Ford Motor Company Emerging Solar Technology

The Ford Motor Company’s stamping plant in Buffalo, N.Y., uses an emerging solar technology called the “unglazed transpired collector” to heat outside air before pulling it into the ventilation system — saving Ford nearly $200,000 a year. The 50,000-square-foot system, made by Conserval Systems of Buffalo, covers the south-facing walls of the plant. Heated air is distributed throughout the facility by more than a mile of flexible ducts. In sunny areas with long heating seasons, such systems can cut energy consumption by warming outside air by as much as 50 degrees. Typical pay-back time is less than five years.