Best 5 Solar Companies in Independence, MO

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Independence

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and valuable solar array. Consider all of these aspects in your contractor search.

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. Look for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar industry's most respected trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Independence

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels offer the best energy production but cost more than other options and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels provide a lower price point but produce less power. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.

You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can enhance your solar system's performance. Not all solar providers provide these additional features, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's important for you.

You can expect to pay about $16,850 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Independence. Use the table in this section to get an idea of the amount Independence solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Independence

There are many ways to pay for a solar energy system, and the right one will lower your costs. A few of the most common options include leases, cash payments, loans, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they save you from paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Similar to an auto or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly fee to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement lets you pay a variable 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 certain circumstances. We recommend working with a provider that offers multiple financing options. Ask each agent about what's available, and acquire more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your budget.

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

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new residential solar equipment purchased through 2032. Extra incentives may be available through local governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.