Harnessing the power of sunlight and solar energy

Have you ever considered the possibility of becoming energy independent? In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, many homeowners are turning to solar energy, not just to reduce utility bills, but to claim greater control and independence over their power consumption. Tim Kiernan, of Rockford Township, has done just that.  

Kiernan is a forward thinker who enjoys research and planning, a carpenter by trade since 1954, he’s spent a lifetime building, engineering, and creating, with a joy and passion for learning how things work.

Keirnan purchased his property in Rockford Township in 1986, where a picturesque farmhouse sits on a 60-acre landscape with two fields in the front and a wooded area out back.  

During the height of the COVID pandemic, Kiernan experienced a power outage at the property, causing his electric furnace to shut off. When the backup propane function failed due to the thermostat requiring electricity to run, essentially leaving Tim in the cold, he decided to make a change. The hour-long outage was enough for him to take a step towards greater energy independence. “I had no power and no propane. I didn’t want to freeze to death. That made me say, ‘I have to get off the grid.’”

A lifetime of experiences has also played a part in Kiernan’s desire to become self-sustaining, citing the 1973 oil crisis, which caused oil prices to skyrocket from $3 per barrel to $30 almost overnight. “After that, people started studying buildings more, insulation requirements, how energy is utilized. All that stuff played out in my head over time. Right now, I’m very self-sufficient.”

Solar Panels

To begin the process, Kiernan contacted Apadana Energy, out of New Hope, who came to the property and completed an initial analysis of energy requirements and functionality for his home, ultimately installing 36 ground-mounted solar panels behind the farmhouse. “They put a six-foot screw into the ground and put the gridwork up. A master electrician then wired the grid.” 

Tim stated that during the planning and installation process, Apadana worked to coordinate with Wright-Hennepin Cooperative Electric Association to utilize excess energy produced by Kiernan’s grid during the summer months. If extra energy is needed during the winter months, Tim has a propane back up to supplement his needs. 

Solar panels harvest the sun’s energy and transform it into electricity, which is sent to electrical boxes mounted on the back of Keirnan’s garage, much like wiring from a traditional utility source coming into your home, the only difference, energy from the sun is freely generated and can be stored into batteries. “The sun is the source of all our energy, it comes from 93 million miles away, it hits those panels and fuels the batteries,” stated Kiernan. 

There is an upfront investment to installing solar panels, which is ultimately paid back over time. Kiernan stated that installation of the ground-mounted solar panels on his property cost approximately $36,000.

Solar Shingles

Roughly 20 years ago, Keirnan built a shed at the back of his property, which was recently in need of a new roof. Instead of replacing the traditional asphalt shingles, Tim opted to go with solar shingles made of tempered glass, produced by the Tesla Company, and installed by Garlock-French Roofing out of Minneapolis. “Inside the glass is a solar panel. They are interchangeable, you can walk on them, if one is damaged you just take it off and replace it with another one and plug it back in. The glass roof is so flexible, and it’s guaranteed for 25 years.” 

The solar shingles cost around $25,000 to cover the structure. In Keirnan’s opinion, glass solar shingles are the future. “I love the look of them. They’ll be there in 50 years.” As technology continues to advance, Keirnan believes energy efficiency will also improve. “I could have put in more panels, but I wanted the solar shingles because I think they’re the future. I was willing to spend a little more because I look at it as an investment.”  

Keirnan shared that Tesla is also beginning to bring solar siding to the marketplace, which works similarly to solar shingles, absorbing the sun’s energy and producing electricity. “Why does a building have to use siding that has to be replaced every 25 years? Why can’t it be an energy absorbing panel?” 

Keirnan invites those from the community who are interested in learning more about solar power, and the options available, to contact him at 763-682-4477. “I would like to talk to people who are interested in solar panels, and if they ask, ‘should I buy them,’ I’m here to tell them yes.”