Can I afford to go solar?

Yes, if you can afford to pay your electricity bill you can afford to go solar. Our $0-down solar financing options make it easy for homeowners with good credit to start saving on their electricity bills by going solar.

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What solar energy rebates and incentives are available?

Solar rebates and incentives vary depending on where you live. The most significant is the 26% federal investment tax credit, which allows you to deduct 26% of the cost of your solar energy system from your taxes. If you are a Missouri customer of Empire District, you are eligible for a $0.25 per watt rebate until 12/31/2020 with a maximum rebate of $6,250.

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What size solar energy system should I get?

The size of your solar energy system will depend on how much electricity you use on a monthly basis, the space you have to install your system, or the budget that you would like to work within.

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How long will my solar power system last?

In general, solar panels are very durable and capable of withstanding snow, wind, and hail. The various components of your solar power system will need to be replaced at different times, but your system should continue to generate electricity for 25 to 35 years.

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What are the financial benefits of solar energy?

When you install a solar energy system on your property, you save money on your electricity bills and protect yourself against rising electricity rates in the future. How much you can save depends on the utility rates and solar policies in your area.

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What are the environmental benefits of solar energy?

Solar power, like other renewable energy resources, has many environmental and health benefits. Going solar reduces greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change, and also results in fewer air pollutants like sulfur dioxide and particulate matter, which can cause health problems.

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Is my roof suitable for solar panels?

Southerly-facing roofs with little to no shade and enough space to fit a solar panel system are ideal for installing solar. However, in many cases there are workarounds if your home doesn’t have the ideal roof so contact us today for a free site-assessment.

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How does solar impact my property value?

Studies have shown that homes with solar energy systems sell for more than homes without them. For more information on how this will affect your property value in your area, contact a local realtor or seek information from a local appraiser.

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What is net metering?

Net metering is the system that utilities use to credit solar energy system owners for the electricity produced by their solar panels. With net metering, you only pay for the electricity that you use beyond what your solar panels can generate. Policies differ from state to state so be sure to clear this up with us before installation.

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How do solar photovoltaic panels work?

Solar panels absorb the sun's energy throughout the day and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity. Most homes and businesses run on alternating current (AC) electricity, so the DC electricity is then passed through an inverter to convert it to usable AC electricity. At that point, you either use the electricity in your house or business or send it back to the electric grid.

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Do solar panels produce power when the sun isn’t shining?

The amount of power your solar energy system can generate is dependent on sunlight. As a result, your solar panels will produce slightly less energy when the weather is cloudy, and no energy at night. However, because of high electricity costs and financial incentives, solar is a smart decision here in the Ozarks.

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Can I go off grid with solar panels?

Yes, it is possible to go off the grid with a solar energy system that includes battery storage.

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Will I still receive an electric bill if I have solar panels?

Unless your solar energy system includes battery storage and you are fully off the grid, you will still receive a bill from your utility. However, you can dramatically reduce your bill, or even cut the amount you owe to $0, with a system that matches your energy use.

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Do solar panels work in a blackout?

If your solar panel system is connected to the grid, it will shut off in the event of a blackout. This is to prevent emergency respondents and electricity utility repair-people from being injured by your panels sending power back to the grid.

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How much will solar panel maintenance cost?

Solar panel systems are made of durable tempered glass and require little to no maintenance for the 25 to 35 years that they will generate power. In most cases, you don’t even need to clean your solar panels regularly.

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