Apricus, a leading designer and manufacturer of solar hot water and hydronic heating products, has donated solar thermal components and technical services to West Virginia University for this year's U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon.

Apricus, a leading designer and manufacturer of solar hot water and hydronic heating products, has donated solar thermal components and technical services to West Virginia University for this year's U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon.

The donation, valued at over $5,000, included an Apricus Residential Solar Thermal Packaged System consisting of an evacuated tube solar thermal collector, a solar tank, and a closed loop pump station. West Virginia University will utilize the solar thermal components in their self-sufficient house designed for a self-sufficient family — a reflection of Appalachia culture and history. The design will integrate innovation and passive design techniques to maximize energy efficiency and support sustainable design practices and approaches.

This award winning Solar Decathlon Program challenges collegiate teams to design, build, and operate solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and attractive. The winner of the competition is the team that best blends affordability, consumer appeal, and design excellence with optimal energy production and maximum efficiency. This bi-annual event will take place on October 3rd through 13th at Orange County Great Park in Irvine, Calif. Open to the public and free of charge, the Solar Decathlon gives visitors the opportunity to tour the houses, gather ideas to use in their own homes, and learn how energy-saving features can help them save money. The competition houses will be open to visitors on eight days over two weekends. Public hours will be from 11 am to 7pm daily Thursday, October 3rd through Sunday, October 6th and Thursday, October 10th through Sunday, October 13th.

This is Apricus' second time participating in the U.S. Solar Decathlon. In 2009, the manufacturer sponsored seven of the teams donating both product and services.

"We are so proud to be a part of the Decathlon again this year," said Shannon Horsley, Marketing Coordinator at Apricus. "Education of clean-energy products and design solutions is so important in this day in age. Clean-energy is the way of the future and as a solar thermal manufacturer it is our duty to ensure that the students of today understand these concepts so they can enter the workforce and make a difference in the years to come."

For more information on the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon visit www.solardecathlon.gov.

About Apricus
Apricus is a leading designer and manufacturer of solar hot water and hydronic heating products for residential and commercial use. With a rapidly growing distribution network throughout North America, offices in the USA, Australia, UK, Romania, Jordan and China and representation in over 30 countries; their range of renewable energy products provides simple and effective solutions for families and businesses concerned about the effects of climate change and rising energy costs.

For further information about Apricus and how to order Apricus products, please contact Apricus at 1-877-458-2634 or visit www.apricus.com.