Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides several advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Lower energy bills: Producing some or all of your own electricity will cut power costs long-term. Plus, some states provide net metering programs that enable you to sell your surplus energy back to the grid, generating additional credits toward your energy bill.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Adopting solar is a surefire way to reduce your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
- Better energy independence: Adding a solar battery storage system lets you have reliable energy during storms and grid outages.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Wentzville Homeowners?
Governments and utilities often incentivize homeowners for switching to solar. Here are some of the tax credits, rebates, 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: Rebate Program
Website: cuivre.comIncentive Amount:
Water Heater: $50
Ground-Source Heat Pumps: $750/ton
Ground-Source Heat Pump Replacement: $150/ton
Dual Fuel Heat Pumps: $150/ton
Basement/Crawl space/slab insulation: 50% of installed cost
Advanced Thermostat: 50% of installed cost
Heat Pump Water Heater: 50% of installed cost
Window Air Conditioning: 50% of installed cost
Business Lighting Rebate: Varies, visit program website or contact utility for details
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 Wentzville
The price and efficacy of solar panels often hinge on the solar company that installed them. Make your choice based on the following crucial aspects.
Licensing and Training
In Missouri, it's the responsibility of counties and cities issue contracting licenses. However, all contractors must register with the Missouri Secretary of State. Solar companies can also obtain accreditations from standards organizations and trade groups. The most respected ones in the industry come from the NABCEP. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.
Cost of Solar Panels in Wentzville
The kind of solar panels you purchase determines how much electricity you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and 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 aren't meant for large home installations, but they're excellent for small projects like sheds and RVs.
Additional accessories, such as battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, will increase 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 company that installs them if it's important for you.
Generally speaking, it will cost about $16,850 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Wentzville. This table shows more specific prices for different solar panel types and system components in your area.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,118 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $872 |
| Thin-Film | $510 |
| Solar Battery | $715 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,683 |
Financing Solar Energy in Wentzville
There are numerous ways to pay for a solar energy system, and the right one will help you decrease overhead. A few of the most common options include cash payments, loans, leases, 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 help you avoid 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 a home or auto loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to rent your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, much like an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and do not provide you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Ask each company you're evaluating about the financing options it offers. A salesperson can help you determine the best option for your pocketbook.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Wentzville.
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 rebates and financing plans 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 Wentzville
How much money could I save by going solar in Wentzville?
Is solar energy widely available in Wentzville?
Should I anticipate a boost in my property value after going solar?
What if I live in a heavily-wooded or dark
How can I assess my site's solar feasibility?
How do I care for my new solar system?
How can I enhance my solar panels' performance?
- optimize the panels' position with your solar installer
- regularly clean your solar panels
- upgrade to a more efficient inverter trim or cut down trees in the way of your panels
- use energy-efficient appliances
What is "net metering," and how does it work?
Some states or power companies oblige you to enroll in net metering when purchasing your solar system, while others give you a choice. Either way, once you participate, you'll get a bill credit or check for your excess generation at a wholesale or retail rate.
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