Clean Energy

Good Earth Natural Foods

Solar Electric Power

Ever since Caron Jagodvinski opened the Good Earth Natural Foods store 15 years ago, she has wanted to install solar panels ‘for environmental reasons, political reasons…about 100 different reasons.”

In August 2005, her first eight solar panels were installed on the roof of her downtown Austin store. The investment was $8,000, which includes a large enough inverter so that 8 more panels can be added in the future. Caron also installed an electrical line and meter (additional $1000) so that curious people can look through the store window to see how many kilowatts of electricity are being produced.

The solar panels produce 230 kilowatt hours of electricity per month, which would provide half of Jagodvinski’s electrical needs in her own energy-efficient home, but powers about 7% of the energy required by the 100-year old building that houses 2 businesses (including the Good Earths’ huge commercial freezer) and 2 apartments. Note: Jagodvinski encourages energy-efficient behavior from her tenants. She provides compact fluorescent light bulbs and there is a clause in the lease that there is a fine of $25 per bulb if they are replaced them with inefficient incandescent bulbs!

Working with local solar designer Tom Yates and Hunter Electric (Brownsdale, MN), everything went smoothly with the installation and has operated perfectly ever since. Jagodvinski says her PV panels are wonderful and play a great role in raising awareness and bringing attention to her store.

Good Earth Natural Foods

120 NW 3rd Ave

Austin, MN

(507) 433-8463