Missouri solar rebates and incentives: 2026 guide
Missouri doesn't offer many solar incentives, but if your electric bill is high, you may still save by going solar.
Updated Jan 6, 2026
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Missouri doesn't offer the strongest solar incentive programs out there. But that doesn't mean solar isn't worth it—especially if your electric bills are eating up a big chunk of your monthly budget.
Solar's real value isn't about rebates. It's about taking control of your electricity costs for the next 25-30 years. As utility rates continue their steady climb, locking in lower energy costs now can deliver substantial savings over time. Even without robust state programs, many Missouri homeowners with decent sun exposure and moderate to high electric bills find that solar still pays for itself. Here's how you may be able to lower your solar costs in Missouri—and whether it makes sense for your home.
Unfortunately, Missouri doesn't offer many incentives for solar. But if your electric bills are high, going solar can still make sense.
| Incentive | Average savings in Missouri | Description |
|---|---|---|
City of Colombia Utilities Solar Rebate | $500/kW | Columbia residents who install a solar panel system can receive a rebate of $500 per kW. |
If you connect your solar panel system to the grid, you can benefit from net metering, one of the best solar panel incentives available in Missouri. With net metering, you earn credits when you send excess electricity from your solar panels to the grid. When the sun isn't shining and you need to pull electricity from the grid, your utility will apply the credits to your bill. Net metering makes it so you will owe very little, or even nothing, on your electric bills with solar panels.
All utility companies in Missouri are required to offer net metering to their customers—but their rates vary. Utilities must compensate customers for their excess solar generation based on the avoided fuel cost at a minimum. Here are a few nuances to keep in mind:
The rate you receive depends on your utility. Evergy offers one-to-one net metering, while Ameren customers receive 5.39 cents per kWh in the summer and 3.92 cents per kWh in the winter.
Credits expire after 12 months. If you don’t use them within the year, you lose them.
You may have to pay for “additional equipment”. If your existing meter equipment isn’t capable of metering net energy usage, then you’re on the hook for new gear.
Learn more about these net metering programs:
Missouri doesn't offer any state-specific battery incentives, but you can also use your battery to boost your energy independence and provide backup power during an outage.
If you're looking for solar installers in Missouri, here are some popular suggestions:
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Is solar worth it in Missouri?
Solar panels are often worth it in Missouri. If you pay for your system with cash, you'll save about $29,024 over 25 years (the warranty term of most solar panels) on electricity costs with a 13.28 kW system in Missouri based on real solar quote data from our Marketplace.
Can you get solar panels for free in Missouri?
Unfortunately, you can't get free solar panels in Missouri, though incentives can dramatically lower the price you pay. But, if you sign a solar lease or PPA, you can go solar with no upfront payment and start saving right away—you just won’t officially own your system, which will limit your access to any available incentives.
How much does it cost to install solar in Missouri?
As of January 2026, the average solar panel cost in Missouri is $2.53. If you install a 13.28 kW system it will cost you between $28,518 to $38,584, with an average cost of $33,551.
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