Solar

Solar

Solar power is energy generated by the sun's radiation. Many of our specialty construction companies are experts at converting the sun's heat to power.

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Panels

A solar panel, or group of panels, can be installed by APi to collect the sun's rays. The DC (direct current) from its rays travels to an inverter. The inverter converts to AC (alternative current), which is energy used by homes and businesses for local use or use throughout the utility grid.

At the St. Louis County parking lot in downtown Duluth, Minn., solar panels with battery storage were installed on the light poles by APi Electric. During the day, the solar panels collect the energy for the battery units. At night the lights draw power from the batteries. The light poles are self-sufficient because no wires are connected to the utility company.

Grid-Tied Solar Power

At the St. Louis County parking ramp solar power is a key alternative in reducing the dependence on the utility company. The ramp uses power from the utility when it needs to and other times the solar is putting power back on the utility grid. The solar combined with lighting retrofit, allows the St. Louis County to save $1,040 each month. The county pays about $130 per month, for the parking ramp's electricity, compared to its previous payments of $1,170.

According to the National Center for Policy Analysis, as a substitute for fossil fuels, solar power theoretically has a much greater potential to generate energy. It has been estimated that 20 days of sunshine is equal to all of the Earth's reserves of coal, oil, and natural gas.

Benefits of Solar Energy

  • It's free.
  • Inexhaustible. The sun's producing, even on a cloudy day.
  • Solar energy doesn't emit any pollutants.

Recent Solar Projects

  • Parking Ramp
    St. Louis County – Duluth, Minn.
    Phase I – Sixteen solar panels at 160 watts each for a total of 2.6 kW
    Phase II – Sixteen solar panels at 175 watts each for a total of 2.8 kW
  • Courthouse
    St. Louis County – Hibbing, Minn.
    Thirty-six solar panels at 180 watts each for a total of 6.5 kW
  • Government Services Center
    St. Louis County – Duluth, Minn.
    Solar parking lot lights
  • James S. Malosky Stadium
    University of Minnesota Duluth – Duluth, Minn.
    Twenty-eight solar panels at 208 watts each with a total of 5.8 kW
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