How To Start the Process of Going Solar in Iowa & Missouri

You’re a Missouri or Iowa resident and you’ve done your research, you’ve weighed the pros and cons, and now you’ve decided to go solar. What’s the first step? Going solar is a big decision, and one that we understand homeowners, business owners, and farmers alike take very seriously. After all, it’s an investment in your property! Like any other investment you make when you enhance your property, you want to take it step by step.

Going solar can provide a multitude of benefits, from cost-saving and energy independence to sustainability and value.

Evaluate Your Property for Optimal Solar Advantages & Placement

It’s important to take a step back and evaluate your property for the best, optimal use of solar. Where you’re located is a big factor. Are you rural? Are you in a suburb? How much acreage do you own? All of this will help determine if you need a roof or ground solar array. A ground array will take up more square footage on your property, compared to solar panels adhered to your roof.

From there, take a look at the amount of shade or coverage you have over your property. If you’re surrounded by lots of trees, you may want to consider creating a space for solar. If you’ve determined that roof-mounted solar panels are your best option, this is also the perfect time to double-check your roof. Ensure your roof has plenty of its lifespan left and that it’s in good condition.

Understand Your Current Energy Use

Hopefully, you’ve been saving your utility bills over the years or at least have access to past documents. Understanding how you currently use energy from your provider will give you better data to work with on what kind of energy savings you can expect when going solar. Energy consumption will vary depending on the type of property you have.

If you’re a business owner or farmer, your energy consumption is likely higher than a residential household. If you’re a homeowner, you can expect your average energy consumption to be 899 kWh per month, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. This also depends on where you live in the United States and seasonal fluctuations.

Knowing how you currently use electricity and projecting future fluctuations will better help you make informed decisions about your solar array and assist in the solar process altogether.

Research Reputable Solar Installers

Finding the right solar installers will make all the difference in your process. They should be able to have a strong ability to work directly with you in providing a good product while also providing customer service that goes above and beyond. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a solar installer.

Look at Past Solar Projects

Be sure that their past solar projects are accessible to you. Or, ask them for details on past projects. This is a great way to see their work in reality, beyond what they say they can do. Viewing their portfolio of projects is also a great way to draw inspiration from.

Check for Certifications or Accreditations

A good, genuine solar company will have partnerships with industry names or be certified in the services they provide. This is a great way to ensure you’re not susceptible to being scammed by a company or “solar provider” who claims they can do the work. Check their website, social media, or ask their team what partnerships they have. If they’ve worked with notable names or on big projects, they are likely a credible business.

TIP: Make sure you double-check that they are local to you. Stay away from big companies or franchises that may lack in customer service and reputable work.

Speak to a Solar Company Representative

Much like in our day-to-day lives, speaking to someone is a great way to get to know them. Inquire about setting up a meeting or a phone call to talk about solar. Be sure to ask questions and be aware of the way they communicate with you. A solar company that truly cares about their clients will not only give them answers they want to hear, but also the truth, educating them on the industry and technology. It’s important to hear first-hand how this installer will help you through the process.

Make a Plan for Solar Financing

Making the choice to go solar is not cheap; however, you do have options. Before you make your final decision, be aware of the cost and have a budget in mind. Also, do your research and look into federal or state incentives, or rebates offered at a state or local level. These incentives are to help you offset the cost of your solar array installation. Some utility providers may also offer net metering, another way you can save money through optimizing the energy you generate. Missouri and Iowa both have different utility providers that offer different advantages.

Work With a Solar Installation Company You Can Trust

Once you’ve made the decision to go solar, let a trusted solar installer help you take the reins. Walking you through the process from start to finish, 1 Source Solar provides a turn-key solar service. What’s this? You work with a company who can manage the entire process from installation to maintenance, and beyond. Our entire team is equipped to be your #1 partner in solar. Give us a call or contact us today to get started. We’d love to speak with you.