Residential Solar PV in Saint Paul, MN

Residential - July 2010

2.5kW PV system covers 70% of household's electricity use.

Quick Facts

Average Annual Savings

$360

Energy Needs Met

50% to 74%

of electricity

Net Investment

$4,723

Return on Investment

7.6%

Property

Owner:: Eric Sandeen
Type:: Residential
Address:: Saint Paul, MN 55116
Size:: 1,400 sq ft
Energy need met:: 50% to 74% of electricity

Technology

Type:: Solar PV
Installed:: July 2010
Size of System:: 2.53 kW
Monitor performance:: https://enlighten.enphaseenergy.com/pv/public_systems/3XLe4889
Purposes:: To generate electricity

Financial Details

Gross Cost of System:: $17,500
Value of Rebates:: $10,752
Value of Tax Credits:: $2,024
Net Cost of System:: $4,723
Annual Savings:: $360
Own or Lease:: Cash Purchase
Additional Financial Notes:: System was installed when there were both utility rebates ($2.25/watt) and state rebates ($2/watt). 30% tax credit was taken on remaining cost. Annual energy savings based on first 3 years of production, based on per-kWh energy, environmental rider, and fuel costs directly from Xcel bill - average about 9.8 cents/kWh. (System is currently offline for 1kW expansion).

Professionals & Suppliers

Products:: Enphase Energy; Siliken (null, null)

What You Need to Know

Maintenance Requirements:

No maintenance has been required. Knocking snow off is fun, but optional.

Efficiency or Sustainability Improvements:

Residence uses about half the state average, annually. Efficient appliances and lighting, insulation & window retrofits, and occupant behavior all contribute.

My Motivation:

Environmental benefit, primarily. And geek-factor.

Advice:

Hire a reputable installer. Get multiple quotes. Know who will actually be on your roof.

Experience with Installer:

The outfit I hired oursourced the actual installation to an electrical shop, and the people on the roof were not terribly experienced. When I removed some panels for a later roof modification, there were some installation errors discovered.

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