Be Prepared for Grid Failure: How Solar Battery Backup Keeps You Powered Through Storms

Starting June 1, 2025, Ameren Missouri customers will see a 12% increase in their electric bills, averaging an additional $14 per month for residential users. This hike is part of a broader trend of rising electricity costs driven by increasing demand and infrastructure investments.  Rising Electricity Demand and Costs The U.S. is experiencing a significant surge in electricity demand. According to a recent study by consulting firm ICF, electricity demand is projected to grow by 25% by 2030 and 78% by 2050 compared to 2023 levels. This surge is fueled by factors such as the expansion of data centers, increased manufacturing, and the electrification of transportation and heating systems. Consequently, residential electricity rates could rise between 15% and 40% by 2030, depending on the market. The Financial Impact on Households For Missouri residents, these increases mean higher monthly expenses. The recent rate hike approved by the Missouri Public Service Commission allows Ameren to collect an additional $355 million annually. While this is $91 million less than the company initially requested, it still represents a significant financial burden for consumers.

The team at EnergySage recently highlighted a significant development: solar panels are achieving record-breaking efficiencies, with over 33% of quotes in late 2024 featuring panels rated above 450 watts—a dramatic increase from just 1% a year earlier. This surge in high-output panels means homeowners can benefit from fewer panels, more power, and better returns on investment. However, looming tariffs introduced by the Trump administration threaten to disrupt this momentum. Tariffs as high as 3,521% on imports from Southeast Asian countries like Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam are expected to significantly raise the cost of imported solar components . This could lead to increased prices for solar installations and potentially slow the adoption of newer, high-output technology in the U.S. The Rise of 450-Watt Panels The shift toward high-output panels is driven by advancements in solar technology. Panels are now larger and more efficient, allowing for more power generation per square foot. This means homeowners can achieve greater energy output with fewer panels, reducing installation costs and maximizing roof space. Tariffs and Their Impact The new tariffs are part of a broader strategy to protect U.S. industries from unfair trade practices by foreign nations. However, these measures could have unintended consequences for the solar industry. The tariffs are expected to increase the cost of imported solar panels, making it more expensive for developers and homeowners to install solar systems. This could slow the growth of the solar industry and hinder the adoption of clean energy technologies . Supply Chain Challenges The U.S. solar industry is heavily reliant on imports from Southeast Asia, which supply a significant portion of solar panels and components. The new tariffs could disrupt this supply chain, leading to shortages and increased prices. While there is a push to ramp up domestic manufacturing, it will take time to scale production to meet demand. SunSent Has You Covered At SunSent Solar , we understand the challenges posed by these tariffs. That's why we've proactively stocked up on pre-tariff high-output panels , ensuring our customers can still access the latest solar technology at competitive prices. As the Midwest’s solar experts , we're committed to helping homeowners reduce their summer electric bills and protect themselves from rising utility rates.

The solar industry is facing a potential setback. A new proposal moving through Congress could eliminate the 30% federal residential solar tax credit (ITC) by the end of 2025—almost a decade ahead of its scheduled phase-out. While the bill is not yet law, it’s a serious development that could impact both current and future solar adopters. Here’s what’s happening, what it means for homeowners, and how you can take action. What’s Going On? The House Ways and Means Committee recently approved a GOP-led measure that would cut several clean energy tax incentives—including the 30% residential solar tax credit —as part of a broader budget package. Dubbed the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill,” the legislation prioritizes extending corporate tax breaks while eliminating renewable energy incentives like the ITC. Under current law, homeowners who install solar panels can claim 30% of the system’s cost as a credit on their federal tax bill through 2032. That benefit is scheduled to gradually phase out starting in 2033 and expire fully by 2035. But this bill would terminate the tax credit at the end of 2025 , leaving little time for homeowners or installers to adjust. While the bill has cleared committee, it still needs to pass the full House and Senate before it can be signed into law. Why This Matters The residential solar tax credit has played a critical role in making solar energy more accessible and affordable. It reduces the upfront cost of installation, speeds up return on investment, and supports thousands of clean energy jobs across the country. If eliminated early: Homeowners may pay significantly more out of pocket for solar installations. Fewer households may go solar, reducing national progress toward energy independence and sustainability. The solar industry could face job losses and slowed growth, particularly in states like Missouri and Illinois that benefit heavily from federal incentives. This comes at a time when electricity rates from providers like Ameren and Evergy continue to rise, making solar a crucial cost-saving alternative. It’s Not Law Yet—But It’s Moving Fast Despite the committee’s approval, the bill still faces several hurdles: House vote: The full House must debate and vote on the bill. Senate review: If it passes the House, the bill heads to the Senate—where bipartisan support for clean energy could delay or block its progress. Presidential signature: If approved by both chambers, the bill would head to President Trump’s desk. Given its alignment with his party’s priorities, a signature is likely. The GOP aims to pass the legislation through the House by Memorial Day and onto the President’s desk by July 4th. What You Can Do Now is the time to act. Whether you already have solar or are considering it, your voice matters. Reach out to your local representatives and share how the solar tax credit has impacted your home, your budget, or your clean energy goals. You can also: Encourage neighbors and friends to contact their senators and representatives Share educational content (like this blog) on social media Stay informed by subscribing to updates from clean energy organizations The solar Investment Tax Credit has been backed by presidents across party lines since 2005—from Bush and Obama to Trump and Biden. Let’s ensure it continues supporting American families and businesses. Final Thoughts At SunSent Solar , we believe in making solar simple and affordable for homeowners throughout Missouri, Illinois, and beyond. If you're thinking about going solar, now is the time to act—before these benefits potentially disappear.  Have questions? Need help understanding what this could mean for your solar project? Call 636.757.3083 or fill out the form at sunsent.com.

