Solar Hot Water, August's Sustainable Living Talk

F.W. Horch Sustainable Goods and Supplies, 56 Maine St., Brunswick, will host a talk by George Doughty, of George F. Doughty Plumbing and Heating, titled "Free Hot Water from the Sun," on Thursday, August 14, from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm. The talk is free and open to the public.

Solar hot water systems heat water for domestic uses such as showers, dish washers, clothes washers and sinks. During the day, heat from the sun is collected and then transferred to a storage tank, providing hot water whenever needed. Most systems in Maine are designed to operate all year round. Often solar hot water systems work in conjunction with electric heating elements, which provide back up heat in periods of cloudy weather or excessive hot water use.

Doughty's talk will explain the basics of solar hot water systems for people interested in reducing their exposure to high energy costs. Attendees will learn how much solar hot water systems cost, how much hot water they can provide, and how much energy they can save. The talk will also cover common pitfalls, and recommend cost-effective strategies whether building a system yourself or hiring a contractor.

George Doughty brings more than 3 decades of experience to the subject, having installed his first solar hot water system in 1980. George F Doughty Plumbing and Heating is a full service father and son team. In addition to his plumbing and heating business of 35 years, George has been a promoter of alternative energy since the 1980's when his business, The Back Forty, sold hundreds of solar systems throughout New England as a supplier for the National Solar Water Heater Workshop. George is a Master Plumber, Master Oil and Solid Fuel Technician, Certified Solar Installer and was an instructor for the Solar Installer's course.

This talk is part of the F.W. Horch series on sustainable living. Each monthly talk is held on the second Thursday of the month at the F.W. Horch Sustainable Goods & Supplies store, 56 Maine Street, Brunswick. Space is limited, so those interested in attending are encouraged to call the store at 729-4050 to reserve a seat.

September's talk will feature Gerard Gagnon of Ace Insulation, sharing home insulation tips and tricks from a professional.