Arrowhead business receives $55K for solar upgrade

Dennis Rysdahl’s hotel, AmericInn by Wyndham, sits just off the shore of Lake Superior in Tofte, Minnesota. It’s a scenic drive less than two hours from Duluth. Rysdahl has invested over 20 years in his business and is excited about other recent investments. 

AmericInn by Wyndham Tofte recently went solar, thanks to $55,000 in grant support. 

“Like most hotels similar to ours, our rooms and common spaces are heated and cooled using electric through-the-wall heat pumps, which use a lot of electrical power,” says Rysdahl. After undergoing some studies, Rysdahl learned that the business could self-generate about one-third of its electricity by installing a roof-top solar system.

Then, Rysdahl learned about two programs focused on supporting businesses like his. To aid in going solar, Rysdahl received a $35,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Energy For America Program (REAP). Closer to home, he received a $20,000 grant from the Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency’s Business Energy Retrofit Program.

“Our total project cost was $140,000 so these grants lowered our out-of-pocket cost considerably. We anticipate about a ten year pay-back on this investment,” says Rysdahl. With the solar system up and running, Rysdahl says he’s glad he took the leap and grateful for the help along the way.

Rysdahl has advice to other business-owners considering a similar project. “With the grants and tax credits available now, the paybacks are beneficial enough to justify the private investment. So DO IT!”