Local hotel goes solar

A worker installs solar panels to the roof of the Best Western hotel in Mountain Home.

A hotel on the city's north side became the first business of its kind in southern Idaho to use sun power as a way to keep its guest rooms and other amenities warm and comfortable throughout the year.

The alternative energy upgrade at the Best Western Foothills Inn on Highway 20 involved the addition of 35 solar panels with a combined span of more than 60 square feet.

Out of these solar collectors, 21 of the panels tie into the hotel's room heating system and laundry water equipment. The remaining collectors help heat the spa and swimming pool. Both systems are fully automatic and include data monitors to track delivered solar energy to validates their performance and cost savings.

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