3 Reasons Farms & Small Businesses Should Consider USDA REAP Grants When Going Solar

3 Reasons Farms & Small Businesses Should Consider USDA REAP Grants When Going Solar Updated June 7, 2023 Solar just became more affordable for farmers and rural small businesses. Recently, the funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) was increased! This translates to the opportunity for even more […]

3 Forces Converge in Missouri for the Golden Hour of Solar

3 Forces Converge in Missouri for the Golden Hour of Solar [updated 4.12.2023] Wind, rain, and sun form for our summertime weather, but this summer will be unique with three forces converging to create the golden hour of solar. Here’s what you need to know about the closing Ameren Missouri incentive, utility rate hikes, and […]

Solar Financing with Clean Energy Credit Union

Solar Financing with Clean Energy Credit Union

Solar Financing with Clean Energy Credit Union StraightUp Solar has a seamless relationship with Clean Energy Credit Union to provide special financing to help people install solar electric systems on their homes. The Credit Union is focused on providing clean energy loans that reduce the cost of living for members while also contributing toward a […]

Inflation Reduction Act and Solar

Inflation Reduction Act and Solar Updated 7.25.2023 In August, 2022, President Joe Biden signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act, laying the foundation for future growth of solar energy in the United States. The new law helps transition American homes, businesses, nonprofits, and governments to clean energy generation with several incentives directed toward solar energy. […]

Federal Tax Credit Explained

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Post updated Aug 16, 2022. What exactly is the Federal Investment Tax Credit (FITC)? Watch StraightUp Solar’s own Professor Ky the Solar Guy explain how it works. Though he uses 2020’s rate of 26% as the example, the principle is the same except the credit is now 30%.    How Does it Work? The […]

Missouri Solar Incentives

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Missouri Solar Incentives Updated February 21, 2023 A woman walks into a solar store and asks, “What Missouri solar incentives are available for me?” The solar saleswoman answers, “It all depends.” This conversation happens all the time at StraightUp Solar. There are some financial incentives offered by the federal government and local utilities. Save Up […]

Study Finds Solar Panels Increase Home Values

In 2019 Zillow, an online real estate platform, researched how solar panels impact home values and the ultimate selling price. The short answer is that solar does increase the value of your home at sale. The National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL), also found that in addition to the higher premium solar owners can sell their […]

These Little Piggies Went Solar

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Pork producers across Illinois are investing in solar technology. Why? Solar generation matches very well with hog production systems.  In the summer, such systems need many fans ventilating the hog buildings and at the same time there are more hours of sun in the day and solar technology produces more energy.  Solar technology enables hog […]

Farmers Harvest the Sun for Lower Energy Costs

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Farmers across Illinois and Missouri are discovering solar as a great investment and can stabilize their energy costs. With federal and state incentives for agricultural operations, 2020 is shaping to be a great year for farmers to go solar. There are three federal incentives, as well as two incentives Illinois-specific, and one Missouri incentive appropriate […]