The design of every new building at the monastery includes consideration of the solar energy systems that will be used. Designing the building and solar systems together not only saves money, it enables the two to work together and perform at a level not always obtainable with retrofit systems. Better performance means reduced fuel costs and consequently, lower greenhouse gas emissions. The hot water system shown here provides the bulk of the energy for domestic hot water and space heat in a building that houses 20 monks.

Continue