We recently updated our statewide map of solar and small wind installers and dealers (based on the updated list compiled by the Office of Energy Security)… Wow, take a look at all the little suns on the map across the state! This got us thinking of the entrepreneurial energy that continues to build in the solar energy sector (both photovoltaic and thermal) here in Minnesota. Below are some of the recent projects, resources and highlights that have come across our desk in recent months.
- St. Paul now has the largest solar thermal installation in the Upper Midwest.
- Minnesota Renewable Energy Society is spearheading an innovative program, Make Mine Solar H2O, to help residents in the Metro area take advantage of current rebates as well as participate in a bulk purchase program to install solar thermal hot water systems; interested residents in greater Minnesota can connect with manufactures via CERTs here
- Silicon Energy is building a manufacturing plant in Mountain Iron. Learn more here
- TenKSolar, another photovoltaic manufacturing company based in Bloomington, Minnesota, presented at the recent CERT conference.
- RREAL, a solar thermal air heat manufacture based in Pine River, Minnesota, presented at the recent CERT conference.
- Solar Skies, a solar thermal hot water manufacture based in Alexandria, Minnesota, presented at the recent CERT conference.
- Austin, Owatonna, and Rochester now offer their customers rebates for installing solar thermal hot water systems (as well as PV rebates). See Austin’s rebates here
- Check out the recent article at Forbes On-line: Solar Power: Ready, Set, Grow!
