Solar is becoming more and more popular among families and businesses interested in installing renewable energy projects in Minnesota, especially as new opportunities to participate are developed. Stacey Pederson, CERTs Communications Assistant, recently interviewed Eric Pasi of Innovative Power Systems to learn more about Eichten’s Organic Cheese Farm’s 1 megawatt community solar garden being built in Chisago County’s Center City.
What is a Community Solar Garden? For those unfamiliar with the concept, Community Solar Gardens are centrally-located solar photovoltaic (PV) systems that provide electricity to participating subscribers. You can click here to learn more.
Stacey Pederson: Can you tell me a bit about Innovative Power Systems?
Eric Pasi: IPS has been helping Minnesotans go solar since 1991; we’re a local electrical contractor with over 700 projects operating in the state. Last year we were named a Top 100 Installer in the US by Solar Power World Magazine.
Stacey: How did the relationship with Eichten’s begin?
Eric: One of our representatives had approached Ed with an initial proposal several years back. We ended up installing 40 kilowatts (160 solar panels) for his organic cheese and bison operations, which covers a third of their electrical needs. He was very happy with the system’s performance and had additional space so we followed up with a proposal to develop this 1 megawatt community solar garden (3,000 solar panels). It’s an exciting opportunity for him to engage with his customers and community members in a unique way.
Stacey: Who can subscribe to the project, and when?
Eric: Xcel Energy customers in Chisago, Anoka, Washington, Isanti, and Pine counties can sign up and start the process today at http://eichtenssolar.com. Innovative Power Systems can help you identify the subscription size whether you’re a resident, business owner, or government entity.
Stacey: How much does a subscription cost?
Eric: Subscription prices are very flexible but start at around $3,000-$6,000 for an average home. Subscribers might expect a simple payback in 8-10 years; this is a 25-year program.
Stacey: What other plans do you guys at IPS have for community solar projects?
Eric: We have a handful of other projects under development including gardens in Hennepin and Ramsey counties. Announcements are coming soon!
Stacey: What have I missed or is there anything that you’d like to share with our blog readers?
Eric: Solar has skyrocketed in popularity and viability over the past few years in Minnesota. A few things we’ve been excited about recently: bringing solar to over a dozen schools this year, low to no-upfront cost financing for commercial and residential customers, installing solar with multiple faith-based organizations, and—of course—community projects like Eichten’s.
Click here to see a recent MPR story featuring Eichten’s >>
Click here to learn more about the community solar garden >>
Click here to access the CERTs Guide to Community Solar Gardens >>
Watch a recent WCCO story on the project:
Community Solar Gardens are centrally-located solar photovoltaic (PV) systems that provide electricity to participating subscribers. Could it work for you?Are you interested in going solar but unable to do so on your own? Perhaps you live in an apartment, have a shaded roof at home, or don’t have space at your organization. Where do you want to start? |
 |
