On June 24, 2013 the Solar Energy and Energy Efficiency Seminar in Slayton, Minn. went off without a hitch. The event, held in two two-hour blocks at the Pizza Ranch located within Slayton, was an informative seminar about both solar photovoltaic and solar thermal technologies. Curt Shellum, owner of Solar Connection Inc. kicked things off with an introduction and overview of solar electric systems.
“We’re here to help improve the knowledge of solar thermal and photovoltaic energy and what’s available out there,” said Annette Bair, Southwest Clean Energy Resource Team (SW CERT) Coordinator and Physical Development Director of Southwest Regional Development Commission (SRDC).
Moving right ahead, Bill Holzer, the Solar Thermal Manager at Novel Energy Solutions dove into solar air heating and solar hot water with the Lubi System. “The Lubi solar air collector is a solar air heater based on Enerconcept Technologies’ patented perforated glazing technology (PGT). Its high performance almost reaches the physical limits of solar heat transfer physics, with results as high as 80% efficiency in transforming solar light into hot air” (enerconcept.com).
The next topic on the agenda was energy efficient lighting. VP of Operations at Industrial Lighting Supply, Monica Cristo and energy services/efficiency Consultant Jackie Buysse took the reigns. Following which Micah Johnson of Solar Connections and Chris Gamer of Novel Energy Solutions gave a brief overview of recent solar legislation, including provisions for community solar and Property-Assessed Clean Energy (PACE).
Diving deeper into PACE, Annette Bair more thoroughly explained how “Property Assessed Clean Energy is an innovative financing tool that provides up-front, private capital to pay for building upgrades – currently focused on commercial, industrial and non-profit buildings. PACE financing solves the key barrier to financing for most clean energy improvements for business owners – the security or collateral required for investors to bring low-cost funding to the project” (mnpace.org).
Last but not least, Paul Pierson of the USDA loans and grants program delved into USDA REAP Grants. The “grants and/or loan guarantees for the purchase and installation of renewable energy generating systems. Assistance is limited to small businesses, farmers and ranchers. Projects must be located in a rural area. REAP grants and guarantees may be used individually or in combination. Together, they may finance up to 75 percent of a project’s total cost” (USDA Rural Development).
To get a more in-depth overview of the event’s topics you may view the Marshall Independent’s news story about the meeting.
