GRAFENWOEHR, Germany - After months of gray skies and less than desirable weather, residents have recently been blessed with long summer days filled with sunshine.
But the sun brings the Army community more than heat, light and freckle-kissed skin - it also provides an alternate source of energy.
Eight mega solar collectors were placed on the roof of the Main Post Physical Fitness Center, June 29, with the intent of gathering free energy from the sun. The panels are scheduled to be fully functional in August.
The 5 x 2 meter collectors contain water mixed with glycol, which transports the collected sun energy via pipes to the central utilities room in the basement. The energy is then stored in large insulated storage tanks, each with a capacity of 1,500 liters. These tanks are connected to a heat exchanger where the domestic hot water is generated.
The system is designed to preheat the domestic hot water. If the sun energy is insufficient due to weather, the existing district heat system will take over and ensure customers always have a hot shower following their workout.
Additionally, those who visit the fitness center can watch how much sun is harvested through a display mounted at the entrance.
Although this is the first renewable energy project at U.S. Army Garrison Grafenwoehr's Main Post, the practical use of solar power for remote buildings is gaining momentum within the garrison.
"We will see more projects like this in the future," said Werner Ohla, of the garrison's chief utilities branch, Department of Public Works.
"When we consume too much energy we rely on big energy companies, but the sun keeps on giving," said Ohla.
Werner approximates the $189,000 project will pay for itself in 8-10 years.
"It is more economical and more responsible to use this form of renewable energy," said Ohla.
Ensuring a secure and reliable energy supply, coupled with equitable, effective and efficient management of site infrastructure, is a critical part of the Installation Management Command Energy Campaign.
The supply is never-ending when using renewable energy and the sun is rich source.
The energy is extracted from the natural source in natural manner without spoiling the natural flow.
"To use energy from the sun just makes sense," said Jeff Darrow, chief of DPW, Operations and Maintenance Division for the garrison. "The future of the garrison is reducing our energy footprint and projects like this reflect the direction we are going."
With new initiates and constant changes to be more environmental sound, "Army green" has taken on a whole new meaning.
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