Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides multiple advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Embracing solar is a surefire way to lower your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
- Better energy independence: Solar energy can keep your home powered through emergencies and blackouts, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery backup.
- Lower energy bills: Sourcing some or all of your own energy will cut power costs long-term. Plus, some states provide net metering programs that enable you to sell your extra energy back to the grid, generating extra credits toward your energy bill.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Springfield Homeowners?
Missouri homeowners who go solar could qualify for rebates, special financing, reimbursements and tax credits. Here are just a few of the local incentive offerings.
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: Rebate Program
Website: whiteriver.orgIncentive Amount:
Residential
Electric Water Heater: $50
Heat Pump Water Heater: 50% of cost
Window AC: $50
Ground Source Heat Pump (New Installation): $750/ton
Ground Source Heat Pump (Replacement) : $150/ton
Dual Fuel Heat Pump: $150/ton
Mini-Split Heat Pump: $150/ton
Smart Thermostat: $50
Basement/Crawl Space/Slab Insulation: 50% of cost
Commercial
Heat Pump Water Heater: 50% of cost
Ground Source Heat Pump (New Installation): $750/ton
Ground Source Heat Pump (Replacement) : $150/ton
Dual Fuel Heat Pump: $150/ton
Air Source Heat Pump: $150/ton
Smart Thermostat: $50
Commercial/Industrial Variable Frequency Drive for HVAC: $50/HP
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: swec.orgIncentive Amount:
Ground-Source/Geothermal Heat Pump (New Units): $750/ton
Ground-Source/Geothermal Heat Pump (Replacement Units): $200/ton
Floor insulation with installation of a geothermal heat pump: 50% of cost, up to $500
Dual Fuel Heat Pump: $150/ton
Mini Split Heat Pump: $150/ton
VFD for HVAC: $50/HP, up to 50% of total unit cost
Heat Pump Water Heater: 50% of cost, up to $500
Programmable Timer for Engine Block Heater: $15/timer, up to 50% of total unit cost
Commercial High Efficiency Motor: 50% of total cost
Windows/Room AC: $50
Energy Audit: 50% of cost, up to $500
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: cityutilities.netIncentive Amount:
Insulation Upgrade: 20% of cost up $300
**Between Dec 15, 2018 and Mar 31, 2019: Insulation Upgrade: 30% of cost up to $400**
Programmable Thermostat: $15
Wi-Fi Thermostat: 50% of cost, up to $75
High Efficiency Toilet: 50% of cost, up to $75
Central A/C: $500
Natural Gas Furnace: $400
Air-Source Heat Pump: $500
Geothermal Heat Pump: $1,025
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 Springfield
The cost and efficiency of solar panels often rely on which company mounted them. Consider each of these aspects in your business 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. Check a company's website for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar industry's most trusted trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.
Cost of Solar Panels in Springfield
Your solar modules' type will impact how much power you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations.
Additional accessories, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will raise your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar contractors include these optional components, so look for a provider that sells them if it's a priority for you.
You can expect to pay about $16,850 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Springfield. Use the table in this section to get an idea of the amount Springfield solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,109 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $865 |
Thin-Film | $506 |
Solar Battery | $710 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,661 |
Financing Solar Energy in Springfield
Solar contractors 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), solar leases and cash payments. Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most cost-effective choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the runner-up option. As with a car loan or mortgage, 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 involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) enables you to pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, like an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the panels and cannot use solar incentives. Ask each business you're vetting about the payment options it offers. A salesperson can help you determine the most suitable option for your pocketbook.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Springfield.
You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, local governments and utilities may have their own financing plans and rebates that could reduce your total cost even more.
Solar System Capacity | Estimated Payback period |
---|---|
1 kW | 2.3 years |
2 kW | 4.5 years |
5 kW | 11.3 years |
10 kW | 22.7 years |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Springfield
How much money could I save by going solar in Springfield?
Is solar energy common in Springfield?
Should I anticipate a boost in my property value after installing solar panels?
What if I live in a gloomy or dark
What care do my solar panels need, and how frequently do they need it?
What's the average solar system size in Springfield?
What's the difference between a PPA and a solar lease?
If you choose a lease, you'll make set payments each month.
With both leases and PPAs, you do not own your panels and lose eligibility for most incentives. Further, you'll have to "buy out" or transfer the contract if you sell your home during the term.
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