In 2003, an entrepreneur named Randy Hagen developed, manufactured, and sold a solar-powered ventilating system for aircraft. Out of this early endeavor sprang Solar Skies Manufacturing LLC, which today produces a full line of solar thermal collectors, tanks, and mounting systems to address the needs of consumers who wish to reduce energy costs and produce their own solar-powered hot water.
Solar Skies solar thermal hot water systems are installed on commercial applications both large and small across the US—hotels, schools, hospitals, laundromats, and water parks—as well as homes, and they are a founding member of the growing family of solar manufactures here in Minnesota. We interviewed Kurt Koegel, Solar Skies’ Manager of Sales, Training and Technical Support, to learn more.
Jenna Lewein: How many employees do you have?
Kurt Koegel: We currently employ 11 people in Alexandria, MN. And as our business grows, we will be able to provide even more jobs. We don’t install our products, so there are solar installers and contractors across Minnesota and the US that do that work.
Jenna: What are some current trends in the solar thermal industry? Is there anything in your product line that is particularly popular right now?
Kurt: Our EZ Array option on our collectors is very popular. This option allows the collectors to be customized for a specific installation and speeds installation by 30%. Quick connectors are installed on the piping, mounting hardware is included, a sensor well is installed and the unused piping taps are internally capped.
Jenna: Is Minnesota a good state for solar?
Kurt: Minnesota is a great state in general for solar because we have a great sun resource year round. For solar thermal there is an increased need compared to most of the country for water heating because our ground water temperature is about 45 degrees and we have a larger space heating need.
Jenna: What is unique about Solar Skies?
Kurt: We are a small Minnesota company that actually manufactures here using all American materials. Also we offer many options on our collectors and build them to order. Here’s what we usually tell people: “Solar Skies, LLC is the manufacturer of world class solar thermal collectors and mounting hardware. Our trusted reputation has grown as a result of quality, service, customized design capability, affordability and being “Made in America”. We are today’s pioneers for sustainability and solar hot water in America.”
Jenna: What are some good on-farm applications of your technology? How about for rural small businesses?
Kurt: Solar thermal water heating can be used for many applications, but the best farm uses are water heating for dairies or general cleaning and processing. Also our collectors can be used for space heating, especially radiant floor heating.
See more information about their products with case studies and photos of specific installed projects in the presentation below.
Kurt’s colleague Randy Hagen, President of Solar Skies, was recently featured as a CERTs Clean Energy Superhero. Watch the video below to learn more about their work!
For more information about Solar Skies Manufacturing LLC, click here to visit their website >>
