Summary of Missouri solar incentives 2021
The cost to install solar panels on your home in Missouri is lower than ever. There are strong solar energy rebates for 2021 to further bring down costs, for folks served by KCP&L, Columbia Water & Light, or Empire District.
While some of the rebate tiers have gotten a little less juicy over the past few years, there are very lucrative solar investment opportunities here, with some farm installations coupled with USDA grants creating immediate payback scenarios.
You can save thousands of dollars off the up-front cost of solar, combine that with another big cash windfall in the federal solar tax credit, and use electricity bill savings to quickly pay back your net costs. The average homeowner will save thousands over the 25-year operating life of their solar panels, and benefit from increased home value and environmental benefits, to boot!
On this page, you can:
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Learn what solar incentives are available to Missouri homeowners
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See what Missouri solar incentives you qualify for based on your utility company and city
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Find out how much these incentives and/or Missouri solar tax credits will reduce your cost to go solar and add batteries
Federal solar investment tax credit
The federal solar investment tax credit will have the biggest impact on the cost you will face to go solar in Missouri
This perk is commonly known as the ITC, short for “Investment Tax Credit”. If you install your photovoltaic system in 2020, the federal tax credit is 26% of the cost of your solar panel system. This is 26% off the entire cost of the system including equipment, labor and permitting.
Example: If your solar energy system costs $20,000, your federal solar tax credit would be $20,000 x 26% = $5,200.
The federal tax credit falls to 22% at the end of 2022.
Net energy metering in Missouri
With net metering in some states, you get full retail rate credit for the amount of electricity you send back into the grid with your solar panels.
Net Metering requires your utility to monitor how much energy your solar power system produces and how much energy you actually consume, and make sure you get credit for the surplus.
Missouri requires all utilities to offer net metering to customers with solar power systems up to 100 kW. Net excess generation is credited to your next bill at a minimum of the utility’s avoided cost rate.
Now, "avoided cost rate" is short for "how much it would have cost us to burn more coal and make electricity at one of our plants". As you may guess, the avoided cost rate is pretty cheap. Like, you pay $.12/kWh for electricity from them, but they'll only pay you $.03/kWh for excess you send back to the grid. That's why it's really important you size your system well so you don't produce way more electricity than you use.
We’d like to see the law amended to ensure you get credit for your net excess generation, even if you run a surplus every month. Right now, all credit not used after 12 months reverts back to the utility without compensation. While we think the utility should cut you a check for all that surplus instead, at least there’s some credit rolling back to you when you aren’t able to use all the solar electricity you produce onsite.
Missouri solar rebates
Missouri has what basically amounts to a statewide rebate program for solar installations because several of the state's largest electric utility companies offer rebates for their customers.
Property tax exemption
A solar panel installation on your home adds value to it. We’re talking thousands of dollars of value, based on all that electricity you won’t be paying for in the next few decades. Luckily, Missouri realizes that a good way to encourage homeowners to go solar is to exempt all that additional value from property taxes. That’s right, you will not pay a dime in taxes on all that added value!
Cost of solar panels in your part of Missouri after all applicable solar incentives
Showing data for:
Prices based on a 9.9kW system, after 26% federal tax credit
Solar prices near you
Payback period
9.6-11.7 years
Net profit (savings less system cost)
$28,070-$34,308
Average size system installed in MO in 2021
9.9kW
Solar panel cost calculator
Best 10 solar companies in Missouri
34 solar companies in Missouri provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.69 33 Reviews
Latest review
Bishop Family, over 1 month
Great Product and Service All Around!
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Latest review
Bishop Family, over 1 month
Great Product and Service All Around!
4.63 1,528 Reviews
Latest review
REC Solar, 5 days ago
They were very professional and knowledgeable with the way they installed the solar panels. They were very fast with getting the job done.
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Latest review
REC Solar, 5 days ago
They were very professional and knowledgeable with the way they installed the solar panels. They were very fast with getting the job done.
4.63 27 Reviews
Latest review
Obed M., 4 weeks ago
RisingSun Solar installation of solar panels at our house was done with the utmost professionalism. They were honest and provided all the vital information for us to make an informed decision on the system that best suited our needs. Their customer service is also impeccable. They responded to questions quickly and properly. I will definitely recommend them for your solar installation project.
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Latest review
Obed M., 4 weeks ago
RisingSun Solar installation of solar panels at our house was done with the utmost professionalism. They were honest and provided all the vital information for us to make an informed decision on the system that best suited our needs. Their customer service is also impeccable. They responded to questions quickly and properly. I will definitely recommend them for your solar installation project.
