Marine on St. Croix Residential Solar Project

System Info

Size of System: 11.1kW

Number of Panels:

Type of Panels:

Inverter Brand and Model:

In beautiful Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota, TruNorth Solar recently installed thirty-seven (37) – 300 watt solar panels atop a home’s pole barn, creating a 11.1 kW system capable of producing 13,696 kW in its first year. The Pole Barn was a perfect structure for solar panels, a sturdy long structure with no tree cover and has a fabulous South facing roof.

The PV array was nicely accommodated with underground lines to bring the power produced from the pole barn to the main house electrical service.

The clients mentioned that they had long wanted to go solar and believe strongly in renewable energy. With so many sunny days along the St. Croix River they just had to install solar panels on their Marin on St. Croix home. They also noted that many of their friends and neighbors are supportive of solar. Some are even integrating residential solar panels into their new construction design.

The clients noted that their Marine on St. Croix neighbors love their PV system and that their installation was organized and followed the step-by-step plan, with Mark Brinkman of TruNorth Solar as their Energy Consultant and James Drummond as their Project Manager.

As part of their installation, the clients use the Solar Edge app to view on their smartphone the amount of electricity the solar panels on their home are generating. The app also notes how many lightbulbs and appliances they are powering with their solar, and can view the actual output of each individual solar panel. This Solar Edge system and app is provided by TruNorth Solar with the solar installation so that property owners can directly experience their solar energy production in real time (good geeky fun, right?!?!).

This Marine on St. Croix Property is providing significant benefits to the environment. The PV array will produce enough clean energy Kw’s to offset the greenhouse gas emissions from the following:
-Burning 10,149 coal lbs. per year, or
-Sequestering 7.74 forested acres per year, or
-Driving 22,489 vehicles per year!

This environmental benefit analysis is provided by TruNorth Solar within every initial project design and gives a very strong statement as to the meaningful difference solar energy can make.

The clients said that the solar incentives she received from the Xcel Energy Solar Rewards Program helped her and her husband achieve a faster payback, which helped them make this investment. The benefits matched all of the financial incentives and options available at the start of the solar process as they were outlined by Brinkman.

One of the most fun parts of going solar was the first time she opened her electricity bill since her solar installation and to see her electricity bill at only $30, the client told Brinkman. (That’s a $170. Savings in the first month!!!! )

“When we evaluated whether solar was right for us, TruNorth Solar laid out the facts honestly and with no reservation in every conversation we had. From the initial design to the eventual build, each employee showed their excitement for solar and genuine wish to see that we were happy with the end product. We are extremely pleased with our array, so much so that we may add another.”

Ryan McAnnanyInver Grove Heights

“Our solar panels were installed in late August. The crew was conscientious about ensuring good-looking installation. We were pleasantly surprised when the bill for September’s gas and electricity arrived – 13 cents! With the 30% federal tax credit and Made in Minnesota payments during the first 10 years, investing in solar makes great financial sense. We look forward to low utilities bills in our retirement AND we feel great about reducing our carbon footprint.”

Janna KingRoseville, MN

“We have known Marty and James from TruNorth since 2012. They installed our solar roof (pun intended) and have maintained it ever since. When 1 of 38 inverters failed a few years ago, it was magically replaced after a quick call to TruNorth and we weren’t even at home for that. Marty and the team are experienced, competent, responsive and driven.”

Alex Matusevich & Jason BrightMinneapolis MN

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Ben Gerber

I work in the energy industry and when it comes to residential rooftop solar, there are only a few companies I would trust. TruNorth is one of them. Marti did an excellent job and kept me updated on the process. Everyone on his team was professional, nice, and could not say enough good things about working for the company. The process from estimate to installation went way quicker than I expected, and I never had doubts about the status as I was constantly updated on timing. Two years after getting solar I got my first ev. I asked a question to Marti and he mentioend that he also installs ev chargers. Not only was Marti significantly cheaper than the other estimates, the job took less than 2 hours and his staff were once again friendly, fun to talk to, and professional. I cannot recomend them enough, and being in the renewable energy industry I have heard horror stories about scammers, poor workmanship, and other tragedies that harm the industries reptuation. I would not worry about that with TruNorth, they are the real deal.

Wayne L.

Great business, they really listened. No high pressure sales pitch. They are one of the few companies that didn't try the "hard sell". I'm definitely having them install a system.Design is complete, waiting for Xcel Energy to approve, then next step is ordering material, then install, can't wait.

Kyle P.

TruNorth Solar installed a 12k solar system for us. The entire team, including James, Donna, Don, Ben, Steve, Tony, were all fantastic. They made the entire process relatively easy, and they adapted to what we were seeking. They were also quick to respond to requests. I would certainly use them again for any solar needs.

Tom Browne

It took a couple of years to finally get the installation because the city of Saint Paul has ridiculous ordinances (imho) and I needed a structural assessment.

John Bloomquist

TruNorth Solar was a straightforward, professional, and easy to work with. I also had them perform additional electrical changes that they did at the same time as the solar installation for a seamless look. They communicated with me continuously throughout the project, and I got daily updates when the physical work was being performed. I am pleased with their workmanship - it looks great! I highly recommend TruNorth Solar to anyone looking to make the transition to solar.

