Josephine NesbitContributing Writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Apr. 22, 2024
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Homefront Local uses a unique algorithm to score solar companies based on important factors like user reviews and how popular they are in your area.
High-quality solar panel installation in O'Fallon, Missouri, requires a solar installer that is properly certified, qualified and experienced. To help you find the perfect team, we’ve compiled a list of the best solar companies in O'Fallon.
Before deciding on an installer, ask others for suggestions, evaluate the installers you're considering and collect quotes from multiple companies to find the one that meets your needs. You can select a local solar company in O'Fallon or opt for a well-known national brand.
While solar panels are a significant upfront investment, you can cut your energy bills over the long term. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), transitioning to solar energy allows O'Fallon homeowners to save $1,200 on average each year.
The products from different solar technicians aren't all the same. Be sure to compare companies and get quotes before you set up your solar panel installation.
Look for O'Fallon solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars in customer ratings on Google Reviews and similar review platforms. The company should also have a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Looking at previous customer testimonials can provide insight into other homeowners' experiences dealing with the solar company. Frequent poor reviews are worth making a note of as a possible warning sign.
Places with varying amounts of sun, including those with increased rain or cloud coverage like O'Fallon, can still benefit from solar energy. Here are the biggest reasons for going solar:
Our survey from October 2023 showed that the national average price of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The price of solar panel installation depends on several factors, such as where you live, sunlight exposure, roof alignment, shading, system size and labor. Be prepared to pay more if you choose accessories like animal guards, solar trackers or batteries.
In O'Fallon, solar panel installation costs an average of $17,066, based on data from NASA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the EIA.
Putting in solar panels requires substantial spending upfront, but you can make those costs back through major reductions in your energy bills down the road.
In O'Fallon, you can plan to save money after switching fully to solar. However, it takes time to recover the initial investment, and factors such as rain and tree coverage affect how long it takes to see a return on your solar investment.
Switching to solar not only saves money but also decreases your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the projected CO2 emission reductions achievable by going solar.
Experts Ready to Help
Homeowners in O'Fallon can be eligible for several solar incentives. Some are available across the state for all Missouri residents, and others differ by your city, municipality and utility company.
Accessible solar incentives for Missouri homeowners, as stated by DSIRE, include:
Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
---|---|
Rebate Program Wabash Valley Power Association (28 Member Cooperatives) - Residential Energy Efficiency Program | 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 |
Rebate Program Empire District Electric - Solar PV Rebates | $0.25 per watt for systems operational between July 1, 2019, and December 31, 2023 |
Property Tax Incentive Solar Property Tax Exemption | 100% exemption |
Rebate Program Ameren Missouri (Electric) - Residential Heating and Cooling Energy Efficiency Rebate Program | 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 |
PACE Financing Local Option - Clean Energy Development Boards | Financing contracts limited to 20 years or less; improvements must display a positive economic benefit over the life of the contract. |
Rebate Program Cuivre River Electric - Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs | 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 |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 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. |
When selecting a solar panel installation professional, first review these key considerations.
The right solar system size for you is based on how much energy your household needs, as well as the system's energy production ratio. More energy-intensive households often need larger solar panel systems. If the system isn't big enough, it might not generate sufficient electricity to power your whole home.
Specific permits and state or local regulations could affect your solar project. You’ll need to secure the proper permits through your local building department and schedule an inspection.
Not every house gets the same sun exposure. Trees, precipitation and harsh weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks sufficient sunlight, you may need a higher amount of panels with increased wattage.
A solar battery allows the storage of extra power in solar panel systems. This is especially useful when you're trying to prevent power loss during storms. The addition of battery storage can increase the cost of installation.
You can select from several types of solar panels, each varying in life expectancy, efficiency and design. These factors not only influence the price, but also how quickly you’ll need to replace panels and how much space the panels take up on your roof.
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
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