In spring of 2011, Next Gen
eration Energy® designed a custom solar thermal system to place on the Jefferson County Detention Facility as part of a Jefferson County renewable energy project. The 162 NGE-216 solar thermal evacuated tube collectors produce hot water for showers, kitchen, car washes, etc. inside the facility.
The detention facility lacked roof space due to HVAC units and shading, therefore, the project had to be engineered in a way to fit all 162 collectors. Engineers at Next Generation Energy® developed a solution of securing steel beams 7 feet above the roof and placing the collectors on top of the steel structure. In addition, Next Generation Energy® was able to incorporate existing sections of plumbing from a previously installed system on the detention facility.
The solar thermal system now generates about 1.08 billion BTUs annually and heats about 5,400 gallons of water daily.