Fire department adds solar water heater in Ann Arbor

The city of Ann Arbor is kicking off a drive to promote renewable energy by installing a solar water heating system at its main fire station in downtown.

The fire station and the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum will both utilize the system, which is expected to save the city $600 a year in natural gas costs.

The system will be used to heat water for the fire station while the museum will use it as an exhibit on solar water heating. City officials hope it will show the city is leading by example in the community by utilizing renewable resources.

The Michigan Energy Office, part of the state’s Department of Labor and Economic Growth, is giving the city a $6,000 grant for the project. The project is expected to cost $20,100, with the city contributing $7,600, the museum contributing 6,500 and the state $6,000.

Source: City of Ann Arbor.