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Cooking with solar ovens in Haiti

April 11, 2016

How can you make a delectable dish of simmered chicken, seasoned goat, and rice and vegetables using only the sun? On his recent mission trip to Haiti, TruNorth Solar’s very own Mike Kampmeyer did just that. The tropical world’s equivalent of a crock pot, or slow cooker, the Solavore Sport solar oven uses the power of the sun to create healthy, robust meals using 100% solar energy–no charcoal, no wood, no fumes, no pollution. “You have tender meat in just 3-4 hours,” explains Mike.

Partnering with World Wide Village, a St. Paul, MN based non-profit building a well, school, medical clinic and housing in Williamson, a town outside of Port-au-Prince, Mike was thrilled to share his love of cooking with the residents of Williamson. Making his living from the sun, he wanted to share the power of solar with our Haitian neighbors. TruNorth Solar, a company specializing in solar PV installations in the Midwest, donated two Solavore Sport solar ovens to support this mission. Solavore Sport ovens are made locally in St. Paul.

Join the TruNorth Solar team on Saturday, May 14th for a 5k Fundraising Run to support World Wide Village projects in Haiti. Register for the 5k!

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“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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TruNorth installed a solar array on our South Minneapolis Duplex in 2019. I forgot to write a review then, but I was thrilled with the service.With the benefit of time, I appreciate the install even more. They've answered the phone and my questions, even 5 years after my installation.The owner, Martin, was helpful in every respect. I'm looking at solar for my family's new house and these guys are the only folks I will call.Thanks for the great experience and helping us do our small part for a better world.

Bernhard Nürnberger

Great Company, always responded very timely, did a great job with the installation and kept all timing and pricing promises were kept

Justin McCarthy

I recently had TruNorth install solar panels on my roof, and I couldn’t be more pleased with the entire experience. From start to finish, the communication was excellent. They kept me informed at every step, ensuring that I knew exactly what was happening and when. A special shout-out to Donna, TruNorth’s permissions manager, who worked tirelessly to navigate through some red tape from Xcel Energy, ensuring that the project stayed on schedule.After some frustrating experiences with contractors in the past, it was such a relief to work with a company that made the entire process go so smoothly. TruNorth’s pricing was not only competitive but also honest, which I truly appreciate. After the installation, they even offered to schedule a meeting to help me understand my new electric bill, which was a thoughtful touch. Additionally, once the system was commissioned, they called to check in, ensuring everything was running smoothly and to see if I had any questions.I highly recommend TruNorth for anyone looking to install solar panels—professional, efficient, and reliable service all around!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

“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

“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 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

“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 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

“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 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

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