Sunsmart Technologies Seeks to Bring Solar to NW Missouri

Sunsmart Technologies, a startup solar company based in Phoenix, recently expanded its operations into Kansas City, where they have put some solar panels on some roofs there. Now, they are seeking to expand into Northwest Missouri. The business moves make perfect sense seeking that Missouri is seeking to be 15% renewable by 2021. That was one of the reasons that they chose Missouri over Hawaii when deciding where to open a second office. Another consideration was the fact that KCP&L pays up to a 50% rebate to customers who put solar panels on their homes under their Custom Rebate Program. All projects by KCP&L customers must be pre-approved before work begins; customers with projects that have already started or completed are not eligible for these benefits. Approval is not guaranteed; all such projects must have a societal benefit that exceeds the cost as judged by KCP&L according to KCP&L’s website. Energy Saving measures that are part of the Standard Rebate Program are ineligible for the Custom Rebate Program.

Sunsmart was recently featured in Northland, a magazine that does features on Kansas City area businesses. They employ around 20 people and are headquartered in Gladstone, MO. They provide full service installations of photovoltaic systems to commercial and residential customers. They are located at 701 NE 76th Street in Gladstone, MO; their phone number is (816) 298-7619.

There are other benefits available as well. The USDA pays up to 25% of installation costs for solar for farms and ranches in rural areas. The federal government currently provides a 30% tax credit for solar installation costs. And utility companies are required by law in Missouri to pay $2 per watt for solar electricity installed by customers.

With both federal and state incentives for solar energy, it has created a highly competitive business environment for solar and other alternative energy companies as it provides a major growth industry. And with gas prices rising back to $4 per gallon recently, it will create even more incentive as existing firms may look to get into solar and wind.

Sunsmart is just one of many firms seeking a share of the emerging market of solar. The site Angie’s List, a site where customers can review businesses, lists 59 solar panel installers in the Kansas City area alone. The ones that establish themselves will be the ones who prove themselves knowledgeable about government programs, are able to provide quality service, and who are able to stand behind their work after the job is completed.

The Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit allows people to take up to 30% of their tax credit for solar water heaters, photovoltaics, and other solar electric technologies placed in service after 2008 with no maximum. Solar water heating property must be certified by SRCC (a solar rating corporation) or a comparable entity endorsed by Missouri. At least half the energy used to heat the dwelling’s water must be from solar. The credit expires on December 31st, 2016.

The USDA provides grants and loans for rural agricultural producers. The following is information from the USDA website. The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides financial assistance to agricultural producers and rural small businesses in rural America to purchase, install, and construct renewable energy systems; make energy efficiency improvements to non-residential buildings and facilities; use renewable technologies that reduce energy consumption; and participate in energy audits, renewable energy development assistance, and feasibility studies.

The REAP Renewable Energy System Grant and Loan Guarantee provides financial assistance to agriculture producers and rural small business for the specific purpose of purchasing, installing and constructing renewable energy systems.  This type of assistance may require that a business level feasibility study be completed by an independent qualified consultant as part of the application.

USDA grants can cover up to 25% of the cost of the project. USDA loans and grants combined can cover up to 75% of the cost of projects. This program is competitive, meaning that not everyone will be approved.
The Better Business Bureau advises prospective customers to do their homework before choosing a solar installer like they would any other major contractor. The BBB advises customers to determine if solar energy is right for you, consider all the costs associated with solar energy, stay informed about state and federal incentive programs, be cautious of installers that promise no out of pocket costs prior to reviewing your specific situation, be leery if an installer suggests obtaining credit for the full amount of the system, make sure your roof is in good condition to sustain a solar panel system, and understand how solar energy works. The BBB says that if one’s electric bill is less than $100 per month, there are usually other ways of saving energy that cost less.

United Electric customers can get a low-cost energy audit to help them determine how to meet their energy needs. According to their website, United Electric Cooperative will perform home energy audits for members and recommend weatherization improvements. The Cooperative will charge $100 for the audit, with the full amount refundable if the member makes recommended improvements within 6 months of the audit. United Electric Cooperative will also match up to 50% of the cost for improvements, up to a maximum of $500. Each member who schedules an audit will receive a free energy efficiency kit that includes a water heater wrap, hot water pipe wrap, CFLs, insulation kits for electrical outlets and switches, low flow shower head, caulk and weather stripping. Members can contact their Member Services Department for more information on the home energy audits.