Ted Greenbaum

We had our solar system installed this past September and couldn’t be more pleased with the whole TruNorth process. From the start of our investigation into solarizing, TruNorth was extremely helpful in navigating the entire process, from what to expect regarding system output, federal, state and utility credits, where to get the best financing and what to know about the installation process. Since the installation, our electric meter has continued to go backwards. We are totally satisfied!

Lauren Lindelof

I really enjoyed working with TruNorth to install solar panels on my home. They were always quick to respond with my questions, and they gave me different options on the amount of panels I could choose from. Their crew was friendly and professional. They explained the details of my system and had it up and online in about 2 weeks. They are a very solid company that will continue to be around. I highly recommend them. Lauren L. in Wayzata

Stephanie Daily

From start to finish, working with TruNorth Solar was a wonderful experience. The initial contact quickly led to the assessment and computer-generated site plan. The work was started in November of 2022 and only took a few days. Very professional and respectful. Great company to work with.

Shaan Hamilton

TruNorth Solar did an excellent job with our solar installation.

Dang Neng

Installation was very quick and efficient. Works very well and helps saved me a lot on the electricity bill.

“TruNorth was great to work with throughout the process of selecting and installing our solar system. TruNorth’s sales personnel were informative, but never pushy. We were provided with options that made our selection process easier. I was particularly impressed throughout the installation process. As a construction lawyer, I know that one of the things that sets good contractors apart is good communication with homeowners. We really appreciated that TruNorth worked around our schedule and kept us informed as the project progressed. We received a phone call and email communication each day to let us know how the work was progressing, and what to expect for the next day or week. At the end, they made sure we understood how the system worked and how to monitor it. It has been a great experience working with TruNorth.”

Robert Shainess

Minnetonka

“The TruNorth team communicated well throughout the project and a focus on that was evident in their processes. The proposal estimates have been accurate and I’ve calculated a 15% return on the investment since installation. Thanks!”

Jay Sachetti

Minnetonka

Ryan McAnnany

Inver Grove Heights

“My wife and I were both very impressed with the level of service we received from TruNorth. When we originally decide to have solar installed we got quotes from TruNorth and two of their competitors. We ended up selecting one of the other installers which turned out to be a huge mistake. The project basically didn’t go anywhere for 7 months and the level of communication was terrible. In a last ditch effort to save the project I called Marty to see if he would be interested in taking on the job. He jumped right on it and I felt like more happened in the first week than in the entire time we were with the other company. From then on I received weekly calls from our Project Manager Charlie and they hit every timeline they had originally quoted. We couldn’t be happier with how the project turned out. There is no doubt in my mind that TruNorth will be a major player in the solar installation business for years to come after seeing how they operate compared to their competitors.”

Ryan and Shelly Bormann

Maple Grove, MN

“We would absolutely recommend TruNorth. We enjoyed working with each person we met from TruNorth and we love our system. We love how committed to green energy and solar technology the whole TruNorth company really is. We have enjoyed further conversation and dialogue with them about how our system is working, how other systems work. They monitor our system and have come back twice to make small adjustments to help it operate even better. They are a professional and committed group and we are delighted to have worked with them.”

Fred Rogers

Northfield, MN

“Working with TruNorth Solar has been a pleasure! I met Marty approximately two years ago while shopping around for some ideas on Geothermal heating and cooling and or solar and wind production of electricity. Marty was very generous with his time in answering questions and helping me understand the various realities of each system. He listened to my thoughts and issues and gave me guidance with patience as I worked through my options. We reworked the plan several times until a ground mount solar array design was just right for my property. Once, that was accomplished, Marty moved through the steps to final installation keeping me informed of every aspect as it moved through the process. During installation his staff was on task, friendly and very considerate of our property. It has been a pleasure and privilege to work with them to complete this environmental friendly goal.”

Dr. Dennis J. Grabowski

Lake Elmo, MN

Janna King

Roseville, MN

“I was impressed with the overall project; from planning to installation. You were very thorough in your research and proposal. The installation went exactly as planned. It was a pleasure doing business with a true professional!”

Kim Beauclair (Beauclair Construction & Cabinetry)

Inver Grove Heights, MN

“It was a pleasure working with you and your Team at TruNorthSolar. From start to finish the communication that I received from you and the installation crews was nothing short of exceptional. As you know I did extensive research on not only the panel system but the structure and hardware that the panels will be fastened too for the next several decades. I was very impressed with the amount of non-corrosive material that was used in the structure that holds the panels. The use of Aluminum, Stainless Steel and Galvanized Hardware means that for many years (decades) there will be little to no hardware maintenance with this system. The quality and integrity of how the installation process proceeded made this project one of the easiest projects I have ever been involved with. Kudos to you and your crew!!”

Loren O’Brien (B&F Fastener Supply)

Ramsey, MN

Alex Matusevich & Jason Bright

Minneapolis MN

“My husband and I have just had the privilege of working with Marty Morud who installed 36 solar panels on our 1916 year old house in the Whittier neighborhood of Minneapolis. I cannot rave enough about Marty’s work. He presented us with thoughtful options, helped us to select the best for our situation, kept to a schedule and delivered services in a timely manner. He was always respectful, tidy — and a patient teacher for me, learning this new “green” vocabulary. I am happy to talk further about Marty and would be delighted to showcase his work on our roof.Please do not hesitate to contact me.”

Margaret Shulman

Minneapolis MN