IPS installed tenKsolar panels made
in Minnesota at the Virnig Dairy Farm.
Eric Pasi, vice president of business development at Innovative Power Systems (No. 239 on the upcoming 2015 Top Solar Contractors list), has been with the company for nearly eight years, since he graduated from the University of Minnesota. But the St. Paul company goes back much further. Pasi explained how Ralph Jacobson founded IPS in 1991 with a goal to help customers save money and lead the local transition away from fossil fuels and toward renewable power.
“Minnesota spends about $20 billion each year to import coal, gas and oil,” Pasi explained. “We believe the state should invest that money locally into construction and infrastructure that benefits our local economy. Since I joined IPS, it’s been exciting to watch solar develop into a full-fledged industry to help achieve that.”
After 24 years and over 700 projects, IPS has played a major role in bringing renewable energy to Minnesota and the upper Midwest area. Jacobson was recently honored by the Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association (MnSEIA) with its first lifetime achievement award (named after Jacobson) for his long-term commitment to renewable energy and the solar industry. He’s worked with legislators, regulators and utilities to craft renewable energy policy. By doing so, he’s created opportunities in solar for himself and others.
Pasi explained that Minnesota is relatively progressive—the first state to enact a net-metering policy in the early 1980s. By 2020 Xcel Energy must generate 31.5% of its power from solar, while other investor-owned utilities in the state must hit 26.5%. Xcel has been a strong proponent of solar and renewables in the state, carrying expertise from its experience in New Mexico and Colorado. Minnesota’s rebate program in the 2000s and the 2013 Solar Jobs Act have also helped spur the industry.
“Governor Mark Dayton is extremely committed to renewables,” Pasi said. “There was a recent push by the state house to try and repeal some solar legislation, and he stood strong and vetoed that part of the energy bill so solar didn’t lose ground.”
A recent poll from the Minnesota Environmental Partnership also found strong public support in the state for renewables. About 90% of residents support renewable energy and solar specifically, Pasi said.
Other than state support, Pasi attributes the company’s longevity to its perseverance through lean times and creativity.
“We’ve developed innovative financing programs for homeowners, businesses and non-profits to help them move forward with projects they otherwise wouldn’t have been able to take on,” he said.
“We’re leading with our experience, contacts and existing customers, which is a huge asset for us,” Pasi added. “We’ve stayed committed to solar PV in a market where it wasn’t all that popular five or ten years ago.” IPS also works closely with other hometown solar companies such as panel manufacturer tenKsolar.
Even when it’s challenging, Pasi said he enjoys the business.
“I like sharing my passion, whether it’s with the people I’ve been in touch with for years or new faces,” he said. “I enjoy both the economics and stewardship aspects of solar, and seeing those resonate with customers too. I’m excited about the future of solar in Minnesota and the United States.” SPW
