As with many other states, subsidies for solar thermal in Minnesota are subject to strict regulations that limit equipment manufacturers, installers, and even eligible geographic areas. In a day and age where natural gas and even propane is so affordable, businesses and individual consumers would rather continue using it for their space heat and hot water needs rather than investing in renewables. Those who do choose to invest in alternative energies tend to put their money into heavily promoted photovoltaic instead.
Made in Minnesota (MiM) program coordinator Kim Harvey says she would love to see more consumers take advantage of the funds MiM has available. She specifically mentioned agricultural operations using propane to heat barns during the winter. She said that solar thermal could go a long way toward supplementing winter propane and natural gas use, which, for agricultural purposes, can be significant.
Harvey went on to say that, qualifying commercial projects in Minnesota can receive rebates of up to 25,000 for the installation of solar thermal. MiM Is hoping to receive enough applications through the end of the year to use up the remaining money left in the fund for 2014. The program is making the money available for both commercial and residential applications.
SOLAR THERMAL VS. PV
The subsidy inequities are likely just one contributing factor slowing down the adoption of solar thermal in states such as Minnesota. However, a misunderstanding about the differences between solar thermal and photovoltaic (PV) is also likely adding to the problem. We believe more people would be willing to embrace solar thermal if they understood the principles and efficiencies it brings to the table.
As you know, PV technology converts direct sunlight into electricity that can then be used for a variety of purposes. It is a useful technology for direct electrical generation, but it is highly inefficient and not nearly as cost-effective as it needs to be for a reasonable return on investment.
Solar thermal relies on energy from the sun to heat a thermal transfer fluid. That transfer fluid can then be used to generate space heat, provide hot water needs, or, even provide energy needed to power cooling systems. At Solar America Solutions, we concentrate on meeting space heat and hot water needs.
The advantage of solar thermal over PV is efficiency. According to PVEducation.org, the most efficient PV cells on the market works at just over 21% efficiency. The average cell used in the U.S. for commercial and residential applications is 16% to 20% efficient. By contrast, the SunQuest 250 from Solar America Solutions operates at over 94% efficiency.
We achieve such a high efficiency rating by using advanced evacuated tube technology. Evacuated tubes suffer very little heat loss, so almost all of the energy captured from the sun goes directly to providing space heat and hot water. Making the SunQuest 250 collector panel even more attractive is the fact that it uses ultraviolet rays rather than direct sunlight.
Solar America Solutions has already designed and installed systems for agricultural operations, prisons, educational facilities, and more. We would appreciate the opportunity to explain how solar thermal can be put to work for you. Solar thermal can save you tremendous amounts of money on your monthly energy bills.
