Eagan, Minnesota residents, Don and Pat Vasatka, struggled with a problem many Minnesotans face: ice dam build ups and leaks. However, unlike most residents, the Vasatka’s decided to take an innovative and energy efficient approach that would do more than put a Band-Aid on the problem, it would heal it completely. The family fixed all insulation and air pathway problems and also installed a solar PV system.
The Vasatka’s worked closely with Applied Energy Innovations (AEI) to get all of the renovations done. After all weatherization and insulation was installed, the efficiency of the home increased by up to 30%. But the family didn’t stop there; when it came time to replace their old minivan, the Vasatka’s chose the Electic Vehicle (EV) Nissan Leaf. Read more about their story in the interview below:
Joel Haskard: How did you prioritize projects?
Don Vasatka: We had been considering solar for some time, after doing considerable research, we decided to move forward with the solar, so that was the initial catalyst that started us down this path. AEI had given me a bid in 2011. At that point, (excluding financing costs), we would have paid $5,000 more for our electricity than if we just purchased it from Dakota Electric over the life of the system. We decided to wait.
As it turns out, that was the right decision. Last year I asked AEI to re-bid the system knowing that costs had continued to decrease. At that point (excluding financing costs), the system would actually have a small positive cash flow over its life. As far as we are concerned, there are strong non-financial benefits to solar that are not reflected in a monetary ROI calculation and made it a good decision.
I had four different companies come out and give me ideas on what needed to be done to address our ice dam problem. Most of them were just interested in increasing the insulation and airflow in our attic but it was the roof above the vaulted area of our home which had problems (there was limited ventilation and apparently inadequate insulation). Thus, the heavy snows of 2-3 years ago had created large ice dams, causing water to back up inside our ceiling and drip down our inside kitchen wall.
Joel: Why did you decide to cover 100% of your electricity needs with solar PV?
Don: While our roof wasn’t very old, it would cost an additional $3,000 (minimum) if we installed the solar and then had to take it off should other fixes not address the ice dam problem. After discussing a number of options with AEI, we decided to bite the bullet and do it right. We have lived in our house for 30 years and hope to live in it another 25.
Joel: How are your ice dams now, and how are your solar collectors performing?
Don: We are completely happy with the solar. It is fun coming home and seeing how the system performed that day. It is working seamlessly but just like any new technology, there is a learning curve on how to get the most out of it.
I had asked the question on what to do when it snows. I had been told since the panels are black to just let them clear themselves. I found out there are exceptions to any rule. We have a gentle slope to our roof and when you get 12 inches of snow in December it can take a while to clear off. Especially if it then rains and refreezes. I purchased a snow rake specifically designed for solar. As long as I get the panels partially cleared, the snow melts quickly. Clearing the panels after a heavy snow is now just one additional step in home maintenance. No different than clearing the side walk or driveway.
Joel: How do you like your Nissan Leaf?
Don: Since we had the solar, which could now be used to power an electric car, we decided to go for it. The range of the Leaf works for over 80% of our trips. It would cover even more of our needs if we were more centrally located in the Cities.
Our new Leaf is fun to drive and the fuel costs are about 70% less per mile than the Prius. This includes depreciating the cost of our charging station over 100,000 miles. Excluding the charging station, the fuel cost savings are closer to 80% less due to Dakota Electric’s off-peak program. The other big savings is in maintenance. There is very little. The engine has one moving part and very good acceleration.
Joel: What would you suggest to other folks interested in powering their homes and transportation with renewable energy?
Don: I would recommend that you need to be open to learning new technologies and their advantages as well as their limitations. Also, some patience helps. Whether you are redoing your kitchen or installing solar, home remodeling takes time. Unlike remodeling your kitchen, at least you don’t have dust all over your house when installing solar! They should always consider the financial aspects of going with renewable energy, but the non-financial benefits should also be considered.
You can click here to view a case study done by AEI on the Vasetka’s new Leaf. Or click here to view a case study on their solar-powered home.
