Slash your winter heating bills with solar panels.
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Own Your Power.
Did you know you could create and store your own energy? Go solar, take control, and turn your electricity bill into an asset. Lock in a fixed-solar rate today with SunSent.
Solar Energy Has Never Been Easier
Going solar has never been easier. SunSent Solar provides expert installation and financial guidance to homeowners in St. Louis, Central, and Southern Illinois. From your first consultation to flipping the switch, we handle it all—so you can start saving without the hassle.
SunSent solar's lifetime energy savings
Powering a Greener Future
See how many megawatt-hours we've saved since 2022—clean energy that makes a real impact. To put these numbers into perspective, 1 MWh can power an average home for about a month.
5,368.11
mWh saved
A SUBSTAINABLE HOME STARTS HERE
We understand your home is an extension of you and your family, that's why we are not only dedicated to installing roofs and solar panels, but also providing you an enjoyable personal experience that transcends beyond construction.
Our Customers
*Actual savings vary by home based on factors such as energy usage, system size, roof design, and number of solar panels. Eligibility for the Federal Investment Tax Credit (FITC) is not guaranteed and depends on individual circumstances.
Best experience ever.
“Best experience ever. SunSent Solar, especially Rory Sands, were amazing. This is a professional, organized, and experienced team. Their work was top notch and looked like it was designed with the house. Communicated with us every step of the way and told you if they needed items. If you are thinking of installing solar this is your team!!!!!”
David G.
Nothing but praise.
"I have nothing but praise for SunSent. From the first time I met Rory I felt he was honest, straight forward and didn’t push anything. He has a good product to sell and all he had to do was present the facts to me and I could decide myself. No pressure... I have friends and family that have all bought through Rory and all are happy!
I’m telling you and anybody else who wants to know about Solar Power to contact Rory at SunSent"
Mark A.
Solar Power Installation in Missouri & Illinois!
The 4 step solar panel installation process from
Sunsent Solar is designed to get customers up and running in no time.
- Free site assessment
- Creating a custom solar design tailored to fit your needs
- Careful, clean, and high quality installations
- Ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure your system is running properly and efficiently.
Home Energy Saving and Renewables.
Switching To Sunshine Starts Here!
It’s tempting. That leaky shingle or damaged vent pipe looks simple enough to fix on a weekend. The promise of saving a few hundred dollars on labor by tackling a DIY roof repair is a huge draw for the handy homeowner. But as a premier Midwest Roofing Contractor , we've seen the aftermath of these projects firsthand. The risks—from personal safety hazards to structural damage that voids your warranty—rarely justify the perceived savings. A seemingly simple fix can quickly turn into a costly, disastrous roofing fail . At SunSent Roofing , we believe in empowering homeowners with knowledge. Here is an essential guide to the most common, and most expensive, DIY roofing mistakes and why leaving the ladder work to licensed professionals is always the smarter investment. The Top 5 DIY Roofing Fails We See in the Midwest Roofing is a complex system designed to withstand decades of extreme Midwest weather —from blistering summers to heavy ice storms. Even minor errors can compromise your home's biggest defense. 1. Ignoring Safety Protocols (The Biggest Fail) The most critical mistake is neglecting safety. Roofing consistently ranks as one of the most dangerous jobs. The Risk: Falls from even a low-sloped roof can result in serious, life-altering injuries or fatalities. Homeowners often lack the professional gear (harnesses, safety ropes, non-slip footwear) and safety training used by certified crews. The Hidden Cost: Medical bills and lost wages will dwarf the cost of hiring a professional crew, who are trained in safety protocols and fully insured. 