Edina, MN
Mark Peterson’s Vision for Sustainable Living at Cedars of Edina Apartments
Mark Peterson, the owner and operator of Cedars of Edina Apartments in Edina, Minnesota, has long been dedicated to enhancing the 22 acres of lush, green space he maintains for his renters. Nestled behind the bustling Southdale and Galleria shopping areas, Cedars of Edina is a hidden gem of multifamily living in the heart of Edina.
Mark’s philosophy is simple: “Human beings are a product of their environment,” and he strives to “create surroundings that bring out the best in everyone.” Cedars of Edina boasts beautifully landscaped grounds, complete with tall trees, ponds, gathering patios, and tranquil fountains. Mark believes that by providing a peaceful outdoor environment, he can foster a deep appreciation for nature’s beauty in others, which will encourage all of us to take care of our environment.
After initially exploring the idea of solar energy, Mark decided that installing solar panels on the rooftops during the scheduled replacements would be the most practical approach. In 2019, after refinancing the property, Mark allocated funds for solar energy and began the process of selecting the right partner for the project.
Approach
During the site review for solar feasibility, Cedar Creek Energy discovered that Cedars of Edina had eight common electric meters serving different components of one multifamily building, powered by three separate transformers. Cedar Creek Energy’s electricians and project management team, in collaboration with Xcel Energy, simplified this setup by consolidating the eight meters into one, with a single transformer. Upgrading the electric service to accommodate all the common loads allowed Cedars of Edina to maximize the solar production by offsetting the larger single load. This approach also enabled them to maximize the PV Demand credit from Xcel Energy and avoid multiple monthly meter fees.
The Cedars of Edina team, including experienced technical and mechanical personnel, closely examined the solar mounting methods. They collaborated with Cedar Creek Energy’s team, finding Senior Project Manager Charlie Stenstrom’s expertise particularly valuable. Charlie’s in-depth knowledge, along with the advanced hardware and sealing techniques used in the tilt kit system, gave them the confidence they needed to proceed with a 161 kW system, designed at a higher angle to boost energy production and improve snow shedding.
In addition to the solar installation, Mark anticipated the growing demand for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations among renters. He added 12 car charging parking spaces. By wiring these spaces to the common meter, the solar installation helps offset the energy used for car charging and reduces the overall operating costs of the building. Cedars of Edina can also cover the cost of the car charging infrastructure by charging a premium for apartments with EV spaces.
Best of all, the Federal Tax Credit is available for the solar installation, car charging stations, and infrastructure upgrades, as they were all completed as part of the solar project! Cedar Creek Energy served as a one-stop-shop for the entire project, streamlining the process and ensuring all elements qualified for the tax credit.
The Final Result
The solar installation aligns perfectly with Mark’s vision of creating an environment that encourages harmonious living. By utilizing the existing property footprint to support on-site energy usage, the property’s maintenance costs are reduced. Mark believes that respecting and preserving our environment today is essential to ensuring that the natural landscapes we cherish will continue to delight future generations.
Best of all, much of this project benefitted from the 30% Federal Tax Credit! Cedar Creek Energy served as a one-stop-shop for the entire project, streamlining the process.
