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Rooftop solar panels are installed with mounting systems either attached to the roof or ballasted with heavy blocks. Ballasted installations are used on flat roofs and require no penetration from the roof. For tilted or pitched roofs like asphalt, a small pilot hole is drilled into the truss of the roof frame. This pilot hole allows the mounting bracket to attach to the roof and the plate that holds the panel is flashed with the rest of the roof to prevent leaks. For metal roofs, clamps are used to hold the panels in place. In both cases, the panels and mounting system can withstand very high-powered wind loads and storms.
Home and business owners may realize a 10% ROI or better. Given their longevity, the systems may pay for themselves well within their lifetime. As energy prices continue to rise, the return on investment should also improve.
Expanding solar energy in our electrical supply is vital for a transition from a fossil fuel-based grid to renewable energy. Solar panels are mainly silicon, glass and wires. It is estimated that in just two years, the renewable energy produced by your solar PV system will exceed the embedded energy used in the production of the modules. The glass, wiring, and metal used in solar panels can be recycled for raw materials for future construction projects.
Your best starting point is to determine how many kilowatts of power you need is to look at how many kWhs (kilowatt hours) home, business, or organization used in each of the previous 12 months. With this, we can compare expected monthly solar energy production to your electricity usage. Annual electricity usage total is also a good start. You’ll find your monthly kWh records via paper copies of your utility bills, a phone call to your utility provider, or through your online utility account.
Our solar experts consider your energy usage, among other considerations, to develop a solar assessment customized to your unique energy needs. Assessments include a custom solar design and recommended equipment (panels and inverters). See our infographic to learn more about sizing your solar PV system.
A south-facing area that gets sun from approximately 9 am to 3 pm is best. Solar systems also work well even when facing west or east, if that’s your best option. We can mount the systems on the majority of roof types, including a variety of materials used on pitched and flat roofs. Systems can also be ground-mounted. Find out if your home is good for solar by taking our Quiz.
Solar panels can last between 30-35 years, with manufacturers’ warranties typically lasting 25 years. Each year, the panel’s efficiency degrades by a small percentage. Yet after 25 years, high-efficiency panels produce 85-92% of the energy as they did in year one. Learn more in our article “Solar Panel Depreciation: The Secrets of Peak Performance.”
Like plants and photosynthesis, solar panels take the power of the sun and turn it into energy. Here’s how it works. The photons from the sun shine down on the panels, they excite electrons in the panel’s cells, which then move to its circuits. This direct current energy travels from the roof to an inverter which converts the direct current (DC) energy to alternative current energy (AC) for your home’s energy use. The inverter connects to your home’s electrical system at the panel box or at the meter. In the installations StraightUp Solar completes, your home is always tied to the utility grid to receive power when the sun goes down. Alternatively, the energy can be stored in batteries to be withdrawn at night. Your bi-directional meter tracks the energy generated from your array that exits your home as well as the energy your home consumes from the grid. When the grid is down, and if you have no batteries, your inverter will not allow energy to exit your home to protect the utility workers repairing the lines.
Watch our “How Does Solar Work for Your Home” video to learn more.
Solar immediately reduces your electricity bill, while locking in your energy rates long-term. Savings vary based on your system costs, how much energy your array produces, and the cost of electricity in your area. This will determine how much money will need to be offset (the costs) and how much will be saved via lowered energy costs (savings). The paybacks for solar systems can range from 8 to 15 years, depending on the type of incentives offered and the size of the solar PV system. Learn about Missouri and Illinois solar incentives.
Here’s an example of one St. Charles, Missouri, homeowner sharing his experience with reduced energy bills after installing solar. Watch the testimonial.
Our custom solar quotes provide your estimated energy bill savings, incentives you may be eligible to receive, a cost breakdown, and cash flow so you can make an informed solar decision.
Homeowners policies typically cover solar arrays, but check with your insurance agent if you need additional coverage. In some cases, additional coverage may be necessary as you are adding value to your house. Your electric cooperative may also require proof of insurance before setting up your array.
Your home with a solar array will be more attractive to a future homebuyer. Recent analysis from Zillow showed in mature solar markets, homes with solar were 4% higher in value than a comparable home without solar. When you buy a house with solar, you are getting an energy generation system that pays for itself. No other appliance in the house can create a positive cash flow. Contact StraightUp Solar when you sell or move into a home with solar. Our service department can show you how to hook up your system and ensure years of smooth operation.
Solar can be placed on a variety of roofs, roof types, and buildings. While south facing roofs are the best place for a solar array, east or west facing roofs can also be suitable. However, it will produce slightly less energy. It is not advised to put solar on a north facing roof. Similarly, ground mounts should face the south and have no tree obstructions or shading if possible. We install arrays on asphalt shingle roofs, metal roofs and TPO-covered flat roofs, just to name the more popular roof types. We do not install on slate or tile roofs.
