1800 Larpenter Apartments
This is one of the largest solar thermal systems in the state of Minnesota with 1600 square feet of collector area. This system provides solar heated hot water for an 18 unit apartment building as well as supplemental space heating. (40) Solar Skies 4’ x 10’ solar thermal collectors are mounted on the roof and heat 700 gallons of solar storage. The heat gathered in the solar storage tanks preheats the domestic hot water and when available pre-heats the fluid entering the boiler. The system is configured as a drainback type system. Drainback type systems prevent the solar heat transfer fluid from overheating during the summer months when there is no space heat demand.
Innovative Power Systems prefers to use Solar Skies solar thermal collectors for several reasons. The collectors are manufactured in Alexandria, Minnesota. One of the many benefits renewable energy has is the creation of jobs. Solar Skies employs about 12 full-time employees, benefiting the local economy. Solar Skies collectors are also very reliable, with a ten-year warranty. In terms of performance, Solar Skies collectors compare favorably with more expensive flat-plate and evacuated tube collectors.