4.50 10 Reviews
Latest review
William Virtue, over 1 month
Bliss Brothers Solar did a great job from start to finish. They kept me informed all along the way, so it seemed like it didn’t take very long to get it done. Now I’m saving tons on my electric bill.
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Latest review
William Virtue, over 1 month
Bliss Brothers Solar did a great job from start to finish. They kept me informed all along the way, so it seemed like it didn’t take very long to get it done. Now I’m saving tons on my electric bill.
4.49 43 Reviews
Latest review
RTV, over 1 month
We have solar panels for our farming operation and greatly enjoy the benefits of clean energy.
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Latest review
RTV, over 1 month
We have solar panels for our farming operation and greatly enjoy the benefits of clean energy.
4.39 33 Reviews
Latest review
Paul, 2 weeks ago
This review was originally shared on Energy Sage, but I wanted to leave it here also since I used Solar Reviews during my search for a solar company. Solar SME will eventually get your system installed, but be prepared for a number of headaches along the way. I gave them 2 stars, largely being generous. In fairness to Solar SME, my situation seems to be uncommon based on their reviews, but it is worth noting that most of the positive reviews are in the Texas area or are left before people have their system installed. I would be interested to see if people have the same view after the installation of their system. I think they are reaching beyond their capability trying to do work in Virginia when they are based in Texas. Solar SME has a contractor/ sub-contractor model. I.E. you will write checks to Solar SME, but they are going to sub EVERYTHING out, at least they did in my case in Virginia. Maybe if you are closer to their headquarters in Texas it might be different. There is nothing wrong with a company sub-contracting everything. If fact the first few steps in the process after I signed my contract were very good. However, after that it all went downhill. First, don’t expect this process to go quickly. I signed my final contact on May 28. The company was fairly quick to get the site inspection and engineering products completed. I received final plans on June 8. However, once the project moved from the paperwork stage to the get stuff done stage it started to crawl. My utility finalized my interconnection and net metering agreement on July 13, to the fairness of Solar SME I believe much of the delay was caused by the utility company. However, the material for my installation was not shipped out to my house until August 27 and arrived on September 1, and the installers didn’t arrive on site to install it until September 20. One of my biggest complaints about Solar SME is that they DO NOT communicate. During the waiting process between me signing the contact and the installers arriving at my house there was often weeks in which I did not hear anything from the company. ALL of the updates that I received during the process were because I emailed and asked what the status was. Also, several of the emails basically just told me what I wanted to hear, and ended up being false. For example, I was told that the material would only need to be in my garage for 3-5 days, and from the time I gave you can see that was not true even accounting for normal and reasonable delays. Additionally, I was told that the installers would be showing up to my house on Sept 20 in the morning. Naturally, I took the day off of work so I could ensure that they got started correctly and had everything that they needed. They didn’t show up until 4pm, and I could have easily been home from work by then, so I effectively wasted a vacation day. As far as the installers, I would give them 1 star if I was being generous. Keep in mind that Solar SME subcontracts their work, so your installers might be amazing, my were not. They got my system installed, but that is about all that I can say nice about them. My system took over a week to install, with one day that was raining during the week. The rest of the week was mid to upper 70s with clear skies and a slight breeze. Even though the install spread out, the installers only averaged working at my house for about 4 hours a day. They would start work around 9am, work for a couple of hours, take a long lunch then work for a couple of more hours. I am sure they could have knocked my simple 25 panel install out in a matter of 2 to 3 days if they would have actually worked for a solid day and not disappeared for multiple hour lunch breaks. Also they NEVER showed up when they said they would. On both Saturday and Sunday they said they would be at my house “in the morning” on both days they showed up after 2:30pm. The professionalism of the installers leaves a lot to be desired also. First, my garage looked like a bomb went off in it. There was packing material, trade debris, tools, empty water bottles, etc. all throughout my garage every day when the installers were done. Also, not once did the installers walk my yard to cleaning up all of the trash that they left behind. After there were done I walked around and found a couple dozen bolts and other hardware as well as plastic and cardboard packaging material and water bottles. It would appear that they just assumed that if it fell off the roof it disappeared forever. Most concerning to me was that one of the installers smelled like cannabis when he would show up. Granted, the wonderful Commonwealth of Virginia says that recreational use is legal. However, I look at it as the same as showing up to work smelling of alcohol. It seriously makes me question the quality of the work that was done. I am sure that most people who have a job could agree with me that showing up to work smelling of the devils lettuce or alcohol is not acceptable. Keep in mind that Solar SME does warranty their work. Given the trouble in working with them thus far I really hope that I don’t ever have to use their warranty. On a positive note, after living through the nightmare of the installation team, Austin came out and immediately got things on the right track and finished the install. Austin hands down, saved the day when it came to my solar installation. I am glad that Austin came to my house and finished my install. He deserves a medal in my eyes for the fantastic job that he did. The equipment that SolarSME chose to use on my house is very good. The inverter is one of the top rated inverters on Energy Sage and has a ton of great features. The panels are also very good, and again one of the top rated panels on Energy Sage. Assuming that there weren’t any defects with the installation, I think I will be very happy with my system for a long time to come. Overall, Solar SME got a solar system installed on my house, which is what I contracted them to do. However, it was far from a quick or easy process. In many ways I felt like they were my subcontractor and I was having to manage them. I do project management professionally and really don’t want to have to do it if I am paying a company to manage a project. The solar industry has hundreds if not thousands of companies now that solar is becoming more main stream. Based on my experience, I would recommend that you find a company that does not subcontract their work and is perhaps locally based where you live or at least in the same state as you.
