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“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!
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Homeowners in Missouri are about to face a critical choice – one that could impact their energy bills for decades to come. Recent news has brought to light that state lawmakers have overturned a nearly 50-year-old ban, clearing the way for utility companies like Ameren to pursue new nuclear power projects that experts warn are "ungodly expensive" and "financially risky." At SunSent Solar , we believe in transparent, affordable, and reliable energy for every Missouri and Illinois home. This latest development underscores the fundamental difference between centralized, risky energy projects driven by utility profits, and the empowering, cost-effective solution of rooftop solar. The Return of CWIP: A Costly Burden on Missouri Ratepayers In 1976, Missouri voters overwhelmingly rejected a policy known as Construction Work-In-Progress (CWIP) . This policy allows utility companies to charge ratepayers for power plants while they are still under construction, before a single kilowatt of electricity is even generated. Voters then deemed it "unjust and unreasonable." Fast forward nearly 50 years, and despite that clear voter mandate, Missouri lawmakers have overturned this ban. Why? Because experts say that building new nuclear power plants is such a bad investment for outside creditors that ratepayers are often the only source of funding left. Nuclear: A History of Skyrocketing Costs and Delays The track record of new nuclear power plant construction in the U.S. and globally is bleak: Astronomical Costs: The average new nuclear plant costs tens of billions of dollars . For comparison, utility-scale solar projects can be built for a fraction of that, sometimes less than $1 per watt , while nuclear can be $6,500 to $12,250 per kW or more. Massive Delays: On average, new nuclear plants take seven and a half years to complete . Historically, three out of four nuclear projects globally run behind schedule. Budget Blowouts: An MIT study found final costs for U.S. nuclear plants are often three times higher than expected. Real-World Failures: Georgia's Plant Vogtle: A recent expansion project cost $35 billion and took 15 years to build – $17 billion over budget and 7 years past deadline. Ratepayers paid about $1,000 each before seeing any energy. South Carolina's Nukegate: A project that was abandoned before generating any electricity , still costing ratepayers billions of dollars . Utility Profits Over Ratepayer Protection While Ameren denies it would profit more from nuclear than renewables, energy experts strongly disagree. Missouri law allows regulated monopoly utilities to include guaranteed profits (potentially 9.5% to 10.5%) in their total project costs. As one expert noted, "Building a nuclear plant is a ton of money, all at once, rather than the piecemeal profits generated from multiple solar plants and wind farms." This means the more expensive a project like a nuclear plant is, the more guaranteed profit utilities can collect from you, the ratepayer, even if the project is delayed, abandoned, or never truly needed. The "No Guarantee" of Future Demand A major driver for this nuclear push is the forecasted surge in energy demand, largely from data centers. However, there's a significant gamble here: Speculative Demand: Specific information about these data centers is often withheld, and there's "absolutely no guarantee" they will actually choose Missouri. Other states offer competing incentives. Ratepayers on the Hook: If these data centers don't materialize, Missouri ratepayers will be left footing the bill for "ungodly expensive" power plants they don't need. This high-stakes gamble is being made with your money. A Smarter, Safer Path: The Power of Home Solar In stark contrast to the financial risks and uncertainties of large-scale nuclear projects, rooftop solar offers a path to energy independence that is cost-effective, predictable, and puts control directly in your hands. Lower Upfront Costs: A typical home solar system costs a fraction of what utilities want to spend on nuclear, especially with the 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit (which could end soon – act now!). For example, an average 10kW system in Missouri costs around $32,143 before incentives, dropping to $22,500 after the federal credit. Faster Deployment: Residential solar systems can be installed and generating power in weeks to months , not decades. Predictable Energy Bills: By generating your own power, you lock in your electricity costs for 25+ years, protecting yourself from volatile utility rate hikes and the hidden costs of their massive infrastructure projects. Distributed Resilience: Instead of relying on a single, massive (and vulnerable) power plant, residential solar creates a resilient, distributed energy network. Add a battery, and you have backup power when the grid fails. Tangible Value: Solar panels increase your home's value, offering a direct return on your investment, not a utility's. Choose Your Energy Future with SunSent Solar While state lawmakers push for expensive, risky energy projects, you have the power to choose a different path for your home and your wallet. Investing in solar is not just an environmental decision; it's a sound financial one that offers stability and independence in an uncertain energy landscape. At SunSent Solar , we empower Missouri and Illinois homeowners to take control of their energy future. Our local, expert teams provide transparent pricing, seamless installation, and dependable service, ensuring you get the most out of your solar investment without contributing to risky utility gambles. Don't let your bank account go nuclear. Choose clean, reliable, and affordable solar power instead. Ready to explore a smarter energy solution for your home? Contact SunSent Solar today at 636.757.3083 for a free, no-obligation consultation!
