Sometimes you read something and you just can’t help having a smile on your face.  The below customer email is posted in its entirety save a few redacted names to protect their location and identity.  This project was about using SolarBees to solve a cyanobacteria problem in a lake in the southeast United States.

"Mr. XXXXX,

I would be more than happy to give a positive reference and be a part of the case study for SolarBee.  I have talked with several municipalities from the surrounding area about the benefits SolarBee has provided to us. 

I have been a huge supporter of using any type of green technology rather than adding more chemicals for potable water treatment.  I believe this is a growing trend in the industry.

The first few months we had SolarBees installed we had a couple of significant algae blooms in the lake.  Once we made it through the initial blooms, we have experienced a steady increase in water quality.   SolarBees have completely eliminated our need for algaecide application in the lake and has lowered our PAC (powdered activated carbon) usage by at least 75%  This has truly been a tangible cost savings. Direct chemical savings from the SolarBees have been over $ 250,000 this first full year cycle. 

A possible negative side effect we have experienced.  Historically in the late winter through spring we have always experienced a mild to moderate midge fly larva problem with clogging of our filters.  This past winter/spring was the first cycle that SolarBees were installed in the lake.  The larva issue was significantly worse this year.  We do not have a definitive answer as to why it was worse this year.  I believe the SolarBees are not the direct cause for the increase in the number of larva.  But I do believe SolarBees are a contributing factor due to increasing the clarity in top 10 feet of the water column and maintaining circulation of this area.  The larva seem to be more attracted to this area due to light penetration throughout the top 10 feet of the water column then in previous years.  There are many factors along with the increased clarity that have contributed to this issue.  I think time will tell if this will become better or worse.  We are continuing to analyze data and hypothesize how to control this issue.  

We have also noticed a significant increase in the bait fish population around the SolarBees themselves.  This will be a very positive side benefit for the Lake.

Customer support and service have been superb.  Top notch in that area.  These are very well built, well designed, robust pieces of equipment. 

Our expectations have been met.  In fact, If I have my say SolarBees will be specified, standardized, and installed during the initial build out of (our) second reservoir.  The 1400+ acre YYYYY Reservoir that will be built in the very near future.   

Yes, I am a fan of SolarBees.  They simply work.  I have depth sample data for a long time period before the installation and we are continuing with our sampling program.  The data collected is the hard proof that SolarBees do the job.

The hardest thing I had to do was convince my Elected Officials to take a chance and go along with the idea.  That took a couple of years.

Please let me know what else I can do to help.

Regards,

ZZZZZZZ"

Still smilin’.