Ameren Missouri’s Proposed Rate Hike: What It Means for You and How Solar Can Help

Hailstorms can be unpredictable and destructive, leaving homeowners with concerns about the integrity of their roofs. While your first instinct during a hailstorm may be to protect your car, your roof often takes the biggest hit. But how do you know if your roof has been damaged? And what steps should you take next? Let's break it all down. What Size Hail Causes Roof Damage? Hail size is a critical factor in determining whether your roof sustains damage. In general, hailstones that are at least 1 inch in diameter can cause noticeable damage. However, smaller hailstones can still lead to problems, especially when accompanied by strong winds or when hitting older or more fragile roofing materials. The larger the hailstones, the higher the potential for significant damage: 1 inch (quarter-sized) – Can cause dents in asphalt shingles and roof vents. 1.5 inches (ping pong ball-sized) – More severe damage, potentially cracking or breaking shingles. 2 inches or larger (golf ball-sized and above) – High likelihood of substantial roof damage requiring repairs or replacement. Since multiple factors impact hail size and potential roof damage, it’s crucial to understand what influences hailstone formation and impact. Factors That Determine Hail Size Atmospheric Conditions Hail forms in thunderstorms when there’s a strong updraft and an abundance of supercooled water droplets in the atmosphere. When the temperature difference between the ground and the upper atmosphere is significant, hailstones have a better chance of growing larger before they fall. Updraft Strength A strong updraft within a storm keeps hailstones suspended longer, allowing them to accumulate more ice. The stronger the updraft, the larger the hailstones. Wind Speed and Impact Angle Wind speed and the angle at which hailstones hit your roof also play a major role in the level of damage. High winds can propel hail at an oblique angle, increasing impact velocity and damage potential. Low-slope roofs tend to suffer more from hail impact than steeper roofs, as hail hits them more directly. How to Spot Hail Damage on Your Roof While a professional roofing contractor should always perform a thorough inspection, you can check for collateral damage around your property to get an idea of whether your roof may have been affected. Look for: Dents or dings on downspouts, gutters, and metal roof vents. Splatter marks on your electric meter, AC unit, grill, or car. Holes or cracks in window screens, painted wood, or shutters. Dings on garage doors or mailboxes. If you notice any of the above, there’s a strong chance your roof may have sustained hail damage, and you should take the next steps. What to Do If You Suspect Hail Damage 1. Contact Your Insurance Company The first step is to call your insurance provider to report possible roof damage. They will guide you on the next steps, which may include sending an adjuster to inspect the damage. 2. Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection A qualified roofing contractor will inspect your roof for hail damage and provide photographic evidence to submit to your insurance company. If the damage is severe enough, your insurance provider may approve a claim for roof repairs or replacement. 3. Understand the Insurance Claim Process If your claim is approved, your next step is to hire a roofing contractor with experience in handling insurance claims. If your claim is denied, you can request a second inspection or hire an independent engineer to assess the damage. Choosing a Hail-Resistant Roofing Material If you live in an area prone to hailstorms, investing in a hail-resistant roof can save you from future headaches. Roofing materials with a UL 2218 Class 4 Impact Rating offer the highest resistance to hail damage. Some of the most hail-resistant roofing options include: Metal Roofing – Durable and resistant to large hailstones, with some warranties covering hail up to 2.5 inches in diameter. Impact-Resistant Asphalt Shingles – Engineered with reinforced layers to withstand impact better than standard shingles. Rubber and Polymer Roofing – Designed to absorb impact and minimize cracking or denting. Traditional asphalt shingles and clay tile roofs are much more susceptible to hail damage, especially as they age and become brittle. Final Thoughts Hailstorms are a natural hazard, but understanding their impact on your roof can help you take proactive steps to protect your home. If you suspect hail damage, check for collateral signs around your property and contact your insurance provider for guidance. A timely inspection and choosing a durable, hail-resistant roofing material can prevent costly repairs and extend the lifespan of your roof. Give us a call at 636-757-3083 to learn more. You can also read our latest blog on the growing threat of power outages here!