Imagine an aircraft that can fly for 90 days straight , without landing, powered purely by the sun. It sounds like something out of science fiction, but it's becoming a reality. Meet Skydweller , a revolutionary solar-powered drone that's pushing the boundaries of continuous flight, proving once again the incredible potential of solar energy. At SunSent Solar , we're constantly inspired by innovations like Skydweller. These feats of engineering demonstrate not just what's possible with solar on a grand scale, but also underscore the reliability, power, and environmental benefits that solar technology brings to everyday homes right here in Missouri and Illinois. Skydweller: A Marvel of Solar Engineering Developed by U.S. tech startup Skydweller Aero in partnership with French electronics company Thales, this drone is designed for unprecedented endurance in the skies, particularly for maritime surveillance. Here are some astounding facts about Skydweller: Continuous Flight: Its primary goal is to achieve 90 days of continuous flight without landing, with ambitions for even longer durations in the future. Massive Solar Collection: It's adorned with over 17,000 individual solar cells spread across approximately 2,900 square feet (270 square meters) of wing surface. This vast array can generate up to 100 kilowatts of power in ideal conditions. Wingspan of Giants: With a wingspan of 236 feet (72 m) , it's actually 25 feet (7.6 m) longer than a Boeing 747 ! Incredibly Lightweight: Despite its enormous size, Skydweller is astonishingly light, weighing 160 times less than a Boeing 747 jumbo jet (2.5 metric tons at maximum capacity versus 400 tons). This extreme lightness is crucial for sustained flight. Night Flight Mastery: During daylight, solar energy powers the aircraft and charges over 1,400 pounds (635 kg) of onboard batteries . These batteries then power the drone through the night, enabling its nearly continuous operation. Strategic Altitudes: It typically operates between 24,600 and 34,400 feet (7,500 and 10,500 meters), climbing higher during the day (up to 44,600 feet / 13,600m) to maximize solar gain, and descending slightly at night to minimize power consumption. Beyond Flight: The Technology for Uninterrupted Operation Achieving such unprecedented flight times requires more than just efficient solar panels and batteries. Skydweller incorporates advanced technology to ensure reliability and safety: Redundant Systems: It features a quadruple-redundant flight control system and a vehicle management system (VMS), meaning multiple backup systems are ready to take over if one fails. Self-Healing Algorithms: The VMS includes "self-healing" algorithms that can autonomously detect, shut down, correct, and resurrect failed coding strings during flight, maintaining its quadruple redundancy. Turbulence Management: Designed to operate in medium altitudes (6,500-32,800 feet), it uses automatic gust-load alleviation software to reduce the stress caused by turbulence, a common challenge for long-endurance aircraft. Robust Construction: Its carbon fiber construction allows it to carry up to 800 pounds (362 kg) of payload, making it versatile for various missions like maritime surveillance. The Bigger Picture: From the Stratosphere to Your Home The Skydweller drone is a testament to what's possible when human ingenuity meets the power of the sun. This advanced aircraft, capable of continuous operations for months, embodies the very principles that drive residential solar: reliability, efficiency, independence, and a commitment to a sustainable future. While your home in Missouri or Illinois doesn't need to fly for 90 days, the same core solar technology that powers Skydweller can deliver: Consistent Power: Just as Skydweller's 17,000+ solar cells capture energy even in challenging conditions, your home's solar panels effectively convert sunlight into electricity, providing reliable power for decades. Here in Missouri, we typically see 4-4.5 peak sun hours per day , and Illinois averages 3-4 peak sun hours , which is ample for robust solar production. Energy Storage: Skydweller's 1,400 pounds of batteries allow it to fly through the night. Similarly, a residential solar battery (like those we discussed last week!) allows your home to store excess daytime solar energy, powering your home after sunset or during grid outages. Long-Term Reliability: The redundant systems and robust design of Skydweller speak to engineered reliability. Modern residential solar systems are also designed for long-term, low-maintenance operation, often coming with 25-year performance warranties. Environmental Stewardship: Both Skydweller and residential solar panels represent a commitment to clean energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions. SunSent Solar: Bringing the Future of Energy Home The Skydweller is a breathtaking example of solar innovation on the cutting edge. But you don't need to be a drone engineer to harness the power of the sun for your own needs. At SunSent Solar , we're dedicated to bringing this same spirit of advanced, reliable, and sustainable energy directly to your doorstep. Our in-house, NABCEP-certified experts design and install custom solar solutions that empower your home with energy independence, long-term savings, and a reduced environmental footprint. Inspired by the possibilities of solar? So are we! Contact SunSent Solar today at 636.757.3083 for a free, no-obligation consultation . Let's explore how you can bring the future of energy to your Missouri or Illinois home!
