Energy Efficiency + Solar: Upgrades That Maximize Savings in MO & AR
More Missouri and Arkansas homeowners are taking control of their energy costs with smart, energy-efficient home upgrades and solar power. Even after the federal solar tax credit ends on December 31, 2025, these improvements continue to pay for themselves. Lower utility bills, higher property value, and decades of reliable performance make insulation upgrades, HVAC enhancements, and solar panels a smart financial move.
Start with a Home Energy Audit
The first step is to understand which parts of your home to target. An energy audit is a professional evaluation that identifies energy loss caused by leaks, inefficient systems, or outdated appliances. It provides a roadmap for which upgrades will deliver the best return.
Air Sealing & Attic Insulation
Air leaks and poor insulation are among the biggest energy wasters. Sealing gaps around ductwork, vents, and fixtures keeps conditioned air inside. Then, boosted attic insulation helps maintain even temperatures. Together, these improvements can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 10%.
Window and Door Weatherization
Drafty windows and doors are another major source of energy loss. Weatherstripping, caulking, and upgrading to double-pane, Energy Star-rated windows provide significant savings.
Heat Pump Water Heater
Water heating accounts for about one-fifth of your home’s energy use. Energy Star-certified heat pump water heaters use an impressive 70% less energy than electric resistance models. This means a family of four could save up to $550 per year on operating costs, or $5,500 over the system’s decade-long lifespan.
Energy-Efficient HVAC
Heating and cooling account for the largest share of household energy use. Upgrading to a high-SEER heat pump can cut your energy bills. Keeping up with annual maintenance also helps your system run smoothly and last longer.
Smart Thermostat + Load Scheduling
Smart thermostats learn your schedule and automatically adjust the settings to save energy when you’re away, trimming your heating and cooling costs by more than 8%. Many models also participate in load-shedding events, temporarily raising or lowering the temperature during peak hours. This reduces energy use when electricity costs more and may qualify you for utility rebates.
LED + Lighting Controls
Switching to LED light bulbs is an effortless way to boost home energy efficiency. LEDs use up to 90% less energy and last 15 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Add dimmers, motion sensors, and timers to take your savings even further.
Energy Star Appliances
From refrigerators to clothes dryers, Energy Star certifies a wide range of home appliances based on their technology use and ability to minimize energy waste. Replacing outdated models with efficient ones can save 20% to 60% on operating costs, depending on the appliance.
Solar Panels + Right-Sized Inverter
Solar panels remain the cornerstone of long-term energy independence. A typical 11 kW residential system pays for itself after about a decade, with savings estimated at $20,000 to $90,000 over 25 years. Today’s panels retain about 92.5% of their capacity after 25 years and have an expected lifespan of up to 40 years.
Choosing the right-sized inverter ensures your system converts the maximum amount of sunlight into usable energy. Most systems perform best when the inverter is 80% to 100% of the array’s wattage.
Add Battery to Shift Loads / Backup
Adding a solar battery lets you store the excess energy your panels generate during the day for use at night or during peak utility rate hours. This process, called load shifting, optimizes when you use electricity from the grid vs. your stored solar power. A battery also provides backup power during outages to keep your lights, refrigerator, and medical equipment running.
How to Sequence Upgrades for Maximum ROI
To get the best return, perform energy-efficient home upgrades in the following order:
- Air sealing, insulation, and weatherization
- HVAC, water heating, and appliance upgrades
- Solar and battery storage installation
Maximize Energy-Efficient Savings with Solera Energy
Are you ready to go solar? Solera Energy has helped thousands of Missouri and Arkansas homeowners transform their properties into energy-efficient homes that save money every month. We were the first solar company in Missouri, and we’re here for the long term.
Contact us today to schedule a free solar consultation.
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