FAQ #1: Do we really have enough sun in Minnesota for solar energy systems to make sense?
Yes! Minnesota actually has equivilent or better "solar resources" than many areas in the southeastern US and pretty much all of the northeast. In fact, we have more "peak sun hours" here (on an annual basis, 4.6 hours daily average) than Germany, one of the top solar markets in the world.
FAQ #2: I'm interested in finding out if solar panels (PV or photovoltaic system) would work for my home. What steps should I take?
1. Initial contact: For a general discussion of your goals and expectations, answers to your questions, or to schedule a site assessment call or email Aladdin Solar today: 952-401-7073 info@AladdinSolar.com
2. Site assessment: A trained Aladdin Solar site assessor will evaluate your site using professional shade analysis tools, consider your existing electrical system, and discuss with you your goals and current energy usage requirements. You will then receive a formal report which will include: a review of various solar electric (PV) system options specific to your site; discussions of any shading or location issues; accurate monthly and annual energy PV output projections; financial projections based on current and predicted utility rates; and recommendations for realistic system size and placement.
3. Request a bid: Armed with information from the Site Assessment Report, you'll have realistic solar electric system goals and expectations and be able to make educated decisions on contractor bids. Request a bid from Aladdin Solar or other solar contractors on an appropriate PV system.
4. Select your solar contractor and system details. Signing a contract will get the ball rolling. The solar contractor will likely request an initial payment--the materials for a PV installation are quite expensive and the contractor will need money up front to place equipment orders. The contractor will arrange for all required permits, inspections, etc.
5. Submit the application for an interconnection agreement: The contractor should work with you to complete the application to be sent to your local electric utility. Proposed system details must be reviewed by the utility before they will agree to an interconnection with their electrical grid and to purchase your surplus electricity. It's prudent to get a confirmation from them before moving forward on your installation.
6.Installation Schedule: After interconnection confirmations are received and equipment orders are in, a realistic installation date can be set for your new solar electric system (manufacturer delivery schedules may vary depending on demand, etc.).
7. Installation: An average sized roof-mounted PV system normally takes 2-4 days to install but time requirements may increase under special circumstances like extreme roof slope or unusual roofing materials, substandard or unsafe existing electrical systems, difficult equipment or worker access, and so on.
8. Finalize the installation and start producing renewable energy! After the installation is finished, any required inspections by officials and the utility are completed, your new solar electric system can be turned on to immediately start providing your home with clean energy produced by the sun. The contractor will review the PV system in detail with you, leaving manuals, instructions and schedules. Any final payments are made at this time.
9. Apply for Federal Income Tax credits: With your next yearly Federal Income Tax return, you may qualify for a tax credit of up to 30% of the installed cost of the system. This credit can be used to offset both regular and alternative minimum tax (ATM) rules and unused credits can be carried forward. Consult with your tax advisor on whether you can claim this credit.
Why wait? Call or email Aladdin Solar to get started!
Our office is in Excelsior, MN. We serve Minneapolis, St. Paul, all of the Twin Cities area (including Blaine, Bloomington, Burnsville, Chanhassen, Chaska, Eagan, Eden Prairie, Edina, Lakeville, Maple Grove, Maplewood, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Wayzata, and Woodbury) and the southern half of Minnesota.
