Green Breaking News…4,000 Gallon Solar Hot Water System Hits the Caribbean!
Deerfield Beach, Fl. March 05, 2009 Amongst its luxurious hills of green and white sandy beaches, The Westin Dawn Beach Resort & Spa located in St. Maarten N.A. made the decision to help in the worldwide effort to go GREEN! Columbia Sussex Corporation, owners of The Westin Dawn Beach Resort & Spa, contracted with Zager Plumbing & Solar, Inc. to get the solar project up and running. In July 2008, Dale Zager, President of Zager Plumbing & Solar Inc. designed the solar hot water system to facilitate the 317 guest rooms, restaurants, laundry facilities, spa, and hotel restrooms. This 4,000 gallon solar hot water system will cut a significant amount of carbon dioxide emissions from entering our Earth’s atmosphere and reduce the cost and consumption of Liquid Petroleum Gas (LP)
Dale Zager, Licensed Master Plumber and President of Zager Plumbing & Solar Inc., designed and built the entire solar hot water system which included the solar panels location to be placed on top of The Westin parking garage. Its unique design gives this resort a semblance of environmental art. The solar hot water system got its big Green start in January 2009, with its forty-five panels and 1,350 evacuated tubes; this solar hot water system produces a constant flow of hot water to the 4,000 gallon water storage tank. So what exactly is an evacuated tube collector? In each panel the glass tubes are set parallel to one another to soak in the solar energy produced by the Sun. They offer dependable solar hot water heating in all types of climates. Being able to retain heat absorption was a critical factor for the technology used in manufacturing these evacuated tube collectors. Once the tube collectors have absorbed the solar energy, the heated water then transfers into a storage tank that holds 4,000 gallons of solar hot water. At this point, the heat is transferred into the copper coil heat exchangers. It is then distributed to the hotel’s entire hot water system. The original boilers that supplied the Resort with its heated water used LP-Gas and remain as a backup. 
The uniqueness of this storage tank is that it was crated, shipped and arrived at the hotel in a collapsible form. This collapsible storage tank is available in any size, and can be duplicated in any hotel/resort or commercial building whether it is constructed in the beginning phases of a project or as an eco-friendly addition to a pre-existing building. Dale Zager explains that “So long as you have a place that is flat, level and can support the weight of the water in the tank, Zager Plumbing & Solar Inc. can design, crate, ship and roll this storage tank through a 19 inch doorway and have it set up in a matter of hours. Only requiring a 19 inch opening for any size storage tank is what makes this storage tank a ‘One of a Kind’ and ideal for pre-existing buildings
who would like to convert to solar hot water.” The island of St. Maarten is unable to plant enough crops to produce an adequate amount of bio-fuels thus proving that this positive solar achievement being lead by Columbia Sussex Corporation and Zager Plumbing & Solar Inc is the future inspiration for using alternative energy with solar hot water systems. Columbia Sussex Corporation has also taken additional steps towards sustaining eco-friendly and energy technology for their hotels to reduce wasteful cooling and heating of unoccupied guest rooms. These small steps are, in fact, a giant leap in the movement to keep our resources abundant for future generations. The residents of St. Maarten can rest easy knowing that this immense hotel is freeing up the Liquid Petroleum Gas (LP) that is continuously in demand. Even with the increase of imported supplies into St. Maarten being gradual, this island still feels the crunch for the demands on receiving goods and commodities. However, it is still a slow process and if you have not experienced the island life of St. Maarten, it is one that paces itself to be moderate and laid back. St. Maarten has no distinct rainy season. They do however dedicate the months from July to November for hurricane season. Overall, this island along with others in the Caribbean are blessed with year round rays of sun shining upon them. Of course, when tourists decide on a place to vacation, the weather is always at the top of the list. Now, more than ever, travelers have added “Green Hotels” to their checklist. Zager Plumbing & Solar, Inc has been exceptional throughout the process of implementing the solar hot water system. “It’s all about TEAM WORK,” says Dale Zager. Zager Plumbing & Solar, Inc. along with Columbia Sussex Corporation Project Manager, Scott Yung, worked as a team to keep all guests and hotel staff at ease during the switch from LP gas to the solar hot water system. With the demand on the rise for alternative energy, The Westin Dawn Beach Resort & Spa installed the solar hot water system to accommodate and benefit all forms of existence. Dale Zager, President of Zager Plumbing & Solar Inc. says his most frequently asked questions are “What is this going to cost?” and “What is my ROI (return on investment).” Every facility will vary in cost depending on size, but the Westin, for example, has approximately 4.3 years for a complete ROI, making it a 23% yearly rate of return. Zager comments that, “Since the Westin St. Maarten’s location is outside the United States, they unfortunately are unable to capitalize on the rebates and credits being offered by our local, state and federal government here in the United States.” He went onto say, “Although, the ROI for this foreign solar hot water application is still very impressive, a business within the United States who is considering this size of a solar hot water system will see a significantly better ROI when the credits, rebates and incentives are factored into the equation.” In addition, Zager emphasizes, “I will personally come to your location anywhere in the world and provide a ‘Turn Key’ price to design, build and install your solar hot water system. This ‘Turn Key’ price will include an extensive survey, system analysis, and most importantly, your ROI (return of investment). I take a ‘hands on’ approach with every customer in every project, and you will meet and deal with me personally. I also remain active in the entire process from start to finish. I have well-trained and talented employees who will also be a part of your project, but you will always have direct access to me. I firmly believe that having direct access to me is a key ingredient to ‘Team Work’ throughout the entire project. I am very fortunate to have some of the most talented employees in this area of expertise and together, we will bring your project in on time and within your budget.”
Zager Plumbing & Solar, Inc approach in being a major player in contributing to the continued success of Green throughout the Caribbean and also in their own backyard located in Deerfield Beach,FL. has proven that their success in "Going Green" is their top priority. There is no facility to small or too large that Dale Zager is unable to conquer. With Zager's experience and qualifications to design/ build and meet all specifications required per project this company is on their solar way.
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