Best 5 Solar Companies in Cape Girardeau, MO

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Cape Girardeau

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and valuable solar system. Here are some key items to consider while shopping for a solar company.

Licensing and Training

In Missouri, it's purely up to cities and counties issue contracting licenses. However, all contractors must register with the Missouri Secretary of State. Check a company's website for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar sector's most trusted trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Cape Girardeau

The style of solar panels you purchase decides how much electricity you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but they're worth it if you want a traditional panel style without the high cost. Thin-film panels aren't the best for large residential installations, but they are excellent accessories for non-traditional roofs.

Additional system add-ons, such as battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, will add to your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not every solar provider includes these extras, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's crucial for you.

Generally speaking, it costs about $16,850 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Cape Girardeau. This table displays more specific prices for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Cape Girardeau

There are numerous ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will minimize your overhead. A few of the most common options include cash payments, leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and loans. Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most economical choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the next best option. As with a car or home loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for money-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a fluctuating rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in particular circumstances. Ask each company you're evaluating about the financing options it offers. A staff member can help you determine the optimal option for your pocketbook.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Cape Girardeau.

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy devices until the year 2032. Municipal and state governments and utility companies might also offer rebates, discounts, and unique financing solutions that could save you more.