Calvert Home

Sam Calvert’s Home in St Cloud MN

Utilizing a nice, low sloping, easy-to-walk-on roof that faces slightly SE, the Calvert family home energy use has been powered almost completely by solar PV since 2015.

David Winkelman did the initial design, developed the project, arranged contractors and supervised the communications for all parties involved (Xcel Energy, IPS, City) for this 10 kilowatt array. A ten-kilowatt array like this in St Cloud MN facing 175 degrees azimuth at a 2/12 pitch will generate about 12,000 kilowatt hours (KWH) per year. At the current rate from Xcel Energy of 13 cents per KWH, that generates approximately $1,560 of savings per year and the Calvert’s get a raise in income every time the Xcel prices go up.

With a total installed cost of $42,500, the system pays for itself in five years. Elements of payback combined (Tax Credit, MiM incentive, MACRS, Energy) to make this a very attractive investment with a ROI of 15 percent per year. The brand of modules here were the TenK Solar 410 watt Titans. There were 18 little APS inverters on the modules.

The pictures herein were taken right during the spring shed of “tree debris” which is a reminder for those who want to build solar near trees. They need to be cleaned in spring. Don’t put PV in the shade The Calverts have since cut down the trees.

For a reference on Winkelman Solar service, Sam Calvert can be contacted at calcloud@gmail.com.

For more information – info@winkelmansolar.com