Power outages are more than just a temporary inconvenience—they disrupt daily life, impact businesses, and can even become life-threatening during extreme weather conditions. From local blackouts in St. Louis to massive global outages, the need for reliable power solutions has never been greater. In this article, we’ll dive into the causes, impacts, and trends of power outages before exploring how backup battery systems can help you achieve energy independence. Power Outages in St. Louis and the Midwest Severe weather events have led to widespread power outages in St. Louis and surrounding areas. Recent data highlights the growing concern: Over 100,000 customers lost power in St. Louis due to severe storms. A single Ameren report recorded 136,051 outages in Missouri and 40,817 outages in Illinois . St. Louis City: 5,112 outages | St. Louis County: 81,888 outages. Outage Trends Over the Years: 2021: 9 major events, mostly due to severe weather. 2020: 3 major events, largely caused by system failures. Notable Outages: June 2021: Storms left 38,000 residents without power . Faulty underground cables caused two outages within 24 hours. Jefferson City: Storms downed multiple power lines, leaving thousands in the dark. The Impact of Power Outages: Health Risks: Extreme heat or cold without power increases the risk of heatstroke or hypothermia. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Improper use of gas generators can be deadly. Hospitals: Limited backup power for critical equipment endangers lives. Food Supply Disruptions: Grocery stores and factories lose perishables, impacting food availability. Power Outages Across the U.S. The frequency and severity of power outages vary widely across states. Some of the most affected regions include: Maine: The highest average outages per year ( ~4 per year ). West Virginia: Second highest ( ~2.8 per year ). Florida: Experiences the longest downtime , averaging 14.6 hours per outage . Maine: Follows close behind with 14.1 hours of downtime per outage . States with the Fewest Outages: Washington D.C.: 0.7 outages per year , with the shortest downtime ( 1.5 hours on average ). Wisconsin, Utah, Massachusetts: Each averaging 0.8 outages per year . Major Causes of U.S. Power Outages: Severe weather events: Hurricanes, blizzards, wildfires, tornadoes, and thunderstorms . Preventative blackouts in wildfire-prone areas. Aging infrastructure struggling to handle modern power demands.

Today marks the long-awaited Opening Day for the St. Louis Cardinals, a time when fans flood Busch Stadium, eager to cheer on their team. But while the players take the field, something else is working hard behind the scenes to power the game—solar energy. The Cardinals’ Commitment to Green Energy Busch Stadium first introduced solar power in 2012, making it the sixth Major League Baseball park to embrace solar energy. Thanks to a partnership with Microgrid Energy, the Electrical Connection, and Sachs Electric, the stadium installed 106 solar panels capable of generating approximately 32,000 kilowatt hours per year. While this may only offset a fraction of the stadium’s total energy use, it represents a significant step in reducing the venue’s reliance on fossil fuels.  The solar panels , located on the roof of the ticket building and the Ford Family Plaza canopy, contribute to the Cardinals’ larger sustainability efforts. Since opening in 2006, Busch Stadium has cut energy use by 20% and water consumption by 10%. The team even celebrates “Solar Day” each season to raise awareness about renewable energy’s role in sports. Solar Power is Taking Over Sports The Cardinals aren’t the only team leading the charge for sustainability. Across the country—and the world—sports stadiums are turning to solar energy to power their massive operations. Golden 1 Center (Sacramento Kings) – This NBA arena runs entirely on solar power, with a 1.2 MW array on-site and an additional 11 MW sourced from a local solar farm. Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta Falcons) – With 4,000 solar panels, this stadium generates enough electricity to power ten home games per year. Johan Cruijff Arena (Amsterdam) – Home to AFC Ajax, this stadium boasts 4,200 solar panels and 3 MW of energy storage from reused car batteries. Oracle Park (San Francisco Giants) – The Giants’ stadium uses solar energy alongside aeroponic growing towers, water recycling, and composting to minimize its environmental footprint. Why Solar Makes Sense for Stadiums Stadiums are energy-intensive facilities, requiring vast amounts of power for lighting, sound systems, scoreboards, and climate control. Night games alone can consume between 800 and 5,000 kilowatts of electricity. By integrating solar energy, stadiums can: Reduce electricity costs over time Decrease their carbon footprint Enhance their public image as eco-friendly venues Educate fans on the benefits of renewable energy Looking to the Future With advancements in solar technology, such as Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) and tandem solar cells, stadiums will only become more efficient in harnessing the sun’s energy. As fans celebrate the return of baseball, it’s worth acknowledging that sustainability is playing an ever-growing role in America’s pastime. Want to add solar to your home? SunSent will give you a quote today! It's so much cheaper than you might think and we've seen energy bills drop form $400 to $19. Give us a call or visit sunsent.com .