Purchasing a solar PV system is similar to buying a car. Purchasing an array with cash or financing depends on your current situation and goals. Financing allows you to spread out the payments of the system over several years, but you do pay for service and interest charges. StraightUp Solar is a proud partner of the Clean Energy Credit Union who can make long-term loans for your solar PV system. Plus, financial incentives are available in both Missouri and Illinois.
It depends on how much energy can be offset with your solar PV system. A typical solar homeowner offsets about 70% of the energy with a solar PV system. In many cases, this amount of energy can provide all the energy needed for the high solar months of April to September. With net metering, you may only pay the customer charge during those months.The baseline customer charge will vary utility from utility.
Like plants and photosynthesis, solar panels take the power of the sun and turn it into energy. Here’s how it works. The photons from the sun shine down on the panels, they excite electrons in the panel’s cells, which then move to its circuits. This direct current energy travels from the roof to an inverter which converts the direct current (DC) energy to alternative current energy (AC) for your business’ energy use. The inverter connects to your business’ electrical system at the panel box or at the meter. In the installations StraightUp Solar completes, your business is always tied to the utility grid to receive power when the sun goes down. Your bi-directional meter tracks the energy generated from your array that exits your business as well as the energy your business consumes from the grid. When the grid is down, your inverter will not allow energy to exit your business to protect the utility workers repairing the lines.
Learn more about commercial solar.
Illinois offers a special property tax assessment for solar. The alternative valuation will be the lesser of two values: the value of a conventional heating and cooling system, or the value of the solar energy system, whichever is less. Missouri’s property tax exemption for solar states that solar energy systems not held for resale are exempt from all state, local, and county property taxes.
StraightUp Solar works with a variety of top-tier solar energy equipment vendors. A portion of our solar components are sourced through our Amicus Solar Cooperative partnership, which allows us to obtain high-quality components with cost savings achieved through quantity.
Like plants and photosynthesis, solar panels take the power of the sun and turn it into energy. Here’s how it works. The photons from the sun shine down on the panels, they excite electrons in the panel’s cells, which then move to its circuits. This direct current energy travels from the roof to an inverter which converts the direct current (DC) energy to alternative current energy (AC) for your farm’s energy use. The inverter connects to your farm’s electrical system at the panel box or at the meter. In the installations StraightUp Solar completes, your farm is always tied to the utility grid to receive power when the sun goes down. Alternatively, the energy can be stored in batteries to be withdrawn at night. Your bi-directional meter tracks the energy generated from your array that exits your farm as well as the energy your farm consumes from the grid. When the grid is down, and if you have no batteries, your inverter will not allow energy to exit your farm to protect the utility workers repairing the lines.
Learn more about solar for farms and agriculture.
You will have several mounting options for a solar array at your farm. We install on pitched asphalt and metal roofs, flat roofs, even buildings with a curved roof such as those commonly found in agricultural settings. You may find that a ground mount is an attractive option, provided we can help you determine whether you have adequate ground space for a solar array.
The typical solar project timeline from contract signature to solar energy production is generally between 2-4 months, depending on the complexity of interconnection with your local utility.
Oftentimes we will locate your array in an area where livestock will not interact with it often, in order to reduce the risk of damage by livestock to your array.
The REAP grant application process does involve paperwork, which is easier to manage if your business’ paperwork is already in good order. However, you will need to locate and pull the required records. Allow at least one month preparation time to organize and gather your files, submit them to the grant writer, and allow time for processing. We can provide REAP grant assistance by connecting you with consultants who help you establish your federal grant identification number, compile the necessary documentation on your company, write and submit the grant, and provide post-grant support.
For more information go to the Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loans & Grants website.
Learn more on our blog “3 Reasons Farms & Small Businesses Should Consider USDA REAP Grants When Going Solar.”
Many agricultural operations will have their entire investment paid back within 5 years.
Like plants and photosynthesis, solar panels take the power of the sun and turn it into energy.
Here’s how it works. The photons from the sun shine down on the panels, they excite electrons in the panel’s cells, which then move to its circuits. This direct current energy travels from the roof to an inverter which converts the direct current (DC) energy to alternative current energy (AC) for your building’s energy use. The inverter connects to your buildings’s electrical system at the panel box or at the meter.
In the installations StraightUp Solar completes, your building is always tied to the utility grid to receive power when the sun goes down. Alternatively, the energy can be stored in batteries to be withdrawn at night. Your bi-directional meter tracks the energy generated from your array that exits your building as well as the energy your building consumes from the grid. When the grid is down, and if you have no batteries, your inverter will not allow energy to exit your building to protect the utility workers repairing the lines.
Learn more about solar for Nonprofits.
