Innovative Power Systems, IPS Solar & Wind, Solar Panels, Solar Energy, Solar Electricity, Solar Heating, Solar Hot Water, Wind Energy, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Innovative Power Systems

Solar made simple.

612-623-3246

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, IPS Solar & Wind reserves the right to change it's pricing and return on investment estimates at any time, without prior notice.

"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.

"Are prices going to come down?"

Solar heating prices probably won't get any cheaper because of the rising cost of materials and the time product takes to get to market.

Solar electric prices may come down a bit 3 or 4 years from now, but even that can't be guaranteed because of the rising global demand for panels.

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 California, Florida and Texas. And by the way, have you noticed how much corn gets grown around here? Corn need lots and lots of sun.

Science Museum's Science House, St. Paul

Solar electric 9.9 kW

"How much of my bill will it pay for?"

A 12 module solar electric system (2,900 kWh per year) will pay for about 40% of your electric bill if your family uses about 7,200 kWh of electricity per year - the average residential electrical consumption according to Xcel Energy.

Solar heating for existing homes - about 25% to 50% of your heating bill. Solar heating for new constructions - about 40% to 80% (and up).

Both estimates are dependant on how large your home is, how energy-efficient your home is, how much hot water your family uses, and how warm you like to keep your home.

"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.

"What kind of financial help can I get for solar?"

1. There is a 30% federal tax credit for most residential and commercial solar electric systems. There also may be additional financial incentives for GRE, MN Power and Austin, Owatonna and Rochester PUC electrical customers.

2. There is also a 30% federal tax credit for both residential and commercial solar hot water systems.

3. Minnesota State Rebates for both solar electric and solar hot water are currently close to fully subscribed.

4. Energy Conservation Loans are also available from the State of Minnesota as of October 8, 2008.

Give us a call at 612-623-3246 for more info on financial incentives.

"How much does it cost?"

Solar hot water systems start at around $10,000. Solar electric systems start at around $20,000. Wind electric systems start at around $60,000.

Click here for more info...

"How fast can I make my investment back?"

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 - 20 years. Power-rated for 80% production at year 20. 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!

Working with IPS Solar: Seven Easy Steps

"OK, I'm ready for the next step."

Working with IPS Solar: Seven Easy Steps

"OK, I'm ready for the next step."

"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.

"Can I get solar shingles instead of panels?"

Yes! Solar shingles have been very popular in Europe for many years. Architects and designers in the U.S. are becoming increasingly interested in incorporating solar shingles into their client's projects.

"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 suggest www.solardirect.com if you want to purchase parts.

We don't design or install geothermal systems.

We don't donate or sell products or services at a discount to any person or organization.

We don't install systems outside of the the upper Midwest area that includes Minnesota, eastern North and South Dakota, northern Iowa and western Wisconsin.

Working with IPS Solar: Seven Easy Steps