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2008 Minnesota Solar Tour
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The White Bear Lake Unitarian Universalist
Church expanded its facility in 2007 with an aesthetically healing
and inviting space designed by Locus Architects. The addition includes
a solar electric system — the largest PV array on a church
in Minnesota — purchased by several business owners within
the congregation and financed by a PPA (Power Purchase Agreement).
The Church, being non-profit, would not have qualified for the tax
incentives, but the private purchasing entity was able to take advantage
of the 30% tax credit and 5-year depreciation. The Church will pay
for the annual electric usage at the average utility rate for each
year served.
System Components
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54 Evergreen 180W modules |
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2 Fronius IG 4500 4.5 kW inverters |
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Direct Power and Water (Power-Fab) ballasted
flat-roof racks, held in place by concrete pavers so that
the system could easily be removed if necessary in the future |
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Fronius Public Display |
Additional Sustainable Features
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Porous, permeable parking surface |
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Tree and native plant preservation and planting |
Designer/Engineer
Craig Tarr, Energy Concepts
Installer
Steiner Plumbing, Electric & Heating
Date of Installation Completion
October 2007
System Cost, Payback, and Financial Incentives
Utilized
$85,000 minus $20,000 Minnesota solar electric
rebate, 30% federal tax credit, and 5-year MACRS depreciation
Anticipated Energy Delivery When Purchased
13,000 kWh/year
Actual Energy Delivered When Installed
First-year output is close to anticipated
Percentage of Total Energy Needs Delivered
15%
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