Best 3 Solar Companies in Jefferson City, MO

Jefferson City residents are purposeful about preserving its natural resources and living greener lifestyles. That's why many people are purchasing panels from the best solar companies for their homes. If you live in one of the area's many old homes, you might question whether your electrical system would accommodate solar panels. However, new technology and savvy installers can help these homeowners access renewable, clean power. In this article, we'll show you Jefferson City's best solar providers and offer tips for your company choice, so you can find the perfect one for your home.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has carefully researched dozens of solar contractors near Jefferson City, keeping in mind the following criteria:

• Customer reviews and feedback: Most Jefferson City solar companies have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio indicates a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.
• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should utilize their years of experience answer your questions on how to care for your system and improve its performance.
• Experience and professional licensure: Each installer on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Jefferson City community for a decade or longer.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The top solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, offering equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar companies 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.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy has multiple advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.

• Lower energy bills: Producing some or all of your own energy will save you money on your electric bills long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that enable you to sell your surplus energy back to the grid, generating extra credits toward your energy bill.
• Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is one of the universe's most abundant clean energy sources, meaning you can lower or beat your home's dependence on fossil fuels.
• Better energy independence: Adding a solar battery storage system lets you have trustworthy energy during grid outages and storms.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Jefferson City Homeowners?

Missouri homeowners who upgrade to solar could qualify for special financing, rebates, reimbursements and tax credits. Here are just a few of the area's incentive offerings.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Jefferson City

The purchase price and efficiency of solar panels often depend on the solar company that mounted them. Here are some key items to consider while shopping for a solar company.

Licensing and Training

In Missouri, cities and counties have the right to issue contracting licenses. However, all contractors must register with the Missouri Secretary of State. Look for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar industry's most reputed trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Jefferson City

Your solar panels' type will influence how much power you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels generate less, but they're a great traditional option for low budgets. Thin-film panels are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations.

Additional system add-ons, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will increase your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not every solar provider offers these optional components, so look for a company that installs them if it's essential for you.

A majority of Jefferson City homeowners choose solar systems sized for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems cost about $16,850 to set up, considering both parts and installation. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Jefferson City

Choosing the optimal financing solution will affect your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include cash payments, power purchase agreements, leases, and loans. We recommend making a cash payment or securing 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 solid option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in installments while still enjoying 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 rate to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement lets you pay a fluctuating rate based on only the energy you use. We generally advise against these options since you will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in specific circumstances. Ask each provider you're considering about the financing options it offers. A salesperson can help you determine the best option for your budget.

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

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.

Sources

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
• U.S. Department of Energy