May Day Cafe
Innovative Power Systems installed this solar hot water system in 2007 in Minneapolis for May Day Cafe, a destination spot for many in south Minneapolis. (5) 4’x10’ Solar Skies solar thermal collectors are mounted on the roof and heat (2) 120- gallon solar storage tanks. The solar storage tanks provide solar preheated water for a standard gas water heater. The hot water is then used for the coffee shop’s basic hot water needs for dishwashing, and hand washing. The system offsets about 400 therms of natural gas per year.
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.