Rochester Public Utilities | Blog

Archive for the ‘Renewable Energy’ Category

RPU Seeking Nominations for Environmental Awards

Thursday, October 15th, 2009

Olmsted County and Rochester Public Utilities are seeking nominations for the 2009 Environmental Achievement Awards.  These awards are given to individuals, organizations, and businesses who have made a significant contribution to environmental quality in Olmsted County. 

Nominations are due on or before Friday, October 23, 2009.  To nominate someone please fill out the nomination form and send to Michelle Rysavy at: Rysavy.Michelle@co.olmsted.mn.us or fax to her at 507-328-6728.  The form can be found at: http://www.rpu.org/environment/environmental_awards/Default.htm

New Residential PV System in Rochester

Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009

 

Curt and Jane Shellum just put up a 2.52 kW system on their Rochester home.  Their system  was designed and installed by Curt Shellum who works for Innovative Power Systems ( http://www.ips-solar.com/) and is composed of 12 x 210 W Sanyo Hit Power N panels for a total of 2.52 kw.  The inverter is a Fronius Ig 3000. 

The panels are connected into the grid and are expected to produce about 3,000 kWh a year which is 50-60% of the home’s annual electric usage.  This percentage could increase as the household completes additional energy efficiancy measures. 

For more information on their system, call Curt at 507-990-1382.  The house will also be featured on the upcoming Solar Tour on Saturday, October 3 from 10 a.m.-5:00 p.m.  To learn more and/or visit area houses featured on the tour follow this link: http://mnrenewables.org/solar-tour

Take advantage of tax incentives available now!

Tuesday, June 2nd, 2009

Put money back into the bank by taking advantage of tax incentives available for energy efficiency and renewable energy applications through the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008. View the complete list of tax incentives available on our tax incentive web page.

Contact Sara Gimberline for more information or questions.

RPU Co-Sponsoring Solar Class in February

Tuesday, January 27th, 2009

RPU will be co-sponsoring a community education class entitled, “Solar Systems: Options, Economics, and Rebates on Saturday, February 21, 2009 from 10AM to 12PM at the Northrop Community Center.

The class will provide an overview of different heating and electric solar systems along with their costs and expected energy savings. Find out what to look for when purchasing equipment, selecting contractors, and dealing with code issues. The MN state rebate, utility contracts, and the new 30% Federal tax credit will be explained. The instructor, from Best Power International, has over 25 years of experience in the solar industry in Minnesota and will be able to answer all of your questions.

The cost of the class is $9.00 and to sign up please go to the community education website:

http://activenet2.active.com/rochesterce/

RPU Co-sponsoring Solar Class in November

Monday, October 6th, 2008

RPU will be co-sponsoring a class entitled, “Solar Systems: Options, Economics, and Rebates” on Saturday, November 1, 2008 from 10am to 12pm at the Northrop Community Center.  The class will provide an overview of different heating and electric solar systems, their costs and expected energy savings.  Find out what to look for when purchasing equipment, selecting contractors and dealing with code issues.  The MN state rebate, utility contacts and the 30 percent Federal tax credit will also explained.  The instructor, from Best Power International, has over 25 years of experience in the solar industry in Minnesota and will be able to answer all of your questions. 

 

 

The cost of the class is $9.00 and to sign up please go to the community education website: http://activenet6.active.com/rochesterce/