AV Solar and Home

03/20/2024

When you rely on your utility company for electricity, it's like renting your power. Renting electricity from your utility company leaves you vulnerable to fluctuating rates.

With solar, you take charge by becoming the owner of your power generation.

This shift provides long-term stability in energy costs and can even boost your property's value by lowering operational expenses.

Reach out to schedule your free virtual consultation.
(636)388-8351
[email protected]

*Note that not all situations result in immediate savings, as every situation is unique.

03/18/2024

🌞From Consultation to Connection: The Complete Process of Going Solar🌞

1.) Personalized Consultation
Not everyone should or even can convert their home to solar. It is important to get with a trusted professional to assess your home’s unique situation to determine if solar is right for your home.

2.) Site Survey
To ensure the success of a clean solar project, it's crucial to conduct a thorough site assessment. This includes evaluating the condition of the breaker panel and wiring, the integrity of the roof, any existing solar arrays or generators, and determining if any trenching lines are necessary.

3.) Approvals
If determined that solar makes sense, multiple approvals are necessary for a solar project to move forward. These include securing funding, engineering analysis of the site survey, accessing incentives, and obtaining approval from the local utility company.

4.) Permits and Engineering
Alongside the 'approval' phase, it's crucial to ensure that the project receives the necessary engineering stamps and local jurisdiction permits. Each jurisdiction has its unique requirements and timelines for permit approval. This stage is typically the lengthiest in the process.

5.) Installation
Once all the preliminary tasks are finalized, the actual installation process is usually swift. A straightforward installation can be accomplished within 1-2 days, typically split into two phases: panel mounting and electrical wiring. However, more complex projects like ground mounts may require additional time due to their unique requirements.

6.) Permission to Operate
After the installation wraps up, inspections are necessary before you can start harnessing solar energy for your home. The local utility conducts an inspection to verify that the system is correctly connected to the grid. Additionally, certain jurisdictions might mandate extra inspections. Once everything gets the thumbs-up, you're good to go, and your home can begin generating power from the sun!

Going solar isn't like buying a TV where you simply pick out the one you like, pay for it and you are good to go. It is important to find someone you trust to guide you through the process, then effectively develop and manage your project all the way to the end.

To schedule your free virtual consultation.
(636)388-8351
[email protected]

03/11/2024

There are 4 ways to go solar: Cash, Loan, Lease, or Purchase Power Agreement (PPA).

Note: Not all states permit Leases or PPAs. For example, Missouri does not allow third party ownership of solar panels, therefore you can not get a lease or PPA.

Every circumstance is unique and should be treated as such. If you would like to further explore which path is best for you, reach out to schedule a free virtual consultation.
(636)388-8351
[email protected]

03/09/2024

When a home or business goes solar, they become eligible for the 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit.

The 30% ITC tax credit is a dollar to dollar reduction in Federal tax liability in the amount of 30% of the total project cost.

The credit is nonrefundable, meaning it can't exceed your tax liability. Any extra credit can be carried forward to offset future taxes owed.
*Always consult a tax professional for personalized advice on the federal ITC for solar.
**This does not apply to Leases or Power Purchase Agreements, only purchases.

If you would like to schedule a free solar consultation to see what this might look like for you, reach out.
(636)388-8351
[email protected]

*Be sure to always consult a tax professional for personalized advice on the federal ITC for solar.
**The ITC does not apply to Leases or Power Purchase Agreements.

If you invest in renewable energy for your home such as solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, fuel cells or battery storage, you may qualify for a tax credit.

03/08/2024

Net metering allows you to send excess energy produced by a solar array back to the grid, earning credits on your electricity bill.

During sunny days, solar panels can generate more energy than the home or business needs earning credits.

These credits offset the cost of grid electricity when your panels aren't producing enough power.

Different utility companies present their own versions of this net metering program.

Net metering is a practical way to utilize your solar panels fully and promotes sustainable energy use.

