Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
Solar energy is becoming increasingly popular for St. Joseph homeowners. A new solar energy system can help you decrease your carbon footprint, provide a dependable source of power, and add value to your property. Solar power can cut your energy costs and lower your carbon footprint. However, it's important to select a trustworthy solar installer. Luckily, we’ve conducted comprehensive research local solar providers and created a guide to the best solar companies in St. Joseph. These reliable providers are smart choices homeowners can depend on.
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Family-operated business
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quotes
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Free quotes
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on solar companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
Going solar can be a great way to lower electricity costs and help the environment by reducing your carbon footprint using renewable energy. Here are some key factors to consider when determining whether a solar installer is trustworthy.
Verify that your solar installer is properly licensed. This ensures that the work is done correctly using the most up-to-date installation methods. In Missouri, cities and counties have the right to issue contracting licenses. However, all contractors must register with the Missouri Secretary of State.
Look at review platforms such as TrustPilot, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to find out what previous customers say about local solar installers. Reviews can give you an idea of a company’s trustworthiness and customer service. Be wary of companies with no reviews or with predominantly negative feedback.
Get free, detailed quotes from three to five solar companies. A quote should describe all costs and identify the solar parts included. Looking at several quotes can help you find the option that best fits your budget.
Top-notch solar installations should have strong workmanship and performance guarantees. A workmanship warranty covers installation issues, such as poor wiring, cracks in the panels, or poor alignment. A performance warranty guarantees a minimum energy output. Comprehensive warranties indicate that a solar company believes in its work.
Solar panels can help reduce your electricity costs over time. When considering solar panel's cost and value, be sure to weigh these considerations.
The cost of solar panels varies based on your system's capacity and the solar technology used. The average solar system in St. Joseph has a capacity of 7.3 kilowatts. Homeowners in the area should expect to pay approximately $3,370 per kilowatt; the average St. Joseph homeowners spends roughly $17,170 on a new solar system after accounting for federal tax breaks. (Some homeowners prefer to lease solar panels to reduce their upfront costs.) A personalized quote from a local solar company will account for factors such as the capacity, panel type, and size of the planned system, and should include prices for labor, preliminary work, and permit fees.
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% exemption
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.
Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) array can be used to power any household system or appliance that uses electricity. In the smallest case, you can use a solar water heating system.
With home solar PV, you can save money on your energy bill, lower your property's emissions, and gain additional energy independence.
It depends on your home's location and the kind of panels you plan to use. Since there's a moderate amount of snowfall in St. Joseph, your best time to install solar panels is in the spring and fall.
Your payback period is the time to achieve an ROI on your solar panels. It will vary based on the average sunlight in your area, the rate your utility charges per kilowatt of power, and their rated capacity. St. Joseph gets quite a bit of sunlight per day, so an average payback period could last up to 11.5 years per 5 kW of capacity.
The type of solar panels you have will have specific maintenance steps to follow. Regardless of type, you should inspect your panels for damage and clean them regularly. Many solar contractors in the St. Joseph area offer low-cost maintenance plans to help you make the most of your panels and keep them healthy for as long as possible.
Net metering is a power purchasing policy that allows solar energy system owners to receive compensation for the amount of energy they put back into the grid. It's available in most states and is a great way to reduce energy costs.
When it comes to taxes, the federal government offers a tax credit of up to 30% of the panels' cost. Depending on where you live, you could also claim or apply for state or property tax incentives. Regarding insurance, your monthly premium may be slightly higher because solar panels increase your property's value. You should consult with your accountant or insurance agent for information specific to your case.
