2007 Minnesota Solar Tour

Before installing a renewable energy system to this 3,000-square-foot building built in 1974, the site owners incorporated the following energy efficient measures: they replaced incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lights, installed solar roof vents, insulated basement crawl space, eliminated phantom electricity by using power strips, reduced use of electric drier by hanging clothes outside, and reduced use of hot water. Their installed 2.56 kW system meets approximately 20% of their home's energy usage. Motivated to reduce their overall electrical usage and to help the planet and themselves, they also purchased a Toyota Prius hybrid car. Through this process they learned that focusing on simple energy conservation measures at home can make a huge difference, which inspired them to then install a solar array. Yet they note to potential solar sites: be patient, manufacturers of some of the needed parts are working at capacity and there may be delays. Hang in there, it's worth it!

System Components

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