Angvall Hardware
Angvall Hardware & Mercantile is a locally owned and operated hardware store located in Lester Prairie, Minnesota. The store has helped to serve the needs of the area for over 100 years with the current owners Eric and Judy Angvall operating the store for the last 18 years. Eric Angvall reports of his business “We stock, as we say, a little of everything.” Angvall Hardware has a very enticing Gift Shop that draws people from a large area to seek its unique items.
The environmentally aware and concerned owners had three main reasons in deciding to put up a solar system for their store. The first was to be able to produce non-polluting electricity, that is a benefit not just to the owners, but a benefit to all. Second, the benefit to the business is great, lowering overhead thus allowing the business to compete better and continue to serve the trade area in the years to come. Third, to be on the forefront of a newer job creating technology to enhance people’s lives and environment is exciting. Eric also states one of the best benefits of installing a solar system was “The positive attention that we have received and the awareness that we have helped for the industry has been most rewarding. We chose, with IPS’S assistance, an American made system projected to provide 105% of our current electric needs.” The system went live on December 5, 2010 and Eric reports, “So far have been very happy with the results that we are getting.”
The 10.28kW solar electric system produces about 12,500kWh of electricity on average per year. Producing 12,500kWh of electricity annually from coal emits about 25,000 pounds of carbon dioxide. Preventing this much carbon dioxide from being released to the atmosphere is equivalent to adding 1,250 trees to our forests. Over a 30-year span, IPS expects this system will offset 750,000 pounds or 375 tons of carbon dioxide.