*Although ERMU works with customers that choose to explore solar options, we do not endorse, partner, or affiliate with any solar companies. Residential Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Installation is an investment homeowners should thoughtfully consider before making a final commitment. At ERMU, we are here to help. If you’re considering home installation, make an informed decision with these residential solar tips. Learn what to know about PV installation before you buy. Please note, customers requesting monthly electric usage information must make this request via email at customerservice@ermumn.com for identity verification and allow 24 hours for us to respond. TIP 1: GET MULTIPLE BIDS As with any major household purchase, it is important to get multiple bids for comparison. It is also good practice to ask for references from prior clients who are willing to share their experience regarding both installation and customer service satisfaction. TIP 2: DETERMINE PERFORMANCE WITH THE PVWATTS CALCULATOR With the PVWatts calculator , homeowners can determine the performance of proposed solar PV installations by evaluating their operation and efficiency. If you are having trouble navigating the calculator, please call ERMU at 763.441.2020 and we can walk you through it. TIP 3: FIGURE TIME FOR RECOVERING COSTS Determine how long it will take to recover the cost of installation. Use the total cost of your installation, along with the annual value ($) information from the PVWatts calculator . Apply the following formula: [Cost of Solar PV Installation] / [Annual Value ($)] = Number of years to recover installation costs For example, a $22,522 project (cost of installation) with a $785 annual value (from PVWatts calculator) means it will take 28.69 years to recover installation costs.* *This example does not include any tax credits TIP 4: OTHER CONSIDERATIONS You may also want to keep in mind other factors, including: Age/condition of your existing roof Number of years you plan to live in the home How this will affect the home’s resale value Increase in insurance for the addition of a solar PV system Annual maintenance costs of a solar PV system Years of warranty for solar equipment TIP 5: TRY ALTERNATIVE CLEAN ENERGY PROGRAMS If you are committed to supporting renewable energy but are not sure if you should move forward with solar PV installation, we have options. You may want to consider ERMU’s Clean Energy Choice program. Customers can elect to have 50, 75, or 100 percent of their electricity come from environmentally friendly, renewable sources for only $1 to $3 per month. This program is affordable and predictable, and you can subscribe or cancel anytime. ERMU IS HERE TO HELP When it comes to photovoltaic (PV) installation, we hope these residential solar tips provided insight to help you make an informed decision. Please contact us if you have any questions.
Elk River Municipal Utilities (ERMU) strives to provide quality and cost-effective utility services to its customers. As a part of that mission, ERMU routinely tests for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). ERMU has conducted PFAS testing in cooperation with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) in 2021 and 2025. We are pleased to report that all results showed no detection above MDH guidance levels. Monitoring and Testing Proactive testing protects the health of public water system customers and is the first step to reducing risk from PFAS exposure. As part of its mission, ERMU upholds standards with routine testing of our water quality to ensure services reflect the excellence, dependability, and expertise on which our customers rely. The Minnesota Department of Health has been investigating the impacts of PFAS on groundwater since 2002 and conducts tests of community water systems. In 2021, the MDH began its Statewide PFAS Monitoring Project to evaluate whether PFAS levels across the state exceeded health guidelines. ERMU volunteered to participate in MDH’s 2021 PFAS testing. All sample results showed no detection above MDH guidance levels. In 2025, the MDH conducted another round of statewide PFAS sampling. Once again, all ERMU sample results showed no detection above guidance levels. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, a person who drinks water that is at or below the guidance levels would experience little or no risk for health effects. ERMU will continue to work with MDH to monitor and report PFAS levels in the system as we remain committed to the health and safety of our community. Contact us to learn more about PFAS or our high-quality water standards. Additional Resources Elk River Municipal Utilities Water Quality Reports Minnesota Department of Health - PFAS Information Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
It’s time to water your lawn to keep it green and healthy, but you don’t want to waste water. So, when is the best time to run your sprinklers and how much is too much, too little, or just right? WHEN TO WATER In our part of the country, research shows the best time to run your sprinkler is from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. when water pressure is high, wind is moderate, and the amount of water lost to evaporation is negligible. Watering early in the morning also reduces the chance of turf diseases. Not a morning person? No problem. Just install an automatic sprinkler system with a timer so you can keep counting sheep while your sprinkler gets the job done. TOO MUCH, TOO LITTLE, OR JUST RIGHT? According to the University of Minnesota Extension Service, the amount of water to apply depends on the soil type and its moisture content: On a loamy or silty soil, it’s best to apply around one inch of water once a week. Sandy soil typically requires one-half inch of water twice a week. Apply water slowly to clay soil, or at several different times, to allow time for it to soak in. How long does a sprinkler need to run to apply an inch of water? For the average-size hose, it takes two to three hours. The following is a good way to check the amount of water applied: Place small, straight-sided containers at different intervals in the sprinkling area. Catch the water for an hour. Measure the depth of water with a ruler. Over-watering your lawn can cause shallow roots, nutrient loss, weed growth and other problems. Install a sensor to measure rain levels and use a water gauge. The simplest way to check for over-watering is to use the screwdriver method. If you can insert a screwdriver into the soil easily (about six inches deep), your lawn has enough water.