Missouri residents, have you ever wondered how much control utility companies have over your energy costs? A new interactive map from Renew Missouri allows you to see exactly how your area is impacted. This tool helps homeowners and businesses understand their energy burden—how much they pay for electricity compared to their income—and whether they’re paying more than they should. Missouri’s Rising Electricity Costs Missouri’s average monthly electric bill is around $172 due to an average consumption of 1,350 kWh per month at a rate of 13 cents per kWh . And these rates aren’t staying the same—electricity costs are expected to keep rising, making it more expensive to power homes over time.​

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has officially unfrozen $7 billion in funding for the Solar for All program, which was originally created under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) . The program aims to expand solar energy access to low-income and disadvantaged communities , helping households save on electricity bills while supporting clean energy initiatives. The funds had been frozen due to a January 2025 executive order by President Donald Trump, but following legal pushback and court rulings, the grants are once again available. What is the Solar for All Program? The Solar for All program is part of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) and was designed to ensure that historically underserved communities gain access to affordable solar energy . The initiative provides funding to states, tribal governments, municipalities, and nonprofit organizations to support local solar projects that reduce energy costs and increase resilience against grid failures. Each state is using its Solar for All funding differently: New Jersey plans to allocate funds toward residential solar, multifamily housing solar, community solar projects, and workforce development programs to ensure more equitable access to solar energy. New York is leveraging its grant to enhance existing solar initiatives, focusing on overcoming key barriers for low-income households. Puerto Rico is directing its funds toward deploying solar-plus-storage systems, a crucial step in increasing resilience against frequent power outages caused by hurricanes. Washington, D.C. will use its funding to expand residential solar while supporting energy efficiency upgrades such as roof repairs and electrical improvements —steps that will increase solar adoption among low-income homeowners. Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Maryland are also investing in solar deployment, workforce training, and community solar programs aimed at reducing the energy burden on disadvantaged households. Why This Matters for Homeowners With the funding now unfrozen , homeowners in many states will see new opportunities to install solar at reduced costs , thanks to government-backed programs that provide direct incentives or community-based solar solutions. Many of these initiatives also include options for solar-plus-storage , allowing homeowners to store energy for backup power —a major benefit during power outages. For those interested in solar but unable to install panels due to roof conditions or financial constraints, community solar programs supported by Solar for All funding may offer a way to benefit from solar savings without owning panels . What’s Next? While the future of clean energy policy remains uncertain, the successful pushback against the funding freeze shows that federal investments in solar energy are here to stay—at least for now . If you're considering solar, now may be the best time to explore available funding and incentives in Missouri and Illinois .  Looking to make the switch? SunSent Solar can help guide you through the process and find the best solar solutions for your home. Contact us today to learn more or read one of our latest blogs on How Much Money You Can Save with Solar?

The recent storms across the Midwest brought high winds and hail, both of which can cause significant—yet often hidden—damage to your roof. While everything may seem fine from the ground, ignoring potential issues could lead to expensive repairs, structural problems, and even health hazards down the road. Right now, SunSent is offering no-cost inspections to help homeowners assess the damage before it’s too late. What Storm Damage Looks Like (Even When You Can’t See It) Storms can harm your roof in ways that aren’t immediately obvious. Some of the most common types of damage include: 1. Shingle Damage High winds can lift or tear off shingles, while hail can create cracks and dents. These weakened areas expose your home to leaks and can lead to mold growth over time. Even a small puncture in a shingle can allow water to seep in, which may not become noticeable until serious damage has already occurred. 2. Flashing and Sealant Damage Roof flashing (the metal around vents, chimneys, and skylights) is particularly vulnerable in storms. If wind or hail loosens it, water can leak into your home, leading to costly interior damage. In many cases, this type of issue isn’t discovered until water stains appear on ceilings and walls. 3. Structural Weakness When wind-driven rain gets beneath shingles or into cracks, it can weaken the underlying structure of your roof. Over time, this can lead to sagging areas or, in severe cases, collapse. Ignoring even minor storm damage can make your roof more vulnerable to future storms. 4. Debris Impact Falling branches or flying debris can cause punctures in your roof that may go unnoticed at first. Even if the puncture doesn’t immediately cause a leak, it can weaken the roofing materials, making your home more susceptible to water damage and insulation loss. Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Get an Inspection Many homeowners make the mistake of assuming that if there are no visible leaks, their roof is fine. However, the long-term effects of untreated storm damage can be devastating: Water Intrusion & Mold Growth – Hidden leaks can lead to mold and mildew, which not only damage your home but also pose health risks. Decreased Energy Efficiency – A compromised roof can allow air to escape, making your HVAC system work harder and increasing energy bills. Weakened Roof Structure – Over time, minor damage can grow into major structural issues, leading to costly repairs or even premature roof replacement. Pest Infestations – Gaps and cracks in the roof create entry points for rodents and insects. Once inside, they can cause even more damage to your home. Take Action Today – Get a No-Cost Inspection If your home was hit by the recent storms, don’t wait until it’s too late to address potential roof damage. SunSent Solar is currently offering no-cost roof inspections to help homeowners identify issues before they become expensive problems. Schedule your free inspection today and protect your home before the next storm hits. Call 636-757-3083.