When storms hit or time takes its toll, your roof could be silently taking on damage—damage that may go unnoticed until it turns into a costly problem. That’s why we offer professional roof inspections that are thorough, efficient, and trusted by homeowners across the region. Here’s exactly what a roofing inspection looks like when you work with the experts at SunSent : ✅ It Takes Less Than 30 Minutes We know your time is valuable. A full inspection with our team takes under half an hour—but don’t let the speed fool you. We’re fast because we know what to look for. 🏠 What We Check Our trained roofing specialists follow a detailed checklist to make sure every component of your exterior is covered: Shingles & Roofing Material We inspect for missing, cracked, curled, or loose shingles. We also look for signs of wind uplift or hail impact , which can weaken your roof’s integrity even if everything looks okay from the ground. Gutters & Downspouts Your gutter system is the first line of defense against water damage. We make sure they’re clear, properly attached, and free of blockages or leaks. Drip Edges Drip edges are the small metal strips along your roof’s edges that prevent water from sneaking underneath. We make sure they’re still in place and doing their job. Soft Metals & Siding We check soft metals around windows , flashing, and vent boots for dents, punctures, or other signs of storm damage. Your siding also gets a full once-over to look for any cracks, warping, or hidden issues. Stoppage & Drainage We identify any signs of stoppage or poor drainage that could lead to standing water or long-term damage to your roof or foundation. 🚗 We Even Look Beyond the Roof Our inspection doesn’t stop at shingles and gutters. We check around the property for signs of hail or wind damage—often found on: Grills Cars Metal patio furniture Garage doors Why? Because these signs help us document storm damage that could impact an insurance claim. 🛠️ We’re Insurance & Roofing Experts SunSent isn’t just a solar and roofing company—we’re storm damage and insurance claim pros . We know how to spot covered damage and how to document it clearly for adjusters. Our team is trained to guide homeowners through the insurance process with honesty, clarity, and professionalism. 🤝 Professionalism You Can Count On Our inspectors are courteous, knowledgeable, and respectful of your home and time. We’re proud of the reputation we’ve built in the community, and we treat every inspection like it’s for our own family.  Think something might be wrong with your roof? Don’t wait for leaks to show up. Schedule your inspectio n with SunSent today and get peace of mind in under 30 minutes.

