As a digital technology expert, I‘ve seen firsthand how advancements in computing, the internet, and software have disrupted and transformed countless industries. In recent years, the residential solar industry has undergone its own digital revolution – and nowhere is this more apparent than in sunny Missouri.
Thanks to falling costs, rising electricity rates, and attractive incentives, solar installations in Missouri have grown by over 200% in the last 5 years alone. In 2021, the state added 177 MW of new solar capacity, bringing its total to over 950 MW – enough to power more than 100,000 homes.[^1]
But it‘s not just the economics that are driving this growth. From online solar marketplaces to virtual site assessments to real-time performance monitoring, digital technology is making it easier than ever for Missouri homeowners to explore solar, find the right installer, and maximize the value of their investment.
In this article, I‘ll highlight some of the key ways that digital technology is transforming the solar industry in Missouri. I‘ll also introduce you to some of the state‘s top solar companies and share expert tips for leveraging digital tools to save time, money, and hassle on your solar project.
The Top 10 Solar Companies in Missouri
As the solar industry has matured, a number of leading companies have emerged in Missouri. While there are many great options to choose from, the following 10 installers stand out for their experience, expertise, and digital prowess:
1. Sun Solar
With over 2,000 installations and 10 MW of solar installed, Springfield-based Sun Solar is the largest solar installer in Missouri.[^2] They offer a streamlined digital sales process, virtual site assessments, and online financing applications. Their intuitive SunViewer™ app lets customers monitor their system‘s performance in real-time.
2. SunPower by EFS Energy
As one of SunPower‘s top Master Dealers, EFS Energy offers some of the most efficient solar panels on the market, with an average efficiency of 22.8%.[^3] Their proprietary digital design tool, EnergyLink™, allows customers to see a virtual rendering of their system and savings before signing a contract.
3. Dogwood Solar
Dogwood Solar boasts an impressive 4.8/5 rating on SolarReviews, with over 100 verified customer reviews.[^4] Their digital quoting platform, DogwoodDirect™, provides instant estimates based on satellite imagery and energy usage data. They also offer 24/7 live system monitoring through the MyDogwood™ portal.
4. Brighten Solar Co.
With virtual consultations, online financing applications, and affordable monthly payment options, Brighten Solar Co. makes going solar simple. Their BrightenView™ app provides real-time production data and system alerts, helping customers optimize their energy usage and savings over time.
5. Solera Energy LLC
Solera Energy has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and consistently ranks as one of the top solar installers in the St. Louis area.[^5] Their SolaraSync™ program combines energy efficiency upgrades with solar installation to help customers maximize their savings.
6. StraightUp Solar
One of Missouri‘s most experienced installers, StraightUp Solar uses Aurora Solar‘s digital shading analysis and design software to create highly accurate 3D models of customers‘ homes and solar systems. Their SunWatch™ monitoring platform tracks production and alerts the team of any issues.
7. Blue Raven Solar
Blue Raven‘s exclusive BluePower Plus+ financing program offers 18 months of free solar power, making it easier to make the switch. Their SunSurveyor™ app lets customers track their installation process and securely e-sign documents from any device.
8. Barlop Solar
Barlop Solar offers virtual consultations and site assessments, as well as a user-friendly online customer portal for tracking energy production and savings. Their BarlopBlock™ program combines solar with smart home upgrades like battery storage and EV chargers.
9. Pink Energy
Pink Energy‘s PinkPulse™ app lets customers monitor their system‘s performance, track their carbon offset, and securely pay their bill from their phone. They also offer a comprehensive home energy audit using advanced digital tools to identify efficiency opportunities.
10. Rise Power Solar
Rise Power Solar offers instant online quotes, virtual site assessments, and a best-price guarantee. Their RiseRewards™ program lets customers earn points for referring friends and family, which can be redeemed for cash, travel, or smart home gear.
Here‘s a quick comparison of some key stats and features for these top Missouri solar companies:
| Company | Installations | Financing | Monitoring | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun Solar | 2,000+ | $0 down, 12-18 mo. free | SunViewer app | 25 years |
| EFS Energy | 1,500+ | Loans, leases, PPA | EnergyLink portal | 25 years |
| Dogwood Solar | 1,000+ | $0 down, 18-24 mo. free | MyDogwood portal | 25 years |
| Brighten Solar | 500+ | $0 down, 12-18 mo. free | BrightenView app | 25 years |
| Solera Energy | 250+ | Loans, cash, PPA | SolaraSync program | 25 years |
| StraightUp Solar | 1,000+ | Loans, cash | SunWatch platform | 10 years |
| Blue Raven | 5,000+ | BluePower Plus+ (18 mo. free) | SunSurveyor app | 25 years |
| Barlop Solar | 100+ | $0 down, BarlopBlock program | Online portal | 25 years |
| Pink Energy | 30,000+ | Loans, cash | PinkPulse app | 30 years |
| Rise Power | 200+ | $0 down, RiseRewards program | Online portal | 25 years |
Of course, these are just a few of the great solar companies serving the Show-Me State. As you begin exploring your options, be sure to check out online solar marketplaces like EnergySage and SolarReviews to compare quotes and read verified customer reviews.
