Solar Power Makes For The Hottest Restaurant In Town

SOLAR DAILY

File image of commercial solar hot water system.

by Staff Writers
Niles IL (SPX) Apr 30, 2007
Taco Burrito King is creating a legacy with numerous innovative features in their new restaurant that protect both air and water quality. The state's largest solar hot water system on a restaurant was installed for Taco Burrito King at 6701 W. Touhy in Niles. The roof is lined with ten solar panels that can heat 680 gallons of hot water daily. Additional energy saving practices will be employed, including radiant floor heat and consolidating the cooking for several restaurants into one centralized prep kitchen.

The most efficient equipment available is being installed, keeping utility costs low and providing a high-value product for customers.

Solar energy is not new to TBK, Inc., with this being the third system that they've had installed. The first system was installed in 2004 on the Taco Burrito King Restaurant located at 5413 W. Belmont in Chicago. This system heats over 600 gallons of water daily and was the first solar thermal system installed on a restaurant in Illinois.

TBK's president, Salvador Lamas, was so satisfied with the results that he went on to install a solar heat and hot water system on his own home. All three solar systems were installed by Solar Service Inc. of Niles, Illinois. "The solar system had already been proven," said Salvador Lamas.

"We already know that it is not only good for the environment, but also good economically. The solar panels have become a trademark for our restaurant."

This new solar system prevents an estimated 7 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually and other greenhouse gases. Solar energy helps strengthen the local economy by keeping energy dollars in the community.

"Why export our energy dollars when we can keep them close to home?" said Brandon Leavitt, a board member for the Illinois Solar Energy Association. "In Illinois, we imported over $5 billion of natural gas in 2005. That money is gone and we have nothing to show for it now. Solar is a win-win situation all around. Why rent your energy when you can own it?"

The price of natural gas nearly quadrupled since 1995 and will continue to increase in the future. Utilizing solar energy and energy efficient practices is a smart business decision.

The State of Illinois and the federal government offer incentives that significantly lower the price of a solar system. A grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Bureau of Energy and Recycling paid for 30% of the system at Taco Burrito King. Additional Federal incentives lowered the cost another 40%.

TBK's commitment to the environment didn't stop with reducing energy use. Porous bricks were used to pave the parking lot, reducing demand on wastewater treatment plants while recharging ground water.

Taco Burrito King will herald Cinco de Mayo by celebrating the grand opening of their Niles location on May 5, 2007. It's sure to be the hottest restaurant in town thanks, in part, to their use of solar energy.

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