2. Improper Flashing Installation Flashing —the metal strips around chimneys, vents, and skylights—is the primary defense against water damage . It’s also where most leaks originate. The Risk: Flashing requires intricate skill to cut, fit, and seal. DIYers often rely heavily on caulk or sealant, which quickly cracks under thermal expansion (the natural movement of roofing materials with temperature changes). Improperly installed flashing allows water to wick beneath the shingles and deck. The Hidden Cost: A slow, undetected leak caused by poor flashing can lead to extensive rot in the roof deck, framing, and attic, resulting in mold growth and thousands of dollars in structural repairs down the road. 3. Using the Wrong Materials (or Not Enough of Them) Roofing materials are highly specialized. Saving a few dollars on the wrong product is a sure path to early failure. The Risk: Using a generic sealant instead of specialized, UV-rated urethane. Using the wrong length or type of nail. Missing the crucial underlayment that provides a second layer of water protection. These choices can void the shingle manufacturer’s warranty immediately. The Hidden Cost: Your attempt at a small repair can force a complete roof replacement years sooner than necessary because the cheap materials degrade faster or the warranty is lost. 4. Improper Nailing and Shingle Placement Every shingle has a precise exposure line and a specific nailing zone that must be hit to ensure the shingle locks in place and seals correctly. The Risk: Over-driven nails (hammered too tight) crush the shingle material, allowing water to penetrate. Under-driven nails can pop up, tear the shingle above it, and cause leaks. Nailing too high or too low fails to secure the shingle against high winds. The Hidden Cost: A poorly nailed roof is an open invitation for wind damage, hail damage, and leaks, turning a minor repair into an emergency claim after the next storm. 5. Fixing the Symptom, Not the Cause A drip in your ceiling is a symptom, not the problem. Without a trained eye, you can easily fix the visible symptom without identifying the root cause. The Risk: A leak far down your roof may actually be caused by a small crack near the ridge, a ventilation issue, or even clogged gutters. A DIY roof repair often creates a "band-aid" that fails within months. The Hidden Cost: You waste time and money on a fix that doesn't last, and the underlying issue (like poor attic ventilation or a compromised roof deck) continues to cause hidden damage. The Professional Advantage: Why SunSent Roofing is the Midwest's Best Investment When you hire SunSent Roofing , you are investing in expertise, guaranteed quality, and true peace of mind. We eliminate all the risks of DIY roofing fails by offering comprehensive protection: Expert Diagnosis: Our licensed contractors are trained to conduct a full, comprehensive roof inspection, identifying hidden damage in the deck, ventilation, and flashing that a DIYer would miss. We fix the cause, not just the symptom. Guaranteed Workmanship: We use only high-quality, manufacturer-recommended materials installed to exact specifications. Our work is backed by a robust workmanship warranty , protecting your investment for years to come. Safety and Liability: Our crews operate with the latest safety equipment and protocols. We are fully licensed and carry extensive liability insurance, meaning if an accident happens, you are never held financially responsible . Streamlined Solutions: As experts in both roofing and Midwest Solar Installation , we are uniquely qualified to handle jobs that involve solar panel mounting systems or complex electrical components, ensuring your roof remains structurally sound and watertight. Don't let the temptation of saving a small amount today lead to a catastrophic expense tomorrow. A roof is the single most important protective layer for your home. Ready to Protect Your Home the Right Way? Stop risking your safety and your home's structural integrity on the roof. SunSent Roofing is trusted across the Midwest for delivering superior quality, transparent service, and reliable results. We handle everything from minor repairs to full roof replacement and complex solar integration. Don't wait for a DIY roofing fail to turn into a disaster. Contact SunSent Roofing today for an inspection and estimate. We are the #1 roofers in the Midwest, and we’re ready to protect your home.
One of the first and most important questions homeowners ask us is, "How much does a solar system cost?" The simple, honest answer is that the residential solar panel cost varies for every single home, much like the price of a car depends on the model, features, and engine size. However, as your local Midwest Solar Installation experts based near St. Charles, Missouri (serving both sides of the Mississippi, including much of Illinois), we have real-world data to give you a clear, easy-to-understand breakdown of what you can expect to pay for your home solar panel systems cost in our region. 1. The Core Price: Cost Per Watt ($/W) in Missouri and Illinois The most reliable way to compare residential solar panel prices is by the cost per watt ($/W). This standardizes the price regardless of system size.
