Frequently Asked Questions

How do solar panels produce electricity?

Solar panels capture photons emitted by the sun by using a semiconducting silicon material. When the sunlight hits the solar cell, electrons are separated from the atoms and produce DC electricity. This DC energy is converted to AC energy through an inverter, which makes it into usable electricity.

How much does solar cost?

Solar installers charge anywhere from $2.65 to $3.65 per watt. This means for a 10kW system, you are looking at $22,260 after incentives on the low-end to $31,390 after incentives on the high-end. At Power Sync Solar we reduce overhead costs to give you the most competitive pricing in the 4-state area.

Should I pay cash or finance my solar system?

To maximize the savings of switching to solar we recommend paying cash to avoid any interest charges tied to loans. We understand that not everyone can afford to pay cash outright and might need help financing. We work with our lenders to make sure that there is no penalty for paying off a loan early.

Is solar cheaper than traditional energy sources?

Yes! This of course is dependent on your home/business being a good candidate for solar in regards to shading, roof orientation, or space. Keep in mind, in the long-run, producing your own energy as opposed to buying it will always be cheaper.

How does solar save me money?

Solar can save people money by eliminating rising energy costs and replacing them with fixed-loan payments or a one time cash payment. People who switch to solar and utilize financing can see a lower monthly cost immediately as well as  long term savings. Those who pay cash upfront see the biggest savings long term, and virtually eliminate their reoccurring energy costs.

Are solar panels worth it in Missouri?

Absolutely! Missouri is one of many states that offers a net-metering program making solar a smart choice financially. We also service Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma; all of which enforce net-metering laws.

How can I get paid to go solar?

There are a number of incentives across America which actually will pay you to switch to renewable energy. Sometimes this is in the form of a tax incentive and other times it is an actual check. Part of our service is that we locate any incentives that will "pay" you to switch to solar.

What is net-metering?

The net-meter system allows your meter to run backwards when your solar system produces excess energy for the grid. This means that grid-tied solar customers get credit for high producing months which they can use for month's that don't produce as much.

What does "grid-tied" mean?

Grid-tied refers to personal solar systems that are connected to existing power grids. This means that, for safety reasons, if power in your area goes out, you will also lose power. 

How can I go "off-grid"?

To be independent of the electrical grid, you would need your solar system to be connected to an energy storage system or batteries. Being off-grid allows you to avoid power outages and be energy independent.

Is battery storage included in the 26% ITC?

Yes! As long as the battery system is attached to a renewable energy source and is contracted at the same time as the renewable energy source you will get a 26% tax credit on the price of batteries.

What is covered under the 26% ITC?

The ITC applies to the cost of storage, material, and construction of a solar system. This means that if you need a carport, pergola, new roof, or any other structure built to support the system, these are also included.

Will I still have an energy bill if I get solar?

Off-grid systems will eliminate their energy bill entirely. Any grid-tied system will still pay a "connection" fee charged by utility companies. This is normally a minimal charge which allows your system to utilize the net-metering system so that excess solar energy can be stored. 

Solar panels vs Tesla shingles.

While the cost per watt is similar between solar panels and Tesla shingles, with Tesla shingles you have the added cost of "dummy" shingles which seek to make your roof look uniform. This makes Tesla shingles quite a bit more expensive. We recommend Tesla shingles for people who need to re-shingle their roofs anyways. This way you get a new roof, a solar system, and any incentives associated with renewable energy. This means the 26% ITC will cover the total cost.

Solar panels on my business?

Businesses are always looking to reduce overhead costs and make smart investments. Switching to solar energy is one of the smartest things a business can do. There are many profitable investments businesses can make but solar energy is attached to government incentives that make it a no-brainer. While our current lenders only finance residential projects, we bend over backwards to help businesses find financing that gives them the greatest savings over the life of the system.

How long will my system last and what kind of warranty is offered?

In general, when we refer to the "life of the system", we are talking about 25 years. This is because the majority of warranties on the panels are 25 years long. We shop around when it comes to specific panels, optimizers, and inverters based on price, accessibility, and customer preference. In general, there is a 25-year manufacturing warranty and a 25-year production warranty on panels and a 12-year warranty on inverters. 

Do solar panels work on cloudy days or with snow on them? 

Yes! Direct sunlight is not actually necessary for panels to produce energy, however this greatly effects the efficiency of the panels. If there is heavy snow, we recommend removing the snow off the panels so they produce at their peak efficiency. The same goes for cleaning the panels.

What is the ideal direction and angle of solar panels?

South-facing panels will produce the most energy. We recommend a 25 degree tilt from the ground for maximum efficiency. To avoid extra costs, we recommend installing panels flush with your roof unless your roof has an unusually high pitch.

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