Read more
Latest review
Paul, 2 weeks ago
This review was originally shared on Energy Sage, but I wanted to leave it here also since I used Solar Reviews during my search for a solar company. Solar SME will eventually get your system installed, but be prepared for a number of headaches along the way. I gave them 2 stars, largely being generous. In fairness to Solar SME, my situation seems to be uncommon based on their reviews, but it is worth noting that most of the positive reviews are in the Texas area or are left before people have their system installed. I would be interested to see if people have the same view after the installation of their system. I think they are reaching beyond their capability trying to do work in Virginia when they are based in Texas. Solar SME has a contractor/ sub-contractor model. I.E. you will write checks to Solar SME, but they are going to sub EVERYTHING out, at least they did in my case in Virginia. Maybe if you are closer to their headquarters in Texas it might be different. There is nothing wrong with a company sub-contracting everything. If fact the first few steps in the process after I signed my contract were very good. However, after that it all went downhill. First, don’t expect this process to go quickly. I signed my final contact on May 28. The company was fairly quick to get the site inspection and engineering products completed. I received final plans on June 8. However, once the project moved from the paperwork stage to the get stuff done stage it started to crawl. My utility finalized my interconnection and net metering agreement on July 13, to the fairness of Solar SME I believe much of the delay was caused by the utility company. However, the material for my installation was not shipped out to my house until August 27 and arrived on September 1, and the installers didn’t arrive on site to install it until September 20. One of my biggest complaints about Solar SME is that they DO NOT communicate. During the waiting process between me signing the contact and the installers arriving at my house there was often weeks in which I did not hear anything from the company. ALL of the updates that I received during the process were because I emailed and asked what the status was. Also, several of the emails basically just told me what I wanted to hear, and ended up being false. For example, I was told that the material would only need to be in my garage for 3-5 days, and from the time I gave you can see that was not true even accounting for normal and reasonable delays. Additionally, I was told that the installers would be showing up to my house on Sept 20 in the morning. Naturally, I took the day off of work so I could ensure that they got started correctly and had everything that they needed. They didn’t show up until 4pm, and I could have easily been home from work by then, so I effectively wasted a vacation day. As far as the installers, I would give them 1 star if I was being generous. Keep in mind that Solar SME subcontracts their work, so your installers might be amazing, my were not. They got my system installed, but that is about all that I can say nice about them. My system took over a week to install, with one day that was raining during the week. The rest of the week was mid to upper 70s with clear skies and a slight breeze. Even though the install spread out, the installers only averaged working at my house for about 4 hours a day. They would start work around 9am, work for a couple of hours, take a long lunch then work for a couple of more hours. I am sure they could have knocked my simple 25 panel install out in a matter of 2 to 3 days if they would have actually worked for a solid day and not disappeared for multiple hour lunch breaks. Also they NEVER showed up when they said they would. On both Saturday and Sunday they said they would be at my house “in the morning” on both days they showed up after 2:30pm. The professionalism of the installers leaves a lot to be desired also. First, my garage looked like a bomb went off in it. There was packing material, trade debris, tools, empty water bottles, etc. all throughout my garage every day when the installers were done. Also, not once did the installers walk my yard to cleaning up all of the trash that they left behind. After there were done I walked around and found a couple dozen bolts and other hardware as well as plastic and cardboard packaging material and water bottles. It would appear that they just assumed that if it fell off the roof it disappeared forever. Most concerning to me was that one of the installers smelled like cannabis when he would show up. Granted, the wonderful Commonwealth of Virginia says that recreational use is legal. However, I look at it as the same as showing up to work smelling of alcohol. It seriously makes me question the quality of the work that was done. I am sure that most people who have a job could agree with me that showing up to work smelling of the devils lettuce or alcohol is not acceptable. Keep in mind that Solar SME does warranty their work. Given the trouble in working with them thus far I really hope that I don’t ever have to use their warranty. On a positive note, after living through the nightmare of the installation team, Austin came out and immediately got things on the right track and finished the install. Austin hands down, saved the day when it came to my solar installation. I am glad that Austin came to my house and finished my install. He deserves a medal in my eyes for the fantastic job that he did. The equipment that SolarSME chose to use on my house is very good. The inverter is one of the top rated inverters on Energy Sage and has a ton of great features. The panels are also very good, and again one of the top rated panels on Energy Sage. Assuming that there weren’t any defects with the installation, I think I will be very happy with my system for a long time to come. Overall, Solar SME got a solar system installed on my house, which is what I contracted them to do. However, it was far from a quick or easy process. In many ways I felt like they were my subcontractor and I was having to manage them. I do project management professionally and really don’t want to have to do it if I am paying a company to manage a project. The solar industry has hundreds if not thousands of companies now that solar is becoming more main stream. Based on my experience, I would recommend that you find a company that does not subcontract their work and is perhaps locally based where you live or at least in the same state as you.
