Recently YES! Coordinator Jim DeVries did a profile of Silicon Energy:
In 2007 Silicon Energy opened its doors in the state of Washington as the first certified photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturer. In August 2011, Silicon Energy opened a second multimillion-dollar manufacturing plant in the Northeastern Minnesota community of Mt. Iron. This area was chosen for its strong work ethic, available infrastructure and community support. In the Mt. Iron plant they built the Cascade series of solar panels-a safer, more durable PV system that is also set apart by a 30-year manufacturer’s warranty.
The Minnesota facility is now focusing on building a “commodity style” module with the same attention to detail given their Cascade Series PV Modules. The Voyageur is a 60 cell PV module that is double glassed for strength and aesthetics and is made of all US made components and 100% Minnesota made. This model lists at a lower price making the payback period shorter for the business owner or homeowner. Another feature is the Voyageur is compatible with micro inverters and easily mounts on standard racking systems.
As a Minnesota resident or business, the “Made in Minnesota Incentive” program offered by the Minnesota Department of Commerce provides the opportunity to earn money back on their solar installations through 2024. The Minnesota Department of Commerce has allocated $15 million annually to support the installation of PV manufactured in Minnesota.. Currently four utilities are offering this incentive. Visit the MN Department of Commerce Made in Minnesota website to find out if your utility is involved and find out more on the specifics of this incentive plan. One example outlined on the website states: “For example, a resident who installs a 5 kW array of Made in Minnesota Silicon Energy certified modules that generates 6,446 kWh of electricity annually will be paid $2,513.94 (6,446 kWh x.39/kWh) each year for 10 years or a total of $25,139.40. The amount of electricity produced and therefore the incentive payment will vary each year.”
If you are interested in finding out more about Silicon Energy, visit website or contact Erin Shea directly at (218) 789-1710.
