Johnson Controls completes solar heating systems for seven El Paso Pools

More than 700 solar thermal panels, covering nearly 32,000 sq. ft., are now converting solar rays into hot water for municipal pools across the city. The solar heating upgrades are part of an overall Energy Savings Performance Contract developed by Johnson Controls to help the city reduce escalating utility costs and improve aging infrastructure while improving air quality in the region.

“Renewable energy solutions will help the city more effectively manage energy usage while reducing costs and environmental impact,” said Don Albinger, vice president of renewable energy solutions at Johnson Controls. “The ideal climate and days of sunshine make the project a win for both city officials looking to realize cost savings, and for residents seeking a fun, environmentally friendly place to cool off.”

In addition to the pools, the contract includes energy efficiency upgrades to 53 El Paso facilities and the conversion of 6,600 traffic lights to LED technology. The $14.7 million project is expected to deliver operating and energy cost savings of $20.3 million over 10 years. It also will eliminate nearly 11,300 tons of air pollutants, reduce electricity consumption at facilities by 29 percent, and decrease electrical consumption by traffic lights by 84 percent.

Pools heated by the new solar systems include those at the Marty Robbins Recreation Center, Armijo Park Recreation Center and Pool, WW Cowan Recreation Center, Leo Cancellare Recreation Center, Hilos de Plata Senior Center and Pool, T & I Recreation Center, and Veterans Recreation Center.

About Johnson Controls

Johnson Controls is the global leader that brings ingenuity to the places where people live, work and travel. By integrating technologies, products and services, we create smart environments that redefine the relationships between people and their surroundings. Our team of 140,000 employees creates a more comfortable, safe and sustainable world through our products and services for more than 200 million vehicles, 12 million homes and one million commercial buildings. Our commitment to sustainability drives our environmental stewardship, good corporate citizenship in our workplaces and communities, and the products and services we provide to customers. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com/.