Originally published October 15 2005
Minneapolis neighborhood may see lower tax bills through solar energy
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
The neighborhood of Southeast Como in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area is trying out a new project in which they will rely on solar power to heat water, thereby saving residents money and beginning an environmentally-friendly trend, reports The Minnesota Daily.
Residents of the Southeast Como neighborhood might have a bright future when it comes to their energy bills.
The Southeast Como Solar Pilot Project --- the first of its kind in Minneapolis --- is looking to bring solar energy to homes across the neighborhood.
Justin Eibenholzl, environmental coordinator for southeast Minneapolis neighborhoods, said he is trying to sign up 20 people for the project by the end of the year.
Seven residents have already signed up since a project kickoff meeting Aug. 17.
The system saves energy because a home's electric or gas water heater does not have to use as much energy to heat incoming cold water.
Southeast Como resident Dianne Star said she signed up for the project because she thinks the environment is being treated poorly.
The solar project is also open to residents in Prospect Park, Marcy-Holmes, Beltrami, St. Anthony Park and Lauderdale.
Innovative Power Systems, on 16th Avenue in the Southeast Como neighborhood, will install the solar thermal systems.
Minnesota has more solar energy potential than Houston and almost as much as Miami, according to the Minnesota Department of Commerce.
Eibenholzl said several laws that will help lower the solar project's initial cost will be in effect.
Minnesota passed a law exempting solar thermal systems from the 6.5 percent state sales tax.
Also, a 30 percent federal tax credit goes into effect Jan. 1.
Southeast Como Improvement Association board member Connie Sullivan said other Minneapolis neighborhoods are watching the pilot project.
She was a Spanish literature and culture professor.
She said one of the challenges to getting the project started might be a lack of a "critical mass" of homeowners in the Como area, but that the seven early commitments to the project are encouraging.
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