2008 Minnesota Solar Tour

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The Howey Residence, completed in 2000, is a 3,000-square-foot home with both solar electric and solar thermal applications, designed and installed by Best Power Intl. LLC. While their total system cost in 2006 was $38,000, they received nearly $8,000 in incentives for installing their photovoltaic and solar thermal systems that now provide over 75% of their total energy needs each year. Their goal was to conserve energy, reduce pollution, and lead by example.

The Howeys open windows at night and close the south ones during the day and only add 1–4 degrees, regardless of the temperature. They have added rain gardens all around the house and have added a pump to equalize the temperature between their gas water heated tank and solar, increasing the solar storage capacity.

The Howeys highly recommend installing a solar-thermal system, noting the importance to conserve energy and make your house energy-efficient before installing a solar energy system.

System Components

Additional Sustainable Features

Designer/Engineer/Installer

Mario Monestario, Best Power Intl. LLC

Date of Installation Completion

2006

System Cost, Payback, and Financial Incentives Utilized

$38,000 for both the PV and solar thermal systems; approximately $8,000 in incentives

Percentage of Total Energy Needs Delivered

75%