant aerial view of Desert Mountain High School in Arizona, showcasing an innovative solar cooling system. The rooftop is adorned with sleek solar collectors, and the parking lot features shaded areas under solar panels, blending functionality and sustainability. The striking desert landscape in the background highlights the powerful sun, harnessed not as a challenge but as a solution to cool the campus for over 4,000 students. At the heart of this system is a 500-ton Broad absorption chiller (water-fired), efficiently servicing approximately half of the cooling needs for both the high school and the middle school. This cutting-edge system reduces energy costs, prolongs equipment life, and even keeps parked cars cool, embodying a green future for education.

A sprawling solar thermal installation at PepsiCo's Gatorade production facility in Tolleson, Arizona, with rows of gleaming solar collectors under the bright desert sun. The system spans an impressive 41,000 square feet, providing one million kWh of thermal energy annually. The collectors, integral to preheating production water, showcase innovation in solar process heat technology, reducing both energy consumption and electricity demand for reverse osmosis. As the largest solar process heat installation in the Americas in 2012, this project exemplifies PepsiCo's commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency.

The rooftops of two dormitories on Prescott Street and Broadway feature 1,561 square feet of solar collectors, delivering a peak power of 100 kW. This innovative system replaces natural gas as the primary energy source, providing sustainable hot water for 98 apartments. The project also includes expanded hot water storage capacity and integrated remote monitoring for real-time performance optimization. It is a key component of Harvard’s Green Campus Initiative, demonstrating measurable energy savings and environmental impact.

A luxurious view of the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort and Casino, nestled against the stunning Caribbean backdrop, with solar thermal panels discreetly installed on its rooftops. These collectors provide sustainable hot water for showers, kitchens, and laundry, while also reducing dependency on costly, CO₂-intensive fuel oil. The system, optimized for the island's unique energy demands, exemplifies a commitment to environmental sustainability. The resort seamlessly combines luxury and green innovation, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and embracing renewable energy in a picturesque island setting.

This property is equipped with 27 large-area Ökotech solar collectors, designed to efficiently service the domestic hot water system. Given the limited storage capacity, the system employs an innovative steam-back design to maximize the use of available collector area during peak thermal demand hours. This forward-thinking approach ensures the property optimally harnesses solar energy, significantly reducing reliance on traditional energy sources while delivering sustainable hot water when it’s needed most. This system reflects a commitment to environmental stewardship and energy efficiency through smart solar thermal technology.

The solar thermal systems at Carabella and Carillion represent a significant step forward in sustainable energy solutions for large-scale water heating needs. Together, these two sites feature an impressive array of 273 solar collectors—Carabella with 124 4'x10' collectors and Carillion with 149 4'x10' collectors—totaling 10,920 square feet of solar collector area.

These systems utilize 12 individual drain-back configurations, ensuring efficient and reliable performance. The solar thermal arrays directly service all on-site boilers, significantly reducing the demand for natural gas. By harnessing the power of the sun, this innovative setup not only lowers operational costs but also contributes to a substantial reduction in carbon emissions, aligning with a greener and more sustainable future.

Designed with durability and efficiency in mind, these solar hot water systems are a perfect match for the high energy demands of these properties, showcasing the immense potential of solar thermal technology in reducing fossil fuel dependency.

Tiber Island Cooperative Homes, located in Southwest Washington, D.C., is a historic housing complex comprising 378 apartments across four nine-story towers and 21 townhouses, built in 1965 as part of a visionary urban redevelopment plan.

To support the community's commitment to sustainability, the property features a state-of-the-art solar thermal system with 80 Thermomax DF-100 collectors, totaling 3,680 square feet of collector area. This advanced system provides a reliable and energy-efficient solution for domestic hot water needs, significantly reducing reliance on traditional energy sources.

By integrating solar thermal technology into this historic housing complex, Tiber Island continues its legacy of innovative planning, embracing renewable energy to reduce carbon emissions and support a greener future for its residents.

Shapiro & Company Property Management, LLC, manages two historic properties along Connecticut Avenue in Washington, D.C., both equipped with advanced solar thermal systems to meet their domestic hot water needs.

Grannus (Hampton Arms), located at 2726 Connecticut Ave NW, is a historic building designed by renowned architect Harry Wardman. This charming apartment complex offers seven floors of efficiencies, one- and two-bedroom apartments, featuring high ceilings, beautiful hardwood floors, and ample closet space. The building is equipped with 12 4'x10' AET collectors, totaling 480 square feet of collector area. This solar thermal system efficiently services the domestic hot water needs of the building, reducing reliance on traditional energy sources and supporting sustainability.

Surya (Hampton House), located at 2700 Connecticut Ave NW, features a 34-panel Schüco collector system, totaling 985 square feet of collector area. This system provides an energy-efficient and reliable solution for the building’s domestic hot water demands, significantly reducing energy consumption.

Together, the Grannus and Surya systems highlight Shapiro & Company’s commitment to integrating sustainable energy solutions into their properties. By leveraging solar thermal technology, these buildings not only lower energy costs but also contribute to a greener, more environmentally responsible future for their residents.