Thanks to the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, solar energy has become more affordable for government entities with the Direct Pay of the Federal Investment Tax Credit. This new feature of the tax credit allows non-tax paying entities to receive the full value of the tax credit by making the 30% tax credit refundable. Non-profit organizations and governments can use that direct payment amount to reduce the cost of their system.
Learn more about solar incentives for Government and Nonprofit entities.
Tax-exempt entities may indirectly realize the savings of solar tax benefits by partnering with a for-profit third party who can purchase the solar equipment and perform the installation on behalf of your organization.
Learn more about third-party financing for tax-exempt organizations by visiting our Government & Nonprofit Incentives & Financing page.
Aside from a Solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) or Lease through StraightUp Solar and our financing partner, your tax-exempt organization could also form a single-purpose business entity, usually in the form of an LLC. Tax benefits for the solar array, chiefly the 30% Federal Tax Credit and MACRS depreciation, would trickle down to the members of the LLC. Filing for an LLC will require legal expertise and approximately $1,000 in filing fees.
StraightUp Solar is dedicated to fulfilling our CLEARE values. In fact, the first “E” in CLEARE stands for “Educate.” We take this to heart by spreading knowledge about solar to not only customers, but also students, businesses, organizations, and anyone with a keen interest in learning about solar. Please contact us to arrange an educational presentation for your organization or school.
Illinois Solar For All, made possible by the Future Energy Jobs Act in 2016, helps make solar installations more affordable for low-income households and organizations through state incentives and through measurable savings on their energy bills. Visit our Illinois Solar for All page to learn more.
Go to the Illinois Solar For All website to learn more about eligibility requirements and how to participate.
Yes, a solar group buy program can be used to raise funds for your organization. A common model for fundraising with a solar group buy is to pre-designate a donation amount for each kilowatt (KW) of solar that is installed within the group buy program. Learn more about our fundraising opportunities for Nonprofits.
A solar group buy will allow your community to save on solar with no minimum for participation. We’d like your solar group buy to have a certain goal in mind, and will work with your organization to set specific reward levels to encourage community participation. Generally, we scale these goals according to the size of your community.
Solar group buys can run for as much or as little time as your community would prefer and time commitment to adequately promote the program depends on the size and range of your community group. For a mid-size town, we’d recommend a 4 month program with educational meetings every other week for the first 3 months.
Depending on the exact design of the program, administration and promotion may be funded by a grant or by a fee paid by the installation partner selected by your organization.
Your organization will not be liable for installation quality issues. StraightUp Solar is a fully insured and bonded local business and each installation entails a contract between the specific home or business owner and our company.
Homeowners who install solar panels can save significantly on electricity bills, gain insulation from rising utility rates, and increase property value. After the system pays for itself, most users enjoy many years of free energy generation.
Homeowners may qualify for a 30 percent federal tax credit on the total installed cost of their solar system. This incentive can significantly reduce your upfront expense, but it will not be available after December 31, 2025, so it’s wise to act soon.
The cost depends on your home’s energy needs, roof size and orientation, shading, and the size of the solar array. Accurate, free quotes from installers help clarify total investment, incentives, and financing options.
Solar panels boost property value by lowering energy costs and appealing to environmentally conscious buyers. Most energy-efficient upgrades, like solar, improve cash flow and make the home attractive to cost-conscious home shoppers, too.
Dedicated solar loans or solar leases sometimes come with zero down payment and flexible payment plans. Monthly payments can be comparable to or lower than current electric bills. With a solar loan, you own your solar PV system, while a lease may be bought out for ownership at the end of the lease term. Loans and leases can help make the transition to solar financially attainable for many homeowners.
Net metering lets you earn credits for the extra solar energy you send back to the grid, offsetting your electric usage and reducing bills even more. State and local utility policies can affect how much credit you earn, so check local guidelines.
Solar panels require minimal maintenance, usually just occasional cleaning and routine inspections. Many systems come with warranties. The StraightUp Solar service team provides professional maintenance and repairs to ensure your system stays efficient and reliable over time.
Installers calculate your ideal array size based on your annual electricity usage, roof space and orientation, and efficiency goals. Free assessments often include a custom layout and energy production estimate.
Yes. You can install home EV chargers powered by your solar array. An installer can help you size your system to account for your car’s charging station and energy consumption.
Solar panel systems often include manufacturer warranties, typically lasting 25 to 30 years, safeguarding your investment. Advances in technology have made modern solar panels, inverters, and battery storage increasingly durable for the long term.
You can install a home battery storage system, which stores electricity produced by your solar panels during the day. When your home experiences a power outage, the battery system automatically disconnects your home from the utility grid and supplies power to your home’s “critical loads panel” until the grid is restored or the battery is recharged by your solar array.
