Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers several advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Lowered energy bills: You can skip the expensive cost of grid-tied power by creating some electricity at home.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power reduces your dependence on conventional, less environmentally-friendly sources.
- Better energy independence: Solar energy can keep your home running through emergencies and blackouts. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery storage.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Lee's Summit Homeowners?
Governments and power companies often incentivize homeowners for going solar. Here are some of the rebates, tax credits or other programs you could qualify for.
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: powermoves.comIncentive Amount:
Dual Fuel Heat Pump: $500
Variable Speed Pool Pump: $250
Air-Source Heat Pump: $250 - $750
Geothermal Heat Pump: $1,500
Heat Pump Water Heater: $400/unit
HVAC: Varies depending on ZIP code. See program website
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: central.libertyutilities.comIncentive Amount:
$0.25 per watt for systems operational between July 1, 2019, and December 31, 2023
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% exemption
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: ameren.comIncentive Amount:
Air-Source Heat Pump: $500-$900
Ductless Air-Source Heat Pump: $300-$500
Dual Fuel Heat Pump: $175-$200
Ground Source Heat Pump: $800-$2,000
Central Air Conditioner: $300-$500
Electronically Commutated Motor (ECM): $50-$100
Air Conditioner/Heat Pump Tune-Up: $75
Incentive Type: PACE Financing
Incentive Amount:
Financing contracts limited to 20 years or less; improvements must display a positive economic benefit over the life of the contract.
Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit
Website: ecowatch.comIncentive Amount:
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.
How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Lee's Summit
Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and cost-efficient solar energy system. Here are some key items to bear in mind while shopping for a solar provider.
The style of solar panels you choose decides how much electricity you can produce. Monocrystalline panels give you the best performance but cost more upfront. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, 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.
If you need to charge an electric car or use your solar power in inclement weather, you'll usually pay extra for add-ons. By selecting the right ones, you can make your system more productive and convenient to use. Not every solar provider provides these extras, so look for a provider that has them if it's crucial for you.
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 for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar sector's most respected trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.
Financing Options
Solar companies offer multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs), cash payments and solar leases. We suggest paying with cash or using a solar loan for the highest return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also have full ownership of your system and can apply for solar incentives to cut your total costs. Solar loans are another solid option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in monthly installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, like an electric bill. We generally don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Ask each business you're considering about the payment options it offers. A salesperson can help you determine the optimal option for your financial situation.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Lee's Summit
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
Is solar energy readily available in Lee's Summit?
Will solar energy systems boost my Lee's Summit home value?
How many years does a standard solar system last?
How long does the solar panel installation process last?
What maintenance do my solar panels need, and how frequently do they need it?
What are some "red flags" to watch for as I research companies?
- [RandomChoice||High-pressure sales tactics|Aggressive sales pitch|Pushy sales approach|Pressuring you into signing a contract]
- [RandomChoice||Dodging questions|Not being straightforward|Being evasive] about {"cost, warranties, references, the crew's [RandomChoice||credentials and training|training and credentials]"|shuffle_list("or")}
- [RandomChoice||Limited or no customization|"One-size-fits-all" approach|Inflexible options]
- [RandomChoice||Not thoroughly inspecting your site|Superficial, rushed site evaluation|Rushing through the site assessment]
- [RandomChoice||No references or testimonials|More mixed or negative reviews than positive ones|Limited customer feedback|Limited online information|No business filing with your local secretary of state]
How are a solar lease and PPA different?
You don't own the panels with either option, though you can choose to "buy out" of the contract for a fee.
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