Nation's largest solar thermal development slated for Fletcher (NC)

[jpak]

http://www.blueridgenow.com/article/20071208/NEWS/712080344

The sun will heat and cool 400 units of what's being called the largest use of residential solar thermal technology in the country.

The Rivercane development will open many doors to "green" living for residents of its town homes, condos and "live-work" studios, with homes above commercial spaces.

Residents will pay an estimated $100,000 to $300,000 for units where the heat, air conditioning and hot water comes from the sun. They may work in the adjacent Fletcher Business Park, run and bike on an extension of the Fletcher Greenway and play in a creekside park the developer plans to donate to the town.

The 38-acre project site lies along Cane Creek between Cane Creek Industrial Park Drive and Mills Gap Road in the broad valley. Ringed by views of the distant Black and Blue Ridge ranges and closer Burney Mountain, the property has sat vacant for decades since it served as a runway for the old Asheville airport.

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