Innovative Power Systems
Solar made simple.
612-623-3246
"Will it save me money?"
Yes, over time. You're going to have to pay for your energy anyway. It's much better to pay for it up front at today's prices than getting stuck having to pay for it at tomorrow's prices.
Your solar energy system is the best hedge against energy price inflation you can have. You're locking in your energy prices for 30+ years.
A solar hot water system can reduce your water heating bills by 75%.
A solar space heating system can reduce your heating bills by 40% to 75%, depending on how energy efficient your home is.
A solar electric system can reduce your bill by 50% to over 100%.
Over 100% ?! Yes! Utilities in Minnesota are required to buy any excess power your system produces at retail rates. By combining conservation and efficiency, we have several customers that have eliminated their electric bill and have their utility pay them.
"Are prices going to come down?"
Solar heating prices have remained stable or have increased slightly due to material costs. The solar collectors and the pipes between the collectors and the tanks are copper. We do not foresee any decrease in material or labor prices for solar heating systems.
Solar electric prices have come down significantly over the last 12 months. Reduced module prices combined with the 30% tax credit make
owning your own solar electric system more affordable than ever!
Frequently Asked Questions
Hutchenson Conference Center
Beldenville, WI
Solar water and space heating 512 sq ft
Private Residence, Mankato
Solar electric 4.6 kW
"Does it work in Minnesota?"
Yes it does. It works great! Minnesota has as much sunshine as many parts of Florida and Texas. And by the way, have you noticed how much corn gets grown around here? Corn need lots and lots of sun.
"Can you put it on any kind of roof?"
Yes! Solar heating panels and solar electric modules can be mounted on any type of roof, including flat roofs. The best roof orientation is south-facing with no shading.
It's important to note that young trees growing on the southern side of your property may effect the shading of your solar energy system in the future.
If you are building: Solar works best when included in the design phase. If you wait until later the installation may be more complex, not as efficient to install, and cost more. Give us a call at 612-623-3246 for more info.
Save up to 45% with Federal Tax Credit and State Rebate!
Call us for details at 612-623-3246.
Residential customers:
There is a NEW 30% federal tax credit for the purchase of your solar electric, solar heating or wind electric system.
The tax credit can be spread out over more than one tax year.
The tax credit does not cover pool heating or hot tubs.
Commercial customers:
You have two choices -
Your business can take the NEW 30% federal tax credit for the purchase of your solar electric, solar heating or wind electric system.
- or -
Your business can receive a federal grant equal to 30% of the purchase price of your solar electric, solar heating or wind electric system.
"How much does it cost?"
(These prices are estimates and pre-federal tax credit.)
Solar hot water systems start at around $9,000.
Solar electric systems start at around $15,000.
Wind electric systems start at around $80,000.
Most Popular Solar Electric Systems
2kW [(10) 200 watt panels]- Produces about 200 kWh per month or about 25% of the average household's electricity.
Estimated installed cost (2kW): 
$21,000
$21,000Estimated MN State Rebate: ($4,000)
($4,000)Estimated Federal Tax Credit: ($5,100)
($5,100)Your estimated cost (2kW): $11,900
$11,9004kW [(20) 200 watt panels]- Produces about 400 kWh per month or about 50% of the average household's electricity.
Estimated installed cost (4kW) $32,000
Estimated MN State Rebate: ($8,000)
($8,000)Estimated Federal Tax Credit: ($7,200)
Your estimated cost (4kW): $16,800
"How fast can I make my investment back?"
Please note that all pricing and return on investment figures on this web site are estimates. Due to the constantly changing cost and availability of materials required to install solar heating and solar electric systems, Innovative Power Systems reserves the right to change it's pricing and return on investment estimates at any time, without prior notice.
Combined solar hot water and space heating
Residential: 13 to 18 years. Commercial: 5 to 10 years.
At current gas prices. Faster as prices increase.
Solar hot water
Residential:
With a natural gas system: About 16 years.
With a propane system: About 10 years.
With a heating oil system: About 10 years.
At current natural gas, propane and heating oil prices.
Faster as prices increase.
Solar electric
Residential: 20 to 30 years. Commercial: 8 to 12 years.
At current electric prices. Faster as prices increase.
Wind electric
Both Residential and Commercial: 15 to 20 years.
Depending on your wind resource.
At current electric prices. Faster as prices increase.
Private Residence, North Oaks
Solar water and space heating 80 sq ft
Solar electric 6.0 kW
Private Residence, Minneapolis
Solar water and space heating 320 sq ft
Pellco Machine, St. Michael
Solar electric 40.0 kW
One of the largest systems in the area.
"What's the warranty on the panels?"
Solar electric - 25 years. Power-rated for 80% production at year 25. Solar heating - 10 years.
The expected lifespan for both solar heating panels and solar electric modules is 30 to 40 years.
Solar electric modules and solar heating panels are both manufactured to withstand high winds, severe heat and cold and hail - i.e. Minnesota weather!
"What if we decide to move?"
No problem. You have two good choices:
1. Your solar energy system adds to the resale value of your home or business. We can refer you to a realtor that can make sure you receive the fair market value of your investment.
2. We can remove your system from your current location and install it at your new location.
"Can one system do both heat and electricity?"
No. Solar heating and solar electric are two separate technologies that are used for two separate purposes.
"Can I sell the power to the electric utility?"
Yes! When your solar electric system is producing more power than you are using your system will send that excess power back to the utility grid and you will receive a credit.
This applies to solar electric and wind electric systems only. This does not apply to solar heating systems.
"Will a solar heating system work with my hot water radiator system?"
Solar heating systems work best with forced-air furnace systems and radiant floor heating systems. The installation is technically possible, but the system efficiency may not be optimal. Call us for details.
"What don't you guys do?"
- We don't have a retail or a wholesale showroom.
- We don't sell parts to businesses or to the general public.
- We don't design or install geothermal systems.
"OK, I'm ready for the next step."
Private Residence, Woodbury
Solar electric 5.7 kW
Private Residence, Edina
Solar electric 3.8 kW
Private Residence, St. Paul
Solar electric 2.7 kW
Shalom Hill Farm, Windom
Wind electric 20.0 kW
One of the largest systems in the area.
Private Residence, St. Paul
Solar water heating 64 sq ft
Private Residence, Minnetonka
Solar electric 3.6 kW