You've heard about the incredible benefits of solar panels – slashing electricity bills, increasing home value, and reducing your carbon footprint. But to truly maximize those benefits and achieve real energy independence, especially here in Missouri and Illinois, you need to talk about the unsung hero of the solar system: the solar battery. A solar battery transforms your home from being just an energy consumer with solar, into an energy hub. It allows you to store the abundant sunshine your panels generate during the day and use it whenever you need it – even when the sun isn't shining, or when the grid goes down. At SunSent Solar , we're seeing more and more Midwest homeowners realize that a solar system isn't complete without the resilience and savings a battery provides. Why Are Solar Batteries So Important, Especially Here? For Missouri and Illinois residents, the importance of a solar battery goes beyond just being "nice to have." Reliable Backup Power (The Midwest Imperative): Our region is no stranger to severe weather. From summer thunderstorms that knock out power for hours or days, to winter ice storms that leave thousands in the dark, power outages are a real concern. A solar battery provides seamless, automatic backup power for your essential appliances (and even your whole home, depending on size) when the grid goes down. Your solar panels continue to charge your battery during the day, creating a resilient microgrid for your home. Maximize Self-Consumption & Savings: With standard net metering, you send excess solar energy back to the grid for credits. However, in some areas and with evolving utility policies, the value of those credits might not always be dollar-for-dollar. A battery allows you to store your own excess solar generation and use it later, ensuring you consume as much of your free, self-generated power as possible. This means less reliance on utility credits and potentially greater long-term savings. Time-of-Use (TOU) Rate Optimization: Many utilities are moving towards TOU billing, where electricity costs more during peak demand hours (e.g., late afternoon/evening) and less during off-peak hours. A solar battery lets you "arbitrage" electricity: charge the battery with cheap solar power during the day (or even cheap off-peak grid power at night) and then discharge it to power your home during expensive peak hours, dramatically reducing your utility bill. Grid Services & Future Opportunities: As grid technology evolves, homeowners with batteries may eventually have opportunities to sell stored energy back to the grid during periods of high demand, potentially earning additional revenue. Types of Solar Batteries for Your Home While various battery chemistries exist, for residential solar, Lithium-Ion batteries are overwhelmingly the standard due to their efficiency, lifespan, and energy density. Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) Batteries: These are the most popular choice, mirroring the technology found in electric vehicles and smartphones. They come in variations like Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP), which are known for their safety and long cycle life. Pros: High energy density (more power in a smaller space), excellent efficiency (minimal energy loss during charging/discharging), long lifespan, minimal maintenance. Cons: Higher upfront cost than older technologies (though prices are falling rapidly). Lead-Acid Batteries (Briefly): While cheaper upfront, these are rarely recommended for modern residential solar due to lower efficiency, shorter lifespan, larger size, and requiring more maintenance (and sometimes ventilation for off-gassing). They are primarily used in very specific off-grid scenarios. Key Battery Details & What They Mean for You When evaluating solar batteries, you'll encounter a few important terms: Capacity (kWh): This measures how much energy the battery can store. A typical residential battery might range from 10 kWh to 20 kWh or more. To give you context, the average Missouri home uses around 1,040 kWh per month , while the average Illinois home uses around 671 kWh per month . Your SunSent Solar expert can help you determine the right capacity for your specific needs (e.g., backing up essential loads vs. whole-home backup). Power (kW): This indicates how much electricity the battery can deliver at any given moment. A battery with higher power can run more appliances simultaneously. For instance, a 5 kW battery might run your fridge, lights, and TV, but a 10 kW+ battery might be needed to start and run larger appliances like an air conditioner or well pump during an outage. Round-Trip Efficiency: This is the percentage of energy put into the battery that you can get back out. Modern lithium-ion batteries boast efficiencies of 90-95% , meaning very little energy is lost during the storage process. Cycle Life: This refers to the number of charge/discharge cycles a battery can undergo before its capacity significantly degrades. High-quality residential batteries offer 5,000 to 10,000+ cycles , which translates to many years of daily use (e.g., 6,000 cycles at one cycle per day is over 16 years). Warranty: Most leading solar battery manufacturers offer warranties of 10 to 15 years , guaranteeing a certain percentage of the original capacity (e.g., 70% retention) by the end of the warranty period. Solar Battery Pricing in Missouri & Illinois The cost of a solar battery system varies based on capacity, brand, and installation complexity, but prices have become increasingly competitive thanks to technology advancements and incentives. A single, popular residential battery unit (like a Tesla Powerwall or an Enphase IQ Battery) typically costs in the range of $10,000 to $18,000 installed in Missouri and Illinois. Many homes opt for multiple battery units to achieve whole-home backup or extended run times, increasing the total cost. Crucially, solar batteries qualify for the 30% Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) when installed as part of a new solar system, or even as a standalone addition to an existing solar system. This means you can save thousands off the upfront cost! (Remember, legislative changes could impact the future of this credit, making now the optimal time to act). SunSent Solar: Your Battery Storage Experts Adding a solar battery is a significant decision, and it requires specialized expertise to ensure it's sized correctly, installed safely, and optimized for your unique energy habits and local utility rates. At SunSent Solar , we're not just installing solar; we're designing complete energy independence solutions for Midwest homeowners. Our in-house, NABCEP-certified technicians are experts in the latest battery storage technologies from leading manufacturers like Tesla, Enphase, and Generac. We handle everything from assessing your needs and designing the perfect system to seamless installation and ongoing support. Don't let power outages dictate your life or leave valuable solar energy unused. Take control of your home's power future. Contact SunSent Solar today at 636.757.3083 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let's explore how a solar battery can transform your Midwest home into an energy fortress!
