N.C. Arby’s franchisee changes to solar water heatingN.C. Arby’s franchisee changes to solar water heating

FLETCHER N.C. An Arby’s franchisee here said it is switching its 33 restaurants to solar-powered hot water heaters.

The franchisee, The Winning Team, said the changeover from conventional natural-gas-fueled heaters would save $12,000 annually.

The new system calls for the use of 132 solar panels to heat water, even on cloudy days

One of the restaurants has already installed the solar panels, with the rest of the units expected to make the switch by February, the franchisee said.