June 10, 2010
Solar Loans for Missourians - Missouri Linked Deposit Loans

Access to solar power for residential and commercial customers in Missouri continues to improve. We've arrived at a paradigm shift for Missouri solar energy projects. Solar panel costs have decreased and solar incentives have dramatically improved with the federal tax credit and the Proposition C solar rebate.

The Missouri Linked Deposit Loan program takes us a step further. The program offers Missouri solar customers consistent low-interest rate loans for up to five years. Loan savings are usually 2-3 percent to the borrower. The program partners with lending institutions to provide low-interest loans to help create and retain jobs, expand the economy and strengthen communities statewide.

Take the next step to producing your own solar power and controlling your energy costs by going to www.treasure.mo.gov/LinkedDeposit. Download the Alternative Energy Consumer Loan Application and give StraightUp Solar a call to learn more.

June 10, 2010
Choices

Our electricity comes predominantly from coal. Most of us in Missouri and Illinois burn over 30 pounds of coal per day in our homes. Each kilowatt-hour (kWh) that we use is a pound of coal burnt. Imagine 30, 40, 50 pounds of coal delivered to your doorstep everyday. When we look at our electric bill we may just see the cost in dollars. However, once we see differently, we may start to see that electric bill in pounds of coal. It's our choice. It's our choice to translate dollars to pounds of coal. It's our choice to recognize dirty power as dirty air and the source of sick lungs for our children and families. It's our choice to turn our lights off, to insulate our homes, to create our own clean solar energy.

May 14, 2010
$500 Missouri State Rebate for Solar Water Heaters!

One of the most efficient uses of solar just became even more cost-effective for Missourians. ENERGY STAR qualified solar water heaters are eligible for a $500 rebate. This is in addition to the 30% Federal Tax Credit for solar water heaters. StraightUp Solar is a qualified installation contractor to help you meet your energy goals with a solar water heating system.

Most families will save more than 50% of their water heating costs with a solar water heating system. That's typically more than 10% of your energy bills and the equivalent environmental benefits of a hybrid car! In addition, solar water heating systems will produce hot water and clean energy for 20 years or more in most cases.

• Learn more about the rebate program here
• Find out more about how your family can save money and environment
• FAQ about the Energize Missouri Appliance Rebate Program

April 6, 2010
First Ameren Solar Rebate Received by Phil and Sima Needleman

Phil and Sima Needleman, in St. Louis, are the first Missouri Ameren customers to receive the Proposition C Solar Rebate. StraightUp Solar installed a 2.7 kW grid tied solar power system for the Needleman's that came on-line in Januray, 2010. The rebate is paid by Ameren and is $2/watt. The total rebate for the Needleman's is $5,460, which offsets a significant portion of the installed cost. Ameren quickly sent the rebate to the Needleman's in less than two weeks from completion of the rebate paperwork. The 30% Federal Tax Credit will further add to their solar savings. The system is expected to save approximately 3,500 killowat hours per year.