Missouri solar panels: The complete guide in 2025
Data updated Jun 3, 2025
Interested in going solar? You'll need to install a 12.43 kW solar panel system to cover the average electric bill in Missouri, which will cost you about $24,161 after the federal tax credit.
Cost for an average system in Missouri
| Out of pocket cost, cash | $34,516 |
| Federal tax credit (30%) | - $10,355 |
| Price post tax credit | $24,161 |
| 25-year savings | Payback period | Electricity offset |
|---|---|---|
| $33,576 | 12 Years | 89% |
As long as your federal tax bill is high enough, you can take advantage of the federal investment tax credit (ITC).
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Going solar in Missouri
Thanks to Missouri’s high natural gas prices, electrifying your home makes a lot of sense—and adding solar panels, maybe even a battery to go with it, reduces your carbon footprint and your reliance on the utility electric grid.
Factor in the federal solar tax credit, and Missourians can cut the cost of solar by thousands of dollars, speeding up your payback period and increasing the value of your investment.
Here's our guide to going solar in Missouri.
Cost
How much do solar panels cost in Missouri?
Solar panels will save you a lot of money over time, but the upfront costs aren't cheap. The average Missouri homeowner needs a 12.43 kW solar panel system to cover their electricity needs, which comes out to $34,516 before incentives. Prices range from $29,339 to $39,693, but after the federal tax credit, that drops by 30%.
Over 16,000 Missouri homeowners have used EnergySage to receive and compare quotes for solar installations. You can expect to earn back your initial solar investment through electricity savings in about 11.81 years, while most systems last at least 25 years. You'll often see this number referenced as your solar payback period.
Solar panel systems are expensive upfront purchases, but there are a few different financing options to make that initial cost more manageable.
Cash purchase: You pay for your entire system upfront. This provides the best long-term savings.
Solar loan: Enables you to maintain ownership of your system while owing little to no money upfront. When it comes to solar loans, subsidized clean energy loans through local incentive programs are usually your best bet. The next best options include a home equity loan or a personal loan—private solar loans typically come with higher interest rates or upfront fees.
Solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA): A third-party company owns your system and either leases you the solar panels (solar lease) or allows you to purchase the electricity they generate (PPA). In general, these provide the lowest savings and garner the most negative press about solar. If you go this route, remember to read the fine print so you’re not trapped in a contract for longer than you intend.
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Incentives
What are the best solar rebates and incentives in Missouri?
Incentives help bring solar's price tag down considerably in Missouri. Here are the major ones to know about:
| Incentive | Average savings in Missouri | Description |
|---|---|---|
Residential Clean Energy Tax Credit, formerly the federal investment tax credit (ITC) | $10,355 | Lowers your solar panel system's cost by 30% |
City of Colombia Utilities Solar Rebate | $500/kW | Columbia residents who install a solar panel system can receive a rebate of $500 per kW. |
Is net metering available in Missouri?
In certain states, net metering policies allow you to earn credits for the extra energy your home solar system produces. This incentive is known as net metering—basically a solar buyback program—and it can make it so you owe little to nothing on your electric bills.
All utility companies in Missouri are required to compensate customers for their excess solar generation based on the avoided fuel cost at a minimum, but 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.
Learn more about net metering in Missouri or see specifics on utility programs below:
Equipment
Equipment quality
Solar panel efficiency continues to improve every year—that is, they produce more power per square foot. As of 2025, many top-selling solar panels produce around 450 watts in full sunlight. To maximize your roof’s production potential, look for panels with at least that level of output.
It’s also important to choose an inverter setup that fits the design of your roof.
And if you plan to add a solar battery, make sure it’s compatible with your inverter setup for smooth integration.
While higher-end equipment can be more expensive upfront, it often leads to greater savings over time. Premium products usually come with longer warranties—up to 25 years or more—and are built to last. They also degrade more slowly, meaning you’ll get more consistent energy production further into the future.
Companies
Who are the best solar installers in Missouri?
We pre-screen all of the solar companies on EnergySage to ensure they'll provide you with a high-quality installation. We then rate them based on their results, reputation, and responsiveness. Here are the highest-rated EnergySage installers in Missouri:
Ready to start looking for a solar installer?
Here are some of the most popular ones near you:
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resources
Top solar resources for Missouri
- Missouri Solar Loan Providers
Search through our list of top loan providers to finance your solar panel system.
- Missouri Department of Natural Resources
Learn about MO solar programs from the state government.
- Missouri Public Service Commission
Read more about how utility companies work in MO.
- Missouri Electricity Profile (EIA)
Learn about MO energy production and prices.
- MO State Solar Factsheet (SEIA)
See quick stats about how much solar energy has grown in MO.
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