This Entire Neighborhood has Shared Solar Heating

[kepler]

A community in Canada has an unusual form of solar power that can provide over 90% of the annual heating and hot water needs for its 52 homes, despite being situated in a cold Alberta location where winter temperatures can reach -33 degrees C (-27 F).

Community Solar Power : Green Building Elements

[fu$e]

It's not as sexy as photovoltaic, but solar heating has much greater benefit (and a shorter payback too).

[macgardener]

Nice to see a whole community get together and do something innovative.

[LMagic007]

Yes I agree. I think Solar Thermal energy has been quite an under-rated technology over the years, I suspect partly due to the fact that we have had cheap affordable fossil fuel energy for so long, however that's all changing now. This example is further evidence of the potential of Solar Thermal energy technology not only on a macro scale but also a micro neighborhood and domestic level. I think the technology can be improved over time and costs bought down even further. Its evident to me that we are really only scraping the tip of the iceberg in terms of the potential for this technology I think its contribution can be significant.

The beauty of renewable energy approach is that it represents a complete approach, that embodies conservation as a key component.