Originally published November 4 2005
Expected rise in heating costs spurs solar innovation in Minnesota homes
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
The Energy Information Administration predicts gas costs could rise more than 50 percent over last year's costs, so Minnesotans are taking matters into their own hands, installing solar thermal systems with the help of a state rebate program renewed in the legislature this year.
Solar advocates say the timing couldn't be better for Minnesota's annual tour of homes and businesses that use solar energy this weekend.
That's because the cost of natural gas heating is predicted to soar this winter.
Estimates from the federal government's Energy Information Administration suggest the price of natural gas could rise 50-percent or more over last year's average.
Rising energy prices have ignited more interest in alternative forms of energy including solar thermal power.
Basically this method uses the sun to heat water which then heats a house.
The container is filled with water that has been heating up all summer long, so it can be used to heat her house this winter.
Christine Ziebold says she installed her solar thermal system primarily to reduce her contribution to polluting greenhouse gases.
Owner Ralph Jacobson still works with solar electricity.
But solar electricity jobs are quickly taking a back seat to Jacobson's solar thermal projects.
Electric projects are not only more expensive to install, it also takes much longer for them to pay for themselves, since electricity is relatively inexpensive to buy at 11 cents per kilowatt hour.
At that rate, the Minnesota Commerce Department estimates that it could take anywhere from 15 to 50 years to break even on a solar electric project.
Chris Born, a solar electricity user whose property is on this weekend's tour, spent $35,000 to put 22 solar panels on his garage.
"The rebate is what really made it happen for us," says Born.
There are only 31 homes and businesses on this year's solar tour, which is indicative of the fact that solar energy is still just a tiny portion of Minnesota's overall energy supply.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml