Best 5 Solar Companies in St. Charles, MO

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in St. Charles

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and valuable solar energy system. Consider all 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. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private accreditations. Two of the most prestigious are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, granted by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.

Cost of Solar Panels in St. Charles

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 produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. 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 want to charge an electric car or use your solar power in cloudy weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By selecting the right components, you can make your panel array more efficient and convenient to use. Not every solar provider includes these additional features, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's important for you.

If you're a resident of St. Charles and are looking into a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could expect to pay about $16,850 for materials and labor. See more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in St. Charles

There are many ways to pay for a new solar system, and the right one will reduce your expenses. A few of the most common options include cash payments, power purchase agreements (PPAs), loans, and leases. We recommend 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 own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to reduce your total costs. Solar loans are another good option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in monthly installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases let you use your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, much like an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and don't grant you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Ask each installer you're considering about the payment options it offers. A consultant can help you determine the most suitable option for your financial situation.

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

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.