If you would like to learn more, reach out to schedule a free virtual consultation.
(636)388-8351
[email protected]

01/02/2024

🌞 Start the New Year Bright with Solar Savings! 🌞

Ready to make 2024 the year of savings and sustainability? ☀️✨ Our January Special is here to kick start your solar journey!

🌟 LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Get $500 CASH BACK when your home goes solar with us this January! 💰💡

Why choose solar with us? 🏡
✅ Lock in Your Monthly Payment: Say goodbye to unpredictable utility bills! With solar, you can lock in your monthly payment and enjoy peace of mind while avoiding rising utility costs.

✅ $500 Cash Back: Make the switch now and enjoy an instant reward! Get $500 cash back in your pocket when your home gets approved for solar this month.

✅ Environmentally Friendly: Go green and reduce your carbon footprint. Solar energy is clean, renewable, and helps create a sustainable future for generations to come.

✅ Energy Independence: Take control of your energy destiny! Generate your own power and become less reliant on traditional energy sources.

✅ Long-Term Savings: Enjoy the benefits of solar for years to come! Lower your electricity bills and watch your savings grow over time.

Ready to make the smart choice for your home and the planet? 🌎💡 Contact us today to schedule your consultation and secure your $500 cash back!

🌿✨

12/11/2023

💰🌎One more homeowner in O'Fallon, Illinois begins the journey of saving money, outsmarting inflation, and shrinking their carbon footprint. 💸🌍

12/08/2023

Historically speaking electricity rates have gone up by about 4-5% a year, on average. In recent years that number has increased due to higher infrastructure costs, hyper-inflation, and the concerted effort to phase out coal.
Much like a tenant pays a landlord what they determine to charge for rent..if you want to turn on your lights, watch TV, or charge your phone, you must pay whatever the utility company decides to charge you.
Solar can give home and business owners the opportunity to now own their own power rather than being forced to rent it from the utility company for the rest of their lives. Solar protects from being subject to rate increases while adding value to the property.

https://www.fastcompany.com/90969764/rooftop-solar-is-about-to-get-a-lot-more-popular-thanks-to-rising-electricity-rates?fbclid=IwAR2FGFbElsZBC--DDGmtvgfsYs7L58xGxEtmcDN4hAud7n_G5r1CP0EQ5_s

When electricity rates top 15 cents per kilowatt-hour, rooftop solar tends to make more financial sense for American households. And utility prices are rising.

10/28/2023

An observation I have found interesting during my time in the solar industry:

You can drive through one neighborhood or town, and it's solar-free; drive through another, and solar panels are everywhere. In rural Illinois, solar arrays are scarce until suddenly, for the next 20 miles, you will notice almost every farm has some.

Why is this? The explanation is simple...

Initially, many people tend to resist the idea of solar energy, often driven by misconceptions about its cost, capabilities, or skepticism related to the global warming debate. In reality, that resistance is often rooted in an aversion to change.

After a handful of courageous individuals take the perceived risk of going solar, they quickly realize that converting to solar energy isn't like buying somluxury item. Instead they find that it's primarily a financial decision....one that not only creates substantial long-term financial benefits but frequently enhances their immediate financial standing as well

Once it becomes evident through social proof that solar power is more affordable and financially secure compared to traditional utility companies...rapid adoption occurs.

08/24/2023

🔌 Important Update for Missouri Residents: Changes in Electricity Rates Ahead! ⚡

Ameren Missouri is planning a substantial increase in electricity rates, amounting to a staggering $140 million annually.

As part of these changes, a Time of Use schedule is on the horizon, potentially impacting how and when you get charged for electricity making your bills even more confusing to understand.

The details about how these changes will directly affect your bills are still unclear. However, one thing is certain: rates are going up, and this is just the beginning.

For all the specifics and insights, check out the full article below. Stay informed and keep the conversation going about what this means for our community and energy choices.

Ameren Missouri’s electric power customers will be paying more in the near future but exactly how much more has yet to be determined.