As a business owner in the Midwest , you constantly seek ways to cut operational costs, hedge against rising inflation, and increase your property’s value. Your biggest, most underutilized asset may be right above your head: your massive, empty commercial roof. At SunSent Solar , we don't just see a roof; we see an opportunity. We see a path to converting passive overhead costs into a guaranteed revenue stream. Commercial solar is no longer a green initiative—it is arguably one of the most reliable, high-yield solar investment strategies available to modern businesses. SunSent Solar is the Midwest's go-to for turning your business into a cash machine. Here is why now is the perfect time to make that move. The Financial Firewall: Protecting Your Bottom Line The primary, immediate benefit of a commercial solar system is financial security. Solar allows you to take control of what is often one of your top three operating expenses: electricity. 1. Drastically Reduced and Eliminated Bills Commercial facilities, especially manufacturers, warehouses, and cold storage units, have high energy demands. By installing a Midwest solar installation , you instantly generate your own power, drastically cutting your utility expenses. Most businesses can slash their electrical overhead by up to 75% or more. 2. Hedging Against Inflation Utility electricity costs are volatile and constantly rising. By investing in solar, you lock in your energy cost for the next 25-30 years at nearly zero. When electricity rates inevitably increase, your savings accelerate, essentially giving you a powerful hedge against inflation and providing predictable business cash flow . 3. High Return on Investment (ROI) and Short Payback A commercial solar system offers an ROI that consistently outperforms traditional investments like the stock market. Average ROI: Commercial solar projects in the Midwest frequently see an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) in the range of 10% to 20% . Payback Period: Thanks to robust incentives, the break-even point for a typical commercial solar installation in the Midwest often occurs between 3 and 6 years , with the rest of the system's 25+ year life being pure profit. Maximize Your Profit with Powerful Federal Incentives The Federal Solar Tax Credit (Investment Tax Credit or ITC) is a game-changer for businesses, often covering a significant portion of the solar panel cost . The Federal ITC: Businesses can claim a tax credit equal to 30% or more of the total cost of the installed solar system, reducing their federal tax liability dollar-for-dollar. Bonus credits are often available for projects that meet certain domestic content or location requirements, potentially raising the ITC to as high as 50% . Accelerated Depreciation (MACRS): The government allows businesses to deduct the cost of the solar system (after the ITC deduction) over an accelerated five-year schedule. This can account for an additional 25% to 35% of the total system cost in tax deductions. REAP Grants: For qualifying rural businesses and agricultural producers, the USDA's Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) can offer grants covering up to 40% of the project cost, which never needs to be repaid. When combined, these incentives can reduce the net out-of-pocket cost of a high-quality Midwest solar installation by more than 50%, accelerating your Commercial Solar ROI . Midwest Case Study: Turning Overhead into Value Consider a well-known Midwest example: a water cooperative in Illinois that installed a ground-mounted solar array on a small piece of land. Project Size: Approximately 1.6 acres of land. Annual Production: Expected to generate around 423,000 kWh annually. Energy Savings: Reduced electricity costs by approximately $17,000 in the first year alone . Total Incentivized Value: Factoring in the ITC and state-specific incentives like SRECs (Solar Renewable Energy Credits), the project achieved a combined 15-year value of over $600,000 . This demonstrates that even a relatively small commercial solar project can generate a powerful, predictable revenue stream that far outpaces traditional business growth, all while securing energy independence . Beyond the Money: Corporate Benefits Increased Property Value: A commercial property with an owned solar array is viewed as an appreciating asset. Lower energy bills boost the Net Operating Income (NOI), directly increasing the property's market value, often by more than the solar panel cost . Energy Resilience: Commercial operations cannot afford power outages. Paired with solar battery storage , a solar system ensures your critical systems—from refrigeration units to data centers—stay operational during grid failures, protecting you from lost revenue and damaged inventory. Enhanced Brand Image: Consumers and business partners increasingly prioritize sustainability. A highly visible solar system demonstrates a tangible commitment to reducing your carbon footprint, boosting your brand image, and attracting environmentally conscious customers and top-tier employees. Ready to Convert Your Roof to a Profit Center? Don't let that huge empty roof sit there, doing nothing. SunSent Solar is the specialized Midwest Solar Installation expert that understands the complexities of commercial projects—from specialized roofing systems to maximizing federal and state incentives. Ask us any questions. We will figure out the most financially advantageous path to turn your business into a cash machine. FAQ: Commercial Solar for Businesses Q: What is the average payback period for a commercial solar system? A: The average payback period for a commercial solar system in the Midwest is generally between 3 and 6 years , due to the rapid recouping of costs through the Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC) and accelerated depreciation. Q: How does accelerated depreciation work for commercial solar? A: Through the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS), businesses can deduct a large percentage of the system's cost (after the ITC) from their taxable income over a short period (typically five years), providing a massive benefit to business cash flow right after installation. Q: Can commercial solar systems protect my business from power outages? A: Yes. When combined with a large-scale solar battery storage system, a commercial solar array can operate as an independent microgrid , ensuring your business maintains energy independence and critical operations remain online even when the utility grid fails. Q: My business is in a rural area. Are there special incentives? A: Yes. Businesses in rural areas may qualify for the USDA's Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grants and loan guarantees, which can cover up to 40% of the commercial solar project cost in the form of a non-repayable grant. Ready to see your business's custom ROI? Contact SunSent Solar today for a complimentary commercial solar analysis!
