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Best 5 Solar Companies in Wildwood, MO
The best solar company in Wildwood is Streib Company.
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- Updated 2024-04-18 00:00:00
With Wildwood's clear skies and below-average rainfall, it's a perfect area for homeowners and businesses seeking to harness the added sunlight by buying panels from one of the best solar companies. 98 homes in the area already employ a solar PV or water heating system. Professional installers will therefore have the exact experience you need to embrace the solar revolution with confidence. In this guide, we'll show you Wildwood's best solar providers and offer advice for your company choice, so you can find the ideal one for your home.
5 Best Solar Companies in Wildwood
Brands are algorithmically curated from a database of local service providers near you. We require a minimum number of Google reviews and average ratings for provider inclusion.
Streib Company
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
SunSent Solar
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
StraightUp Solar of St. Louis
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
EFS Energy
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Astrawatt Solar
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Ranking Methodology
Our team focuses on the following criteria to assess the best Wildwood solar companies.
- Warranty and service offerings: Solar installers should stand behind their products and services with warranties. We evaluated how each installer responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer happiness.
- Reviews and feedback from customers: Most Wildwood solar contractors have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio reflects a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
- Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should tap into their years of experience answer your questions on how to look after your system and optimize its performance.
- Professional licensure and experience: Each company on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Wildwood community for over 15 years.
- Panel quality and brand offerings: The top solar companies remain current on new technology, offering equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
Facts about Wildwood
- Average Max Temperature:65°F
- Solar Payback Period:14 years
- Average Daily Sunlight:55%
- Homes Powered by Solar:98
- Average Annual Energy Bill:$1,291
- Solar Power per Capita:63.2%
Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides multiple advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power lowers your dependence on fossil fuels, which release greenhouse gases that damage the environment.
- Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with battery storage systems operate through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on the grid for your safety and well-being.
- Reduced energy costs: Producing some or all of your own electricity will spend less on electricity long-term. Plus, some states provide net metering programs that allow you to sell your unused energy back to the grid, generating extra credits toward your energy bill.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Wildwood Homeowners?
Missouri agencies and electric companies offer several solar incentives to help reduce your solar system costs. Here's a breakdown of applicable solar programs where you live.
Incentive Type:Rebate Program
Incentive 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:https://central.libertyutilities.com/all/residential/ways-to-save/solar-rebates.html
Incentive 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:https://www.ameren.com/missouri/energy-efficiency/residential/hvac
Incentive 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
Incentive 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:https://www.ecowatch.com/solar/ev-appliance-solar-tax-credit-calculator
Incentive 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 Wildwood
The cost and effectiveness of solar panels often depend on the solar company that mounted them. Here are some crucial criteria to bear in mind while shopping for a solar company.
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. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private accreditations. Two of the most recognized are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer 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 Wildwood
The type of solar panels you select decides how much energy you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels aren't recommended for large residential installations, but they are ideal for small projects like converting RVs and sheds.
You can also add electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can increase your solar system's performance. Not every solar company offers these optional components, so look for a provider that sells them if it's a priority for you.
Generally speaking, it will cost about $16,850 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Wildwood. This table shows more specific prices for different solar panel types and system components in your area.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,163.93 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $907.86 |
Thin-Film | $530.75 |
Solar Battery | $744.91 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,793.43 |
Financing Solar Energy in Wildwood
There are various ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will help you decrease overhead. A few of the most common options include loans, leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and cash payments. 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 own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to minimize 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 installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly fee to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a fluctuating 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. Ask each company you're considering about the payment options it offers. A consultant can help you determine the optimal option for your pocketbook.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Wildwood.
A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to recently-purchased solar equipment purchased through 2032. Extra incentives may be available through local governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.
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 |
Frequently Asked Questions about Solar in Wildwood
Most Wildwood homeowners spend about $1,291 on energy each year. Your costs could drop by $853.38 for each kilowatt you generate after you pay off a solar array.
Yes, solar energy is readily available in Wildwood. A growing number of local homes generate or access solar power on-site or through utility grids, and Missouri has about 2647 jobs forming its solar economy.
Yes, new solar systems lead to higher property values according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL.) Homeowners could project a $20 property value increase for each dollar they save on energy. Therefore, $600 in energy savings could increase your home's value by $12,000.
A solar setup could still work in bad weather. Your technician will position your panels to capture the most sunlight possible. They might also recommend a backup battery to keep your system performing at its best.
To preserve your solar system's efficiency, inspections and cleanings every six months are usually sufficient. In dry or dusty seasons, your panels might need cleanings every few months. Your installer can recommend a maintenance schedule. Its team could also do the cleaning for you.
The average payback period for a solar loan in Wildwood is 13.8 years. By paying off extra principal each month, you can shorten the payback period and own your system faster.
To enhance your solar system's performance, you can implement the following strategies:
- 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
It's prudent to gather three or more estimates before committing to a single solar installer. This allows you to evaluate product quality, customer feedback, pricing, and warranty options. It also lets you gauge a provider's knowledge, responsiveness and reliability, all of which are positive signs.
Sources
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