Lowering electricity bills is one of the biggest reasons homeowners switch to solar. But how much can you actually save? The answer depends on several factors, including your energy consumption, roof suitability, financing options, and available incentives . Let’s break it down, using insights from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to help you understand your potential savings. How Solar Savings Work 1. How Much Electricity Can You Produce? Your home’s ability to generate solar power depends on your roof’s size, shape, slope, and shading. South-facing roofs with a tilt of 15 to 40 degrees generally perform best. If your roof isn’t ideal, community solar programs can be a great alternative. 2. How Much Electricity Do You Use? Your utility bill shows your monthly electricity usage. The more energy you consume, the greater the potential savings. Some utilities also offer net metering , which credits you for excess solar power sent back to the grid, further reducing costs. 3. How You Pay for Solar Matters Solar panels can be financed in several ways: Cash Purchase – Highest upfront cost but delivers the most savings over time. Solar Loans – Spread out payments while still owning your system. Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) – No ownership, but you pay a lower rate for electricity from solar panels installed on your home. Each option affects how quickly you’ll break even on your investment. 4. Taking Advantage of Incentives The Federal Solar Tax Credit allows homeowners to deduct 30% of their solar installation costs from their federal taxes. Many states and utilities also offer rebates and incentives. You can check DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency) for local programs. 

When it comes to roofing, the battle between metal and asphalt shingles has been going on for years. Shingles are the go-to for many homeowners due to their lower upfront cost, but metal roofing is gaining traction thanks to its durability and long-term benefits. So, which is the better choice for your home? Let’s break it down. What Are Asphalt Shingles? Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material , mainly because they’re affordable and easy to install. Made with a fiberglass base and coated with asphalt and ceramic granules, they come in sheets or rolls and are layered in a staggered pattern for coverage. While cost-effective, they have a shorter lifespan and require more maintenance over time. What is Metal Roofing? Metal roofs come in materials like steel, aluminum, tin, and even copper. These roofs consist of large, interlocking panels that create a strong, weather-resistant barrier. Metal roofing has a higher upfront cost, but its longevity and energy efficiency make it a popular option for homeowners looking for a long-term investment. Cost Comparison Asphalt Shingles: Generally cost between $3.50–$5.50 per square foot . More budget-friendly upfront but will likely need to be replaced within 20-30 years. Metal Roofing: Costs range from $4 to $30 per square foot , depending on the material. Higher initial investment but lasts 40-70 years, making it more cost-effective over time. Pros & Cons of Metal Roofing ✅ Durability: Can last over 60 years with minimal maintenance. ✅ Weather Resistance: Withstands wind, hail, and fire better than shingles. ✅ Energy Efficiency: Reflects heat, keeping homes cooler in warm climates. ✅ Eco-Friendly: Often made from recycled materials and fully recyclable. ❌ Higher Upfront Cost: More expensive initially compared to shingles. ❌ Potential Noise: Can be louder during heavy rain or hail without proper insulation. Pros & Cons of Asphalt Shingles ✅ Lower Initial Cost: One of the most affordable roofing options. ✅ Easier Installation: Widely used, so most roofers are experienced with them. ✅ Better for Colder Climates: Provides insulation and warmth in winter months. ❌ Shorter Lifespan: Typically lasts 20-30 years and may require multiple replacements. ❌ More Maintenance: Prone to weather damage, cracking, and leaks. ❌ Less Energy Efficient: Absorbs heat, making homes hotter in summer. Which Roof is Right for You? If you’re looking for a long-term, durable, and eco-friendly option, metal roofing is the way to go. If budget and ease of installation are your main concerns, asphalt shingles are a solid choice. Either way, regular maintenance and quality installation are key to ensuring your roof lasts as long as possible. At SunSent , we work with homeowners to ensure their roofing choices complement their solar investment. Contact us today to learn more about how the right roof can maximize your solar savings!

When you think of a solar farm, you probably picture rows of sleek, high-tech panels harnessing the sun’s energy. But there’s another key player in the future of sustainable energy—sheep. According to EnergySage , these woolly workers are proving to be an essential part of solar farms across the country , providing an innovative solution that benefits both the environment and the agricultural community. The Rise of Agrivoltaics Agrivoltaics, the practice of combining agriculture with solar energy production, is gaining traction as a way to maximize land use. Instead of choosing between farmland and solar power, agrivoltaics allows both to coexist. One of the most effective forms of agrivoltaics is solar grazing—using sheep to maintain the vegetation around solar panels. More than 100,000 acres of solar farms in the U.S. now utilize over 80,000 sheep for this purpose, according to the American Solar Grazing Association (ASGA) . Companies like Dominion Energy and SB Energy have embraced solar grazing, recognizing the environmental and economic benefits.