HI-Martha’s Vineyard Gets Solar Shower

Visitors to HI-Martha’s Vineyard can now bathe in solar-heated water. A 3’ by 8’ collector has been attached to the roof of the Hostel’s bike shed, and heats water for the nearby outdoor shower.

“It’s a low-tech system -- almost as simple as a garden hose lying in the sun” says designer/installer Chris Fried. Inside the collector are six, cylindrical tanks, constructed from 4” PVC pipe. They’re filled with water, and when exposed to four hours of strong sunlight, enough water is heated for five consecutive showers.

Besides saving money, the heater is serving as an educational tool. People are having a first-hand experience with a renewable energy technology, and fact sheet (in the shower stall) points out that the heater is helping conserve fossil fuels, reduce pollutants, and stabilize the climate.

This kicks off the season for New England’s Cape and Island summer hostels.
For more information and for booking a trip visit: www.usahostels.org