4.37 10 Reviews
Latest review
Lexi Kimball, 4 weeks ago
From start to finish my husband & I were very pleased with Barrett Solar. Steve made the whole process very simple for us and kept our mind at ease about everything. The whole process was very quick, from the initial visit to having our Solar turned on was only about five weeks. I would highly recommend Barrett Solar to anyone, you won't find a better company! Fast, friendly, affordable, great customer service, and an awesome install team.
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Latest review
Lexi Kimball, 4 weeks ago
From start to finish my husband & I were very pleased with Barrett Solar. Steve made the whole process very simple for us and kept our mind at ease about everything. The whole process was very quick, from the initial visit to having our Solar turned on was only about five weeks. I would highly recommend Barrett Solar to anyone, you won't find a better company! Fast, friendly, affordable, great customer service, and an awesome install team.
4.25 5 Reviews
Latest review
Jenna Harbison, over 1 month
Go with Kaw Valley to get your solar panels, you won't be disappointed! They have great customer service, and make the entire process so easy. The installation was smooth and the panels are great quality! We are so happy with our purchase!
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Latest review
Jenna Harbison, over 1 month
Go with Kaw Valley to get your solar panels, you won't be disappointed! They have great customer service, and make the entire process so easy. The installation was smooth and the panels are great quality! We are so happy with our purchase!
4.17 6 Reviews
Latest review
Larry W Wilson - Retired, over 1 month
We are very impressed with the proposal, engineering, layout, site visit, and final installation. We monitor the results daily and we are right on schedule. Of course no one has control of the weather but it is on track as we expected. We had six craftsman on our projects at different times. All were very professional in all aspects of installation. Even in 94 degree heat they worked extremely hard and continuously. I am retired from the electrical industry and held several positions in management of Fortune 100 companies including owning a partnership in an electrical transformer manufacturing company. This crew was experts in their field, never thought of cutting corners, installed with quality products, and installed properly in accordance with NEC. I can not say enough about the entire installation and highly recommend AltEnergy Staunton for those considering a solar project. You will not be disappointed!
Read more
Latest review
Larry W Wilson - Retired, over 1 month
We are very impressed with the proposal, engineering, layout, site visit, and final installation. We monitor the results daily and we are right on schedule. Of course no one has control of the weather but it is on track as we expected. We had six craftsman on our projects at different times. All were very professional in all aspects of installation. Even in 94 degree heat they worked extremely hard and continuously. I am retired from the electrical industry and held several positions in management of Fortune 100 companies including owning a partnership in an electrical transformer manufacturing company. This crew was experts in their field, never thought of cutting corners, installed with quality products, and installed properly in accordance with NEC. I can not say enough about the entire installation and highly recommend AltEnergy Staunton for those considering a solar project. You will not be disappointed!
4.17 4 Reviews
Latest review
Body shop, over 1 month
I chose Solar Energy and had 2500kw system installed by them they are local and every dependable. I have had my system since 2013 and have had no problems what so ever. I have consulted with them several time with questions about my system and they always are very informant. I would highly recommend Solar Energy for you Solar needs.
Read more
Latest review
Body shop, over 1 month
I chose Solar Energy and had 2500kw system installed by them they are local and every dependable. I have had my system since 2013 and have had no problems what so ever. I have consulted with them several time with questions about my system and they always are very informant. I would highly recommend Solar Energy for you Solar needs.
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