If you’ve been looking into solar for your home or business, you’ve probably heard of microinverters —and for good reason. These small yet powerful devices are changing the game when it comes to solar efficiency, flexibility, and safety. Whether you're just starting your solar journey or considering an upgrade, understanding how microinverters work —and how they compare to other inverter types—is key to making a smart investment. What is a Microinverter? A microinverter is a type of solar inverter installed at the individual panel level. Its main job? Converting the direct current (DC) electricity produced by a solar panel into alternating current (AC) electricity, which powers your home. Traditional inverters—also called string inverters —convert power from a group of panels all at once. But microinverters handle this conversion for each panel independently. That independence comes with a host of benefits, which we’ll break down below. How Do Microinverters Work? Unlike string inverters that rely on centralized conversion, microinverters are mounted directly behind or near each solar panel. This panel-level control means each panel can operate at its maximum potential regardless of how the others are performing. For example, if one panel is shaded by a tree or cloud, only that panel’s production drops—not your entire system’s. This is one of the key advantages of microinverters: no single weak link brings down your entire array. Microinverters also offer real-time performance monitoring of each panel. If one is underperforming, you'll know exactly which one it is and why—making troubleshooting faster and maintenance smarter. Benefits of Microinverters ✅ Increased Energy Production Since each panel operates independently, your solar system performs more efficiently overall—especially if your roof has different angles or shading. ✅ Design Flexibility Have a roof with multiple angles or partial shading throughout the day? No problem. Microinverters let you install panels in varying orientations and configurations without impacting performance. ✅ Real-Time Monitoring Most microinverter systems include smart monitoring software, allowing you to track individual panel performance from your phone or web browser. ✅ Built-in Safety Microinverters meet rapid shutdown requirements in the U.S. under the National Electric Code (NEC). During emergencies or maintenance, microinverters can automatically and instantly shut down panel output, keeping first responders and workers safe. ✅ Easy System Expansion Need to add more panels down the line? With microinverters, expansion is a breeze. You can add more panels without needing to overhaul the existing inverter setup. Microinverters vs. String Inverters vs. Power Optimizers If you’re choosing a solar system, you’ll likely compare three main types of inverters : 🔁 String Inverters Most budget-friendly and simple to install. One or two units are wired to all the panels in your system. Downside: If one panel underperforms, the entire system’s performance drops. Scalability: Not ideal for future expansions. ⚡ Power Optimizers Work with a central inverter. Optimize energy output at the panel level like microinverters but don’t convert DC to AC onsite. Offer good performance and panel-level monitoring. More components than microinverters, which can add complexity. ⚙️ Microinverters Convert energy at each panel. Excellent for performance, monitoring, safety, and scalability. Slightly higher upfront cost but superior long-term benefits. What to Consider When Choosing Microinverters If you decide microinverters are right for you, here’s what to keep in mind when comparing models: 1. Efficiency Ratings Just like solar panels, microinverters have efficiency ratings that show how well they convert DC to usable AC power. Top-rated models like the Enphase IQ8 offer around 97% efficiency . Make sure you check weighted efficiency ratings like the California Energy Commission (CEC) score , which better reflects real-world performance. 2. System Size Compatibility Microinverters come in different sizes based on voltage. You want one that matches your solar panel’s output—too small and it’ll "clip" energy; too large and it might not be cost-effective. 3. Single-Phase vs. Three-Phase Single-phase : Common for most residential setups. Lower cost. Three-phase : More power, better for large homes or commercial properties. 4. Warranty Most premium microinverters come with a 25-year warranty , but it’s worth reading the fine print. Coverage details vary by brand. 5. Price Microinverters do cost more than string inverters up front. However, their long-term performance, safety, and expandability often make them worth the investment .

AC vs. DC Coupling: What’s the Difference, and Which One Do You Need? Source: Signature Solar Let’s face it—solar tech can be a little confusing, especially when you start hearing terms like AC Coupling and DC Coupling. But don’t worry—we’re here to break it down so you know exactly what they mean and which option might be best for your solar setup. AC vs. DC: A Quick Solar Refresher Solar panels generate DC (direct current) electricity, but your home runs on AC (alternating current) power. That means we need to convert the energy solar panels produce into something your house can actually use—and that’s where inverters come in. When you add battery storage into the mix, the way your system handles that conversion becomes extra important. That’s where AC and DC Coupling come into play. What is DC Coupling? In a DC Coupled system, the solar panels send DC power straight to your battery for storage. The system only converts it to AC when it’s time to use the energy inside your home. This direct path means fewer steps and higher efficiency.  Pros: ✅ More efficient—less energy lost during conversions ✅ Simpler, especially in off-grid setups ✅ Ideal for brand-new, custom-designed systems Cons: ⛔ You’re limited by the inverter’s size ⛔ Not the easiest option if you already have solar installed

