The Town of China, Maine, is now using a solar energy system installed by Sundog Solar Store to partially heat the town hall.

Sundog Solar, based in Searsport, recently installed four solar hot air collectors on the side of the building, where the collectors can take advantage of lower winter sun.  Sundog Solar Store owner Chuck Piper said that with enough sunshine, the system will supply a large percentage of the building's heating needs during the day.

Once the collectors reach 110 degrees, a thermostat turns on a blower which circulates warm air into the building.  When the temperature of the absorber plates drop to 90 degrees, the thermostat turns off the blower.  These collectors can heat up to 2,800 square feet of space, Piper said.

This project is just one of a series of energy improvements at the town offices. The projects are being funded by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act.