SUN IN MINNESOTA

Kiss the utility company goodbye
Karen Youso, June 9, 2009 (Minneapolis Star-Tribune)

"… Here's how some [Minneapolis-St. Paul] homeowners are using new solar technology to kiss the utility company goodbye…and state and federal governments are giving them a helping hand. The Minnesota Legislature last month loaded $3 million into its solar rebate program, up from $1.2 million last biennium, and the federal 30 percent tax credit for solar is still available…Whether you're a skeptic who wonders if we're throwing money at crackpot ideas or someone who wants to get a piece of the action, consider these questions and answers…"

[Does solar even make sense in Minnesota?] "…Yes, as much sense as solar energy in Texas and Florida…Minnesota's sunshine is distributed unevenly -- more in the summer, less in the winter -- but on a yearly average, it's the same amount of sun energy as in Houston or Jacksonville…Minnesota is better than Southern states for solar energy because solar systems work best when they're cool…"

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[But once the sun goes down, so do the solar collectors.] "…[S]ystems are designed to efficiently store energy in batteries for use overnight, or to automatically flip to the power grid…Connected to the grid, the utility's meter can "spin" backwards when the home is on sun power."

[What can I expect out of a solar system?] "…Energy savings: Two solar panels can meet 75 percent of the hot water needs for a family of four…For solar photovoltaic (solar producing electricity)… A typical Minnesota home uses 600 kilowatts a month; that would take 20 panels. But careful planning -- energy-efficient lights, appliances and living habits -- can easily knock that down to a six-panel system…Pollution reduction…Over two years…[one Minnesota system saved] six tons of CO2…"

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[How much does it cost?] "…There are two types of solar systems: One heats the household's water, while the other makes electricity. The estimated cost of solar thermal (heating water) is about $10,000…Solar PV (for electricity) starts there and goes up…Electricity is cheap in Minnesota, at least compared with other states, which makes for a long payback time…Federal incentives reduced [one Minnesota] $20,000 system to about $18,000…."

[Want to hop on the solar bandwagon?] "…If you think your home might have solar potential, hire a solar contractor or installer to do a site evaluation…The cost is about $175 to $300; a list of companies doing the work is available at Renewables…Solar…Purchase and Installation…Hiring…Next invest in energy efficiency by installing Energy Star appliances, energy-efficient lighting and weatherizing the home…"