Innovative Power Systems
Solar made simple.
612-623-3246
Does it work in Minnesota?
How much does it cost?
How much of my bill will it pay for?
What's the payback on my investment estimate?
What's the warranty on the panels?
Can one system do both heat and electricity?
Can you install it on any type of roof?
Can I get solar shingles instead of panels?
Will a solar heating system work with my hot water radiator system?
What financial incentives are there for solar?
What if we decide to move? How do we get our investment back?
Can I sell the power back to the power company?
Yes! It works great in Minnesota! Minnesota has as much sunlight as many parts of Texas, Florida and California.
A 12 module solar electric system (2,900 kWh per year) will pay for about 40% of your electric bill if your family uses about 7,200 kWh of electricity per year - the average residential electrical consumption according to Xcel Energy.
Solar heating for existing homes - about 25% to 50% of your heating bill. For new constructions - about 40% to 80% (and up). Both estimates are dependant on how large your home is, how energy-efficient your home is, how much hot water your family uses, and how warm you like to keep your home.
No. Solar heating and solar electric are two separate technologies that are used for two separate purposes.
Yes! Solar shingles have been very popular in Europe for many years. Architects and designers in the U.S. are becoming increasingly interested in incorporating solar shingles into their client's projects.
Solar heating systems work best with forced-air furnace systems and radiant floor heating systems. The installation is technically possible, but the system efficiency may not be optimal. Call us for details.
There is a federal tax credit and a Minnesota State Rebate for most residential and commercial solar electric systems. There are also additional financial incentives for GRE, MN Power and Austin, Owatonna and Rochester PUC electrical customers.
Solar electric - 20 years. Power-rated for 80% production at year 20. Solar heating - 10 years.
Solar electric modules and solar heating panels are both manufactured to withstand high winds, severe heat and cold and hail - i.e. Minnesota weather!
Yes! Solar heating panels and solar electric modules can be mounted on any type of roof, including flat roofs. The best roof orientation is south-facing with no shading.
It is important to note that young trees growing on the southern side of your property may effect the shading of your solar energy system in the future.
Yes! When your solar electric system is producing more power than you are using, your system will send that excess power back to the utility grid and you will receive a credit.
This applies to solar electric systems only. This does not apply to solar heating systems.
All pricing and payback on investment figures on this web site are estimates. Due to the constantly changing cost and availability of materials required to install solar heating and solar electric systems, IPS Solar & Wind reserves the right to change it's pricing and payback on investment estimates at any time, without prior notice.
We can refer you to a realtor that can make sure you receive the fair market value of your investment.
Your solar energy system adds to the resale value of your home or business!
Solar heating: Residential - 13 to 18 years. Commercial - 5 to 10 years. At current gas prices.
Solar electric: Residential - 20 to 30 years. Commercial - 8 to 12 years. At current electric prices.
Both solar electric and solar heating systems start at around $10,000. Wind electric systems start at around $60,000. Click here for more info...
The expected lifespan for both solar heating panels and solar electric modules is 30 to 40 years.
If you are building: Solar works best when included in the design phase. If you wait until later the installation may be more complex, not as efficient to install, and cost more.
There are federal tax credits for both residential and commercial solar heating systems, but no additional incentives at this time.
The federal tax credits are currently scheduled to expire at the end of 2008. For more info, click here...
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What we don't do
We don't have a retail or a wholesale showroom.
We don't sell parts to businesses or to the general public. We suggest www.solardirect.com if you want to purchase parts.
We don't donate or sell products or services at a discount to any person or organization.
We don't design or install geothermal systems.
We don't install systems outside of the the upper Midwest area that includes Minnesota, eastern North and South Dakota, northern Iowa and western Wisconsin.
Wind electric: 15 to 20 years, depending on wind resource. At current electric prices.
