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2008 Minnesota Solar Tour
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Born Residence
624 James Avenue North
Minneapolis, MN 55411
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The garage at the Born residence has an ideal
solar incidence facing south just north of Highway 55. The system
has produced over 20,000 kWh of power since it was installed in
October 2003. The Born residence has several energy-saving features
including a wood-burning stove for heat and energy-efficient appliances.
The 4.1 kW PV system was increased to 5.9
kW in Fall 2007 to power an electric vehicle. Electric conversion
of a Chevrolet S-10 pickup is in progress. The photo at right shows
two electric vehicles stopping by for a solar recharge. The one
on the left is a 1981 Jet ElectraVan. The one on the right is The
Spirit of DC, a plug-in hybrid Prius on a national tour promoting
the use of electric vehicles.
System Components
 
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5.9 kW grid inter-tie solar
PV array (increased from 4.1 kW in Fall 2007) |
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22 Sharp 185 panels; 9 Kyocera 200 panels |
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2 Sunny Boy 2500u inverters; 1 Sunny Boy
1800u inverter |
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1 Solarway 6000 Solar Panel Space Heater |
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Ideal solar access |
Additional Sustainable Features
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Wood-fired boiler in basement to heat house |
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Energy Star refrigerator and washer |
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770-gallon rain barrel capacity |
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Biodiesel, E85, and electric vehicles |
Designer/Engineer
Ralph Jacobson, Innovative Power Systems
Installer
Chris Born and Innovative Power Systems
Date of Installation Completion
Phase 1: October 2003
Phase 2: October 2007
Phase 3: September 2008
System Cost, Payback, and Financial Incentives
Utilized
Phase 1: $35,000, minus $8000 state rebate
Phase 2: $15,000, minus $3600 state rebate
and $2000 federal tax credit
Phase 3: Not yet available
Anticipated Energy Delivery When Purchased
Phase 1: 4,000 kWh/year
Phase 2: 6,000 kWh/year
Actual Energy Delivered When Installed
Close to projections
Percentage of Total Energy Needs Delivered
Phase 1: 85%
Phase 2: About 120% (excess for electric vehicle)
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