A residential battery backup system is typically designed to power only essential home loads, such as your refrigerator, lights, internet equipment, and select outlets. Large home appliances like HVAC systems or hot tubs are generally excluded. Essential electrical circuits are placed in a dedicated “critical loads panel,” and the number and size of your home’s batteries will determine how many circuits you can supply and for how long.
Yes, if you are a StraightUp Solar customer and your household electricity needs have increased, you can add panels to your existing residential solar system. Adding more panels will increase your system’s total capacity and help produce additional clean energy to match your new energy usage.
StraightUp Solar customizes every residential solar array expansion by reviewing your current system, your updated energy usage, and your property’s layout. They use satellite imagery and an on-site evaluation to find the best placement for add-on panels, ensuring compatibility with your existing system and maximizing efficiency.
If your home needs roof work, StraightUp Solar’s team can temporarily remove your solar panels and reinstall them once the roofing project is complete. The process is handled by experienced technicians who ensure your solar panels, racking, and relevant equipment are reinstalled to system design specifications and highest quality standards. Most often, only essential equipment and cabling are adjusted, and existing racking is reused where appropriate. Panel removal and replacement are also supported by a 5-year workmanship and roof leak warranty for your peace of mind.
Yes. StraightUp Solar technicians ensure all parts of your solar array—including roof attachments, racking, module assembly, and wiring—meet quality and safety standards upon reinstallation. The team conducts system layout reviews and testing to verify your system efficiently produces energy once your panels are back in place.
Commercial solar panels help businesses reduce high electricity bills, lock in stable energy costs, gain energy independence, and support sustainable business operations. They can also generate revenue and improve brand reputation by demonstrating commitment to clean energy.
StraightUp Solar offers solar panels designed and installed to endure severe weather, including hail. They provide operation and maintenance plans to maintain system reliability even after harsh conditions common in the region.
StraightUp Solar provides scheduled preventative maintenance, continuous monitoring, performance reviews, reporting, reactive and corrective repairs, and services like panel removal/replacement for roof work. Our team includes NABCEP-certified technicians experienced with major solar brands.
Businesses can benefit from the 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit and reduce solar system costs. StraightUp Solar can guide businesses through qualifications and help maximize tax savings before the tax credit sunset of December 31, 2027.
StraightUp Solar serves a wide range of enterprises, including small businesses, industrial sites, nonprofit organizations, government facilities, houses of worship, educational institutions, agriculture, and large commercial sites in Missouri and Illinois.
By generating on-site solar electricity, businesses reduce dependence on grid power rates, avoid utility price increases, and gain reliable energy supply, which is particularly valuable in regions with volatile energy markets.
Yes, StraightUp Solar offers referral incentives for businesses or organizations that recommend their solar services to others, including monetary rewards based on system size installed.
Solar energy reduces carbon footprints by replacing fossil-fuel-based electricity with clean, renewable energy, helping businesses meet environmental goals and appeal to eco-conscious customers and stakeholders.
The process includes site assessment, design and engineering, permitting, installation by experienced technicians, inspections, and commissioning. StraightUp Solar also provides ongoing system monitoring and support.
StraightUp Solar uses advanced monitoring platforms compatible with various inverter brands, allowing real-time performance tracking, alert notifications, and energy production reporting to ensure optimal system operation.
A commercial battery storage system enables your business to store surplus solar energy generated by your commercial solar array and operate critical business systems during utility outages. The system automatically manages the power flow between your solar array, batteries, and the grid, helping maintain business continuity without manual intervention.
The appropriate commercial solar battery storage setup for your business depends on your facility’s specific energy usage patterns and which critical operations you want to maintain during a power outage. StraightUp Solar will help your business review electrical loads, plan a “critical loads panel” for backup, and recommend the number and size of batteries required to meet your resilience goals.
Yes, businesses with StraightUp Solar installations can expand their solar arrays by adding more panels as commercial energy requirements grow with your business. Increasing panel count raises your solar generation capacity, helping offset higher electricity consumption or supporting new equipment.
For commercial customers, StraightUp Solar evaluates your business’s increased energy needs along with your facility’s available space, orientation, and existing equipment. They use detailed site analysis and system integration planning to ensure your additional panels work efficiently with your current installation, delivering optimal performance and reliability.
Yes, StraightUp Solar offers solar panel removal and replacement services for commercial customers when roof maintenance or replacement is needed. Their dedicated operations and maintenance team is experienced in handling both temporary removal and high-quality reinstallation, ensuring your commercial solar system operates reliably after roofing work is done. They also service commercial solar panels even if StraightUp Solar did not originally install them.
The process includes disconnecting the solar array, carefully removing solar panels and racking as needed, safeguarding all equipment during roofing work, and reinstalling and testing the complete system to meet engineering standards. StraightUp Solar ensures compliance with all system design, safety, and electrical requirements for commercial projects.
