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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.
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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.
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*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!
As the leaves change, the focus of every smart homeowner should shift to protecting their greatest asset: their roof. Fall is the crucial season for roof maintenance —it’s your last chance to secure your home before the harsh cycle of freezing, thawing, and winter storms begins. A proactive approach now can prevent minor issues from becoming major, costly roof leaks or structural damage when the snow starts to fly. Here is your essential checklist from SunSent Roofing, featuring the key steps to ensure your roofing system is winter-ready. 1. The Fall Roof Maintenance & Inspection Checklist A comprehensive fall inspection, whether DIY from the ground or by a professional roofing contractor , is vital for property protection . Don’t wait until you see water damage indoors. Inspect Shingles for Damage: Look for missing shingles , cracked, curled, or buckling sections. Damaged asphalt shingles are a direct entry point for moisture. Check for excess shingle granules in your gutters, a sign that your shingles are nearing the end of their lifespan and losing their protective coating. Check Flashing and Sealants: Examine the metal flashing around vulnerable areas like the chimney, vents, and skylights . This is the roof repair first line of defense against leaks. Look for bent, loose, or corroded metal and cracked or dried-out sealant. Remove Debris: Clear any accumulated leaves, twigs, and other debris from the roof surface, especially in valleys and near the chimney. This organic material traps moisture, which can accelerate the deterioration of your roofing materials and lead to rot or mold. 2. The Critical Importance of Cleaning Gutters and Downspouts Clogged gutters are the number one cause of water-related roofing damage in winter. They can easily lead to foundation issues, fascia rot, and, most importantly, ice dam formation. Clear All Debris: Safely remove all leaves, dirt, and blockages from your gutters. Ensure the water has a clear, unobstructed path. Flush the Downspouts: Use a garden hose to flush out the downspouts and ensure they are draining freely. If water pools or backs up, you may need a plumber's snake to clear a tough clog. Prevent Water Damage: Clear gutters direct snowmelt and rain away from your home’s roof deck and foundation. Clogs cause water to back up under your shingles, leading to leaks, or to freeze along the edge, creating a dangerous and damaging ice dam. 3. Tree Trimming for Roof Safety: Mitigating Storm Damage Overhanging or proximate tree branches pose a severe risk to your roof, especially during winter storms, high winds, or heavy ice. Proactive tree trimming is essential storm damage prevention . Eliminate Contact Points: Trim all branches that are touching or scraping the roof surface. Constant rubbing can wear away protective shingle granules, exposing the underlayment and leading to premature failure. Remove Overhanging Threats: Cut back any large, dead, or weak limbs that hang directly over your roof. High winds and ice accumulation can easily cause these branches to snap and puncture the roof, leading to immediate, expensive emergency roof repair . Maintain a Safe Clearance: A general rule is to keep branches at least six feet back from your roof to minimize the risk of damage during a storm. 4. Preparing Your Attic for Winter: Ventilation and Insulation A healthy roof isn't just about the outside; it's about the entire roofing system , including your attic. Proper attic ventilation and insulation are key to maintaining a consistent temperature and preventing winter moisture issues. Prevent Ice Dams: The primary cause of an ice dam is a warm attic melting snow on the upper roof, which then refreezes at the cold eaves. Proper insulation stops heat loss from your living space into the attic, and effective ventilation allows cool outdoor air to circulate, keeping the entire attic space cold and preventing this melt/freeze cycle. Manage Moisture: Warm, moist air from your home can rise into a poorly sealed attic. When it hits the cold roof decking, it condenses, leading to attic mold , mildew, and eventual wood rot of the roof structure . Ensure all vents are clear and unobstructed by insulation. Check Insulation Levels: Verify that you have adequate insulation (often R-38 or higher). This keeps your home warmer and dramatically reduces heat loss, saving on your heating energy bills while protecting your roof. Roofing FAQ's Q: What is the most important thing to check on my roof before winter? A: The most critical step is cleaning out your gutters and inspecting for damaged shingles and compromised flashing . Clogged gutters and leaky flashing are the most common culprits for winter water damage and the formation of destructive ice dams . Q: What is an ice dam and how can I prevent one? A: An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of the roof, preventing melting snow (snowmelt) from draining properly. This water then backs up under your roofing materials , causing a leak. The best prevention is a combination of proper attic insulation to stop heat from escaping and good attic ventilation to keep the roof deck cold. Q: Should I hire a professional for my fall roof inspection? A: While homeowners can and should perform a visual inspection from the ground, we strongly recommend a professional roofing contractor like SunSent Roofing perform a full inspection. They have the expertise to safely spot subtle issues like loose nail pops , deteriorated roof decking , or minor roof leaks that a homeowner might miss. Q: I found moss on my roof. Is this a serious problem? A: Yes, moss and algae trap moisture against your roofing system , which can degrade shingles and lead to rot. Fall is a great time to have the growth professionally removed and a preventative treatment applied to protect your roof investment . Q: Does my roof warranty cover ice dam damage? A: Many roof warranties will not cover damage caused by poor ventilation or the resulting ice dams , as these are often considered maintenance issues or construction defects. This is why addressing attic ventilation and insulation now is essential to protect your roof and your warranty. Protect your home investment this winter. Contact SunSent Roofing today for a comprehensive, pre-winter roof and attic inspection!