When it comes to replacing your roof, you're not just making a purchase—you're making a long-term investment in your home’s value, safety, and energy efficiency. At SunSent , we take roofing just as seriously as we take solar, because in many cases, they go hand in hand. Whether you're dealing with storm damage, planning to add solar, or simply upgrading your home's exterior, our team brings expertise that covers both the foundation of your energy savings (your roof) and the technology that helps power your future (solar panels). But what does "quality roofing" actually mean? Let’s break it down, using insight from Owens Corning , one of the leading manufacturers of premium roofing materials (and a brand we trust on our installs). Quality Roofing Starts with Materials That Last Not all shingles are created equal. Owens Corning, for example, sets rigorous standards to make sure their roofing materials meet—and often exceed—both industry expectations and customer needs. From granule adhesion (which affects both performance and safety) to tear strength and wind resistance , quality roofing materials are built to last through the seasons and protect what matters most: your home and your family. At SunSent , we only use high-performance, manufacturer-tested roofing materials, because cutting corners on your roof today means bigger problems tomorrow.

Most people only think about their roofs when it starts to rain—or worse, when it starts to leak. But the best time to detect roof problems is actually after the storm passes, especially on a clear, sunny day. The Midwest's Storm Reality Living in the Midwest means being no stranger to severe weather. From hailstorms to tornadoes, the region frequently experiences weather events that can wreak havoc on homes, especially roofs. In 2024 alone, severe convective storms, including hail and tornadoes, resulted in insured losses exceeding $58 billion in the U.S., with the Midwest bearing a significant portion of this damage . Missouri, in particular, has seen its fair share of storm-induced destruction. A notable example is the March 14–15, 2025, severe weather outbreak, which produced 14 confirmed tornadoes, including five EF-3 tornadoes. These storms caused extensive damage to homes, machine sheds, power lines, and trees across numerous communities . When the rain stops and the sun comes out, your roof is no longer under immediate stress, making it easier to spot signs of damage that could lead to future issues. Why Damage Shows After the Rain Water has a sneaky way of getting in and hiding. Once the rain stops, that trapped moisture starts to dry out—and in doing so, it often leaves behind visible signs. The sun helps reveal warped shingles, faded stains, and other indicators that might go unnoticed during the storm. What to Look For on a Sunny Day Shingle Curling or Buckling: If your shingles look lifted or wavy, moisture might have seeped underneath them. Stains on Exterior Walls or Fascia: Discoloration or streaks on the sides of your home can be signs of water running where it shouldn't. Attic Inspection: Head up to the attic and look for water stains, damp insulation, or that tell-tale musty smell. Soft Spots on the Roof: If it’s safe to do so, gently walk on your roof and feel for spongy or soft areas that might indicate rot. Sagging or Uneven Areas: These can signal water pooling and weakening the structure underneath. Moss or Algae Growth: If water stuck around too long, you might start to see green patches growing on your roof. Gutter Issues: Overflowing or clogged gutters can send water behind siding or under shingles, especially noticeable after a storm. Why Sunny-Day Inspections Are Safer and Smarter Inspecting your roof while it's dry is not just more effective—it's also safer. Slippery surfaces and low visibility during storms make for dangerous inspections. When it’s sunny, you have better lighting and stable footing, making it easier to catch the small details. Call in the Experts At SunSent , our team doesn’t wait around for a leak to start causing damage. We know that post-rain, sunny days are the perfect time to get ahead of roofing issues. Whether it's a full inspection or a quick check-up, we can help you avoid costly surprises down the road.  Don’t wait for the next storm. Schedule your roof inspection today and let the sunshine help us find what the rain tried to hide.

The U.S. solar industry is no stranger to trade turbulence, but recent moves from the White House have sent shockwaves through an already complex landscape. As new tariffs hit Southeast Asian solar imports—the backbone of the U.S. solar supply chain—the big question for the industry becomes: can a surplus of stockpiled solar panels act as a buffer against economic disruption? At SunSent Solar , we’re diving into the numbers, the policy shifts, and the industry responses that could determine whether this tariff wave sinks solar progress or helps build a stronger domestic foundation. 📉 The New Tariffs Are No Joke In April 2025, the Biden-to-Trump transition brought with it a brutal new trade policy dubbed the “Liberation Day” tariffs. The new tariffs target Southeast Asian nations—countries responsible for over 80% of U.S. solar panel imports. Here’s what the new tariff landscape looks like: