Is it practical to install solar energy systems in Minnesota?
Solar energy is plentiful in Minnesota (in fact we have the same solar potential as Houston, Texas). A typical solar water heating system in Minnesota can provide 50 to 75% of the total energy required for domestic hot water. Space heating requires a larger system, but is effective in significantly reducing a building’s need for other energy resources like natural gas, fuel oil, or propane. Space heating can be achieved with solar hot water or solar hot air panels (which use solar radiation to heat air inside the collector and transfer warmed air into the interior space). Minnesota has manufacturers of both technologies. In addition, federal tax incentives substantially reduce the financial investment and make a solar thermal system a very logical choice for some situations. The key to any successful solar installation is determining if both the building and its location are suitable. This means making sure the structure is operating as efficiently as possible: air leaks sealed, good i
