Solar Collectors on Andy Holt Apartments

In fall 1982 solar collectors were installed on Andy Holt Apartments as a joint project between residence halls and the Solar Applications Branch of the TVA. The collectors, designed by Bernie McGraw and Albert Bedinger of UT’s Environment Resource Center, cost $22,000. Residence halls paid $17,000 and TVA contributed $5,000. TVA installed instruments to measure the units’ performance and also had rights to use the installation as a demonstration model for other groups involved in solar energy. Three hundred fifty square feet of solar collectors were installed and were designed to provide sufficient energy to fulfill the hot water needs of eight apartments on the 14th floor of the west wing of the building. The installation proved to be only marginally effective, had maintenance issues, and created some roof problems. The installation was removed in 2004.

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  • Title Solar Collectors on Andy Holt Apartments
  • Author
  • Keywords Solar Collectors on Andy Holt Apartments
  • Website Name Volopedia
  • Publisher University of Tennessee Libraries
  • URL
  • Access Date July 24, 2025
  • Original Published Date
  • Date of Last Update October 16, 2018