South Dakota’s historic Ellsworth Air Force Base is looking toward the future with a new solar water heating system. Two Piedmont companies partnered to construct the energy system, which was completed in May 2011. Panel procurement and overall design was handled by GenPro Energy Solutions, while Power Plus Electric installed the system and will continue to operate and manage the system.

The panels will produce hot water for the building that houses the 28^th Civil Engineering Squadron Readiness Flight. South Dakota’s cooler climate and high solar radiation provide ideal conditions for a solar water heating system.  Ellsworth will use the project to help make Air Force personnel more comfortable with the technology before continuing with larger-scale solar projects.