Texas-based Janta Power has just snagged US$5.5 million in a round of seed funding to continue the deployment of its pivoting solar power towers. The vertical design and smart tracking functions of the towers offer big improvements over flat panel arrays , heralding a new era of compact solar power . Rethinking Solar: Going Up Instead of Out Currently, most solar farms consist of flat panels laid out across the ground or on rooftops. But in much the same way that this is an inefficient way to house people, it's also not a great way to harvest the Sun's energy. Tall skyscrapers can hold significantly more people on a small footprint, so why not apply that thinking to solar panels as well? That's the kind of thinking that has been behind the success of Janta Power, a developer of unique three-dimensional solar tower systems . And the new injection of cash shows that there are investors who think that this company is on to something. Janta's towers consist of solar panels arrayed vertically instead of horizontally. This patented geometry means a lot more panels can get packed into a much smaller footprint—achieving up to three times the solar surface area exposure compared to traditional arrays. Maximized Output and Efficiency The towers are also responsive, automatically tracking the Sun's movement throughout the day and pivoting to maximize the amount of light they can capture. Plus, because of the slanted upright design, the towers are able to position themselves to take in the sharp angles of early morning and late day sunlight, an ability that flat panels lack. This ability to grab the Sun's rays throughout more of the day means the towers produce a longer, more even flow of electricity than other panels that spike production when the Sun is overhead. These innovations mean that the towers can produce about 50% more energy than flat-panel systems using just one-third of the land area . The towers are also able to reach a capacity factor of about 32% , which bests that of flat panels, which come in around 22%. Janta says the towers deliver power more cheaply as well: as low as $0.05/kWh compared to a global average of about $0.15/kWh, significantly lowering the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) . They're also built strong. The towers are rated to resist winds up to 170 mph . Janta Power already has pilot programs operating at major airports around the world, including Munich International Airport and Dalls-Fort Worth. The new infusion of cash will help the company "support product scale-up and deployments across data centers, EV charging hubs, telecom towers, universities, and a range of industrial facilities," says Janta in a release about the funding win. This confirms the growing demand for commercial solar solutions that solve land constraints. FAQ: Janta Power's 3D Solar Tower Technology Q: What is a 3D Solar Tower? A: It is a patented, vertical solar array system developed by Janta Power. Unlike traditional flat panels, it stacks panels vertically in a tower structure to save space and maximize sun capture. Q: How much more energy do they produce? A: Janta Power claims their towers can produce about 50% more energy per day than a traditional flat-panel system and can be installed on just one-third of the land area. Q: What is the capacity factor? A: The towers have a capacity factor of approximately 32%, significantly higher than the 22% for flat panels. This means the towers utilize their potential capacity for power generation more effectively. Q:How does it track the sun? A: The towers use smart tracking functions and pivot automatically to follow the Sun's movement, capturing sunlight more effectively, including the sharp angles of early morning and late afternoon. Your Local Solar Experts: SunSent Solar in the Midwest While Janta Power’s 3D towers are an exciting look into the future of utility and industrial-scale solar, for homes and businesses across the Midwest , the best energy solutions are available today from SunSent Solar . The Midwest is an excellent region for solar—despite common misconceptions, cooler temperatures actually increase panel efficiency, and clear days, even in winter, provide abundant energy. By choosing a local, trusted expert like SunSent Solar , you ensure your investment is optimized for our regional climate, maximizing your savings. SunSent Solar is your go-to partner for residential and commercial solar in the Midwest. Midwest Solar Installation: We specialize in high-performance solar systems designed to thrive in Midwestern conditions, from Iowa to Illinois and beyond. Solar Incentives & Cost: We navigate all federal and local programs, like the Federal Solar Tax Credit , ensuring you get the most affordable solar panel cost and a rapid return on investment. Residential & Commercial Solutions: Whether you’re looking for solar panels for your home or a large-scale commercial solar solution , our expertise delivers reliable, long-term energy independence. Don't wait for tomorrow's technology for a clean energy future. Connect with the top-rated solar installers in the Midwest today and start benefiting from reliable, affordable, and high-efficiency solar power. Want to learn more? Give us a call at 636.757.3083.
