Morro Bay Pacific Wildlife Care Center Receives Free Solar Energy Systems From Solarponics

MORRO BAY, Ca. - Morro Bay Pacific Wildlife Care Center received a solar water heating system from Solarponics, one of the leading solar companies on the Central Coast, as a donation to help reduce their operating costs and save natural resources.  PG&E also gave a grant to the center for a radiant heating system, which was installed by Solarponics as well, to help keep the birds warm and increase their water heating efficiency.

"Solarponics feels that PWC provides a vital service helping to preserve wildlife. As a nonprofit, PWC has limited resources and one of the tenets of Solarponics is to provide local services to the local customer base and be a responsible business citizen," said Solarponics owner Mike Emrich.

The two systems that were installed will save propane for heating hot water and reduce electrical loads by using the combination of propane and solar to provide radiant heating for the rehabilitation of seabirds.  The system is estimated to cut the center's energy bill nearly in half.

"With the new heaters, we can continue to take care of the animals and save us money.  Otherwise, we would have to go through other sources, which would be more expensive," said Center Operations Chair Jeanette Stone.

The water heater will be specifically used to heat the hospital pools for the rehabilitation of the seabirds, which needs to be kept at a consistent 90 degrees. The radiant heating system will be used to heat the rehabilitation room, which needs to be kept at 80 degrees.  The systems will also provide the hot water that keeps the center running.

"To be able to heat the water with solar energy is huge.  The warm water pools use so much energy and by using solar energy, we are able to be energy efficient.  We want to care for the planet at the same time we care for the animals and being energy efficient goes with our mission of helping the environment," said Stone.

In addition to their donation to the Wildlife Care Center, Solarponics has also worked with Cal Poly to install a solar water heating system at Santa Fe Bellevue School in Avila Beach, provided parts and instruction to Cuesta College Green Tech Department, and worked with the County Department of Education and the Atascadero Unified School District to help the implementation of the Green Academy pathway program at Atascadero High School.

Solarponics is the Central Coast's alternative energy pioneer, helping residents achieve energy independence for 35 years. The longest continuously owned and operated solar company in California, Solarponics has been family owned and operated since 1975. Solarponics can install and service solar electric systems, solar hot water, wind energy systems, solar pool heating and radiant heating systems. For more information, visit solarponics.com.