Springfield Medical goes solar

Thanks to contributions from donors, including a grant from the Jack & Dorothy Byrne Foundation, Springfield Medical Care Systems (SMCS) has installed a solar hot water system at its Springfield Health Center.

www.eagletimes.com     www.rutlandherald.com

2017-02-08 / Local Springfield Medical goes solar Solar panels at Springfield Health Center. Solar panels at Springfield Health Center. SPRINGFIELD — Thanks to contributions from donors, including a grant from the Jack & Dorothy Byrne Foundation, Springfield Medical Care Systems (SMCS) has installed a solar hot water system at its Springfield Health Center. The original intent of the project was a rooftop installation, but it was decided that the 100 River St., building, where the Springfield Health Center is located, was not suitable for the panels. However, a portion of the building near the river is sheltered and receives excellent sunlight so it was determined to be the best location for the panels. Four panels were installed before winter and have already started offsetting the center’s use of fossil fuels. Over the next 10 years, it should offset 2,500 gallons of propane as it heats the 600,000 gallons of hot water used annually by staff, patients and visitors to the health center. The total cost was approximately $30,000 and the panels were installed by Vermont Heating and Ventilating Company. The project was undertaken in conjunction with the installation of a solar panel field on unbuildable land at Springfield Hospital, which will be completed this summer. This project will generate energy for hot water needs and also provide for other electrical needs of the hospital. Both projects are being funded by donations to the 2015-16 Annual Giving Campaign of the SMCS Development Office. For more information on charitable giving, contact Director of Development Larry Kraft at (802) 885-7644 or lkraft@springfieldmed.org.