Credit to EnergySage for the chilling inspiration behind this vital home energy guide! 🧛 Don't Get Drained! What Are Energy Vampires? As Halloween approaches, we talk about ghouls and ghosts, but one of the scariest things lurking in your home isn't under the bed—it's plugged right into your wall, silently sucking the life (and money) out of your budget year-round. We call them Energy Vampires . These phantoms, also known as phantom loads or standby power , are electronic devices and appliances that consume electricity even when they are turned off or not actively in use. Think of the glowing clock on your coffee maker, your TV waiting for a remote signal, or a phone charger plugged into the wall without a phone attached—they're all draining power 24/7. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), this sneaky standby power accounts for 5% to 10% of residential energy use. For the average U.S. household, this hidden cost could be as much as $183 per year . That's a significant drain that could be better spent on... well, anything else! The good news? The power to fight back is in your hands. By identifying the biggest culprits and taking a few simple steps, you can put an end to the phantom drain and take back your money. 💀 Key Takeaways to Keep You Safe Standby power is a hidden drain, accounting for 5-10% of residential energy use. These Energy Vampires could cost the average homeowner up to $183 per year . Common offenders include entertainment systems, kitchen appliances with digital clocks, and any device that is remote-ready . Simple solutions like smart power strips and unplugging devices are your best line of defense. 💰 The Ghastly Cost: How Much Are Phantom Loads Costing You? Imagine tossing a month's electric bill into a cauldron every year for absolutely no benefit. That's essentially what happens when you ignore the cumulative cost of standby power. Given that the average American household uses around 10,791 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually, and at an average rate of $0.17 per kWh , the yearly cost is about $1,834. If 5% to 10% of that is standby power, your ghostly bill totals $92 to $183 per year ! Your actual cost is determined by several factors: Your local electricity rates . The total number and age of devices left plugged in (older appliances are often less efficient). The overall efficiency of your home’s energy systems. 🕷️ Identifying the Worst Offenders: Which Devices Are True Energy Vampires? Not every device has a complete "Off" switch—many simply enter a "standby mode" to be instantly ready when you need them. This is where the vampire draws its power. The Entertainment Crypt: This is where the worst offenders hide. Cable boxes and DVRs, gaming consoles, smart TVs , and soundbars often stay in an active standby mode, constantly ready to record or receive a remote signal. Audio and Computer Equipment: That laptop charger feeling warm to the touch, even when the laptop is unplugged? That's energy at work. Printers and audio receivers also draw continuous power. Kitchen Specters: Appliances with digital displays, timers, or instant-on features—like microwaves and coffee makers—pull a small but constant phantom load . Smart Home Ghouls: Voice-activated assistants, security systems, and other connected devices need constant power to "listen" for your commands, making them perpetual, low-level drains. To hunt them down, look for anything with an LED light or a digital display when it’s "off." If it can be turned on with a remote, it's a vampire. For precise identification, consider using a Kill-A-Watt meter to measure the exact power draw of any plugged-in device. 🛡️ Slaying the Energy Vampires: Simple Steps to Save Once you’ve identified your home’s hidden drains, here is your arsenal for stopping them: 1. Unplug the Non-Essentials The most straightforward cure: If it's not plugged in, it can't draw power. This is ideal for chargers, toasters, seasonal electronics, and gaming consoles that aren't used daily. 2. Utilize Smart Power Strips These are like garlic for your devices! Smart power strips automatically cut power to devices when they sense they are in standby mode or feature a master switch to power off an entire entertainment center with a single flip. This is a crucial step in reducing your overall energy consumption . 3. Choose ENERGY STAR® Certified Appliances When replacing old, power-draining appliances, choose ENERGY STAR certified products. These meet strict efficiency standards that include limits on standby power consumption, significantly reducing your future phantom loads . 🏡 SunSent Solar: Your MidWest Energy Defense Experts Putting an end to Energy Vampires is a fantastic step toward a lower electric bill, but what if you could take control of your entire energy future? That’s where SunSent Solar comes in. We are the go-to energy experts in the Midwest , dedicated to helping homeowners like you lock in your power costs and achieve true energy independence . The Midwest is an excellent place for solar, as panels actually perform more efficiently in cooler temperatures, and we'll ensure your system is perfectly designed to handle all weather conditions. By installing solar panels for your home with SunSent Solar , you’re not just saving money—you’re transforming your roof into a year-round, clean power generator, protecting yourself from rising utility rates and maximizing your return on investment. Don't just fight the vampires; make them irrelevant. Choose SunSent Solar , the best solar solution for a brighter, more independent Midwest home. ❓ FAQ: Unmasking the Phantoms Q: What is the main difference between an "Energy Vampire" and a regular appliance? A: A regular appliance only draws significant power when it is actively on and performing its function. An Energy Vampire (or phantom load ) continues to draw a smaller amount of standby power even when it is turned off, in sleep mode, or simply plugged in but not charging. Q: How much can I save by killing my Energy Vampires? A: The average U.S. household can save between $92 and $183 per year by consistently reducing phantom loads . This is a great, no-cost way to lower your baseline energy consumption . Q: Do all phone chargers draw power when no phone is attached? A: Yes, most chargers and AC adapters draw a small amount of standby power when plugged into the wall, even if no device is connected. If the charger is warm, it’s actively draining electricity . Unplug them to stop the bleed. Q: Can solar panels help with Energy Vampires? A: While solar panels don't stop the drain itself, they allow you to produce your own clean electricity to offset the cost of the phantom loads . By generating your own power, the standby power is effectively free, helping you reach energy independence and making the vampires less impactful on your wallet. Would you like to get a free, no-obligation solar consultation to see how much more you could save by switching to SunSent Solar in the Midwest? Call 636.757.3083 today!
