Solar energy is shifting from a novel idea in Minnesota to a growing energy option for utilities, businesses and residents across the state. After aspiring to join this solar movement for many years, District Energy launched a large scale project on the roof of the Saint Paul RiverCentre in 2010. Covering roughly half the size of a football field, the installation adds 144 solar thermal collectors to the unprecedented renewable energy district taking shape in Saint Paul. The advanced, commercial-grade collectors will serve the downtown convention center and the other District Energy customers, thanks to a $1 million grant from the Department of Energy and the partnership of the City of Saint Paul.
District Energy’s high-performing collectors generate hot water to be used for space heating and domestic hot water in the RiverCentre. Once the building’s heating needs are met, the system exports excess solar energy to the hot water distribution network serving downtown Saint Paul. This makes our installation the first in the United States to take solar thermal energy from one building and export it for use in other buildings through our existing district system.
This important project will lower the carbon footprint for our district energy system by 900,000 pounds per year, the equivalent of removing 90 cars from the road each year. It will also fulfill the company’s historic solar aspirations and move us one step closer to 100 percent renewable fuels. 2011 will be filled with anticipation as this groundbreaking system captures and produces its first BTUs and lowers the carbon footprint for our system and our customers.