How Digital Technology Can Help You Save on Solar
Going solar is a big investment, but digital technology can help you maximize your savings and get the most out of your system. Here are a few key ways to leverage digital tools throughout the solar process:
1. Use Online Solar Calculators
Before you start reaching out to installers, use an online solar calculator like Project Sunroof, PVWatts, or the SolarReviews calculator to get a quick estimate of your solar potential and savings. Just enter your address, electricity bill, and a few other details to see how much you could save with solar.
2. Get Multiple Quotes and Compare Online
To get the best deal on solar, it‘s important to compare quotes from multiple installers. Online solar marketplaces like EnergySage and Pick My Solar make it easy to collect and compare multiple quotes from vetted installers in your area. You can also use these platforms to read customer reviews and learn more about each company‘s offerings.
3. Evaluate Your Financing Options
As you compare quotes, be sure to carefully consider your financing options. In general, paying for your system in cash or with a solar loan will provide the greatest long-term savings, while leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs) offer lower upfront costs but less overall value.
Here‘s a quick comparison of the lifetime savings potential for a typical 5 kW system in Missouri with different financing options (assuming a 25-year lifespan):
| Financing Option | Upfront Cost | Lifetime Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Cash Purchase | $15,000 | $28,500 |
| Solar Loan | $0 down, 3.99% APR | $22,000 |
| Solar Lease | $0 down, 20-year term | $12,000 |
| Solar PPA | $0 down, 25-year term | $10,000 |
Note: These are rough estimates based on average Missouri electricity rates and incentives. Your actual savings will depend on your specific system, energy usage, and contract terms.
As you can see, paying in cash offers the greatest lifetime savings, while a $0-down solar loan is a close second. Be sure to consider your unique financial situation and goals as you weigh your options.
4. Take Advantage of Digital Monitoring
Once your system is installed, be sure to take advantage of digital monitoring tools to track your energy production and usage in real-time. Most installers offer web and mobile apps that provide detailed insights into your system‘s performance, alert you to any issues, and help you optimize your energy consumption.
Some popular monitoring platforms include SolarEdge, Enphase MyEnlighten, and SunPower MySunPower. Many utility companies also offer online portals where you can track your net metering credits and energy usage over time.
By keeping a close eye on your system‘s performance and adjusting your habits accordingly, you can maximize your solar savings and get the most out of your investment.
Getting Started with Solar in Missouri
If you‘re ready to take the next step and start exploring solar for your home, here‘s a quick roadmap to follow:
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Educate yourself: Read up on the basics of solar with guides like our Complete Solar Energy Guide. Familiarize yourself with key terms and concepts so you can make informed decisions.
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Evaluate your solar potential: Use an online solar calculator to estimate your solar potential and savings based on your location, roof, and energy usage. This will give you a baseline to compare quotes against.
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Collect and compare quotes: Reach out to at least 3-4 solar installers in your area to request quotes. Use online solar marketplaces to streamline this process and ensure you‘re getting competitive offers.
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Choose an installer: Carefully review your quotes and select an installer that offers the best combination of price, quality, and service. Schedule a final consultation to discuss the details of your project.
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Sit back and let the pros work: Once you‘ve signed a contract, your installer will handle the entire process from start to finish – including system design, permitting, installation, and final inspections. Most installations take between 1-3 months from contract signing to power on.
Here are some key Missouri solar statistics and resources to keep in mind as you explore your options:
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Missouri currently ranks 28th in the nation for solar installations, with enough solar capacity to power over 100,000 homes.[^1]
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The average cost of solar in Missouri is $2.59 per watt, which is slightly below the national average of $2.66 per watt.[^6]
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Missouri offers a $500 state tax deduction for new solar installations, as well as net metering and property tax exemptions for solar equipment.
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Key solar incentive programs in Missouri include the state‘s Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) market, utility rebate programs, and the federal solar tax credit.
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To learn more about going solar in Missouri, check out the Missouri Solar Energy Industries Association (MOSEIA), the Missouri Department of Energy, and the DSIRE database of state incentives.
By following these steps and leveraging the power of digital technology, you can make the switch to clean, renewable solar energy with confidence and ease. As you do, you‘ll be joining the thousands of Missourians who are already enjoying lower electricity bills, increased energy independence, and a reduced carbon footprint.
So what are you waiting for? It‘s time to let the sun shine in and start exploring your solar options today!
[^1]: Missouri Solar, SEIA, https://www.seia.org/state-solar-policy/missouri-solar, accessed April 2023.
[^2]: Sun Solar, EnergySage, https://www.energysage.com/supplier/57048/sun-solar-llc/, accessed April 2023.
[^3]: SunPower Solar Panels, SunPower.com, https://us.sunpower.com/solar-panels-technology/m-series-solar-panels, accessed April 2023.
[^4]: Dogwood Solar, SolarReviews, https://www.solarreviews.com/installers/dogwood-solar-reviews, accessed April 2023.
[^5]: Solera Energy LLC, Better Business Bureau, https://www.bbb.org/us/mo/earth-city/profile/solar-energy-equipment-and-systems-dealers/solera-energy-llc-0734-1000048002, accessed April 2023.
[^6]: Solar panel cost in Missouri, EnergySage, https://www.energysage.com/local-data/solar-panel-cost/mo/, accessed April 2023.
