Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Benton, Missouri. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Sun Solar is a leading regional solar installer based in Springfield, MO, with a strong presence and excellent reputation across the state. They are known for a comprehensive, turnkey approach, handling everything from initial consultation and system design to installation, financing, and maintenance. They have extensive experience with both grid-tied and battery backup solutions.
Straight Up Solar is a highly respected, employee-owned solar company serving Missouri and Illinois. They are recognized for their technical expertise, high-quality equipment, and strong commitment to customer service. They are a certified B Corporation, reflecting high standards of social and environmental performance. They specialize in complex installations and are very knowledgeable about local incentives.
Brightergy is a well-established national solar and energy services company with a significant regional office in St. Louis. They have a long track record and are known for commercial-scale projects but also maintain a robust residential division. They offer premium solutions and have strong partnerships with top-tier manufacturers like Tesla and SunPower.
The home solar market in and around Benton, Missouri, is best characterized as an emerging and service-driven regional market. Due to the city's small size and rural nature, there are no solar installers physically headquartered within the city limits. Consequently, the market is served by established regional players from larger hubs like Springfield, St. Louis, and Cape Girardeau. **Average Quality & Competition:** The quality of available service is high, as the companies competing for business in this area are well-established, licensed, and insured professionals. The competition is not dense in terms of the number of companies, but it is fierce in terms of service quality and reputation. Homeowners in Benton benefit from this, as they have access to experienced installers who navigate state-wide and utility-specific (e.g., SEMO Electric Cooperative, Ameren Missouri) regulations and interconnection processes regularly. **Typical Pricing:** Pricing is competitive with national averages, typically ranging from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives. For an average-sized 10 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of **$25,000 to $35,000**. The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which currently allows for a 30% tax credit, significantly reduces the net cost. These regional installers are adept at helping homeowners understand and leverage this and any other applicable local incentives. Financing options, including loans and leases, are widely available through these providers.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Benton regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Benton, Missouri.
For a typical 6kW to 8kW system in Benton, the average gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Missouri offers a strong state incentive, allowing you to claim a tax deduction of 25% of the system cost (up to $25,000) on your state taxes, which is in addition to the 30% federal tax credit. Local utilities like SEMO Electric Cooperative may also have specific rebate or interconnection programs, so it's important to ask your installer for a detailed breakdown of all available savings.
Southeast Missouri's climate is actually favorable for solar, with ample sunny days throughout the year. While summer heat can slightly reduce panel efficiency, the long daylight hours in summer and clear, cool spring/fall days often lead to peak production. Snowfall in Benton is relatively light and typically melts quickly; panels are installed at an angle to shed snow, and any minor winter production dips are offset by strong year-round net metering credits from your utility.
Prioritize installers with proven local experience in Scott County, as they will be familiar with specific utility requirements (like SEMO Electric Cooperative's interconnection process) and local building codes. Ensure they are licensed, insured, and offer strong warranties. It's highly recommended to get multiple quotes and ask for references from recent installations in the Benton area to compare system designs, equipment quality, and projected savings.
From contract to activation, the process typically takes 2 to 4 months. This timeline includes system design, securing permits from Scott County, approval from your utility for interconnection, the physical installation (which usually takes 1-3 days), and the final inspection and utility "Permission to Operate." Working with a local, experienced installer can help streamline this process, as they have established relationships with county officials and the utility.
Net metering is a crucial benefit for Missouri homeowners. When your panels produce more electricity than your home uses (like on a sunny day), the excess is sent to the grid, and your utility meter runs backward, giving you a credit. At night or on cloudy days, you draw power from the grid, using those credits. Most utilities in the area, including SEMO Electric Cooperative, offer net metering programs, effectively allowing your electric bill to reflect only your *net* energy use over a billing period, leading to significant savings.