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Missouri · MO

Solar Panels in Missouri:
Is It Worth It in 2026?

Missouri averages 1358 kWh per kWp per year with 4.9 peak sun hours per day. At 11.8¢/kWh, an 8 kW system saves roughly $1,282/year and pays back in about 11.8 years.

Missouri Solar at a Glance

Peak sun hours / day4.9 hrs
Avg solar yield1358 kWh/kWp/yr
Electricity rate11.8¢ / kWh
Avg payback (8 kW)11.8 years
Annual savings (8 kW)$1,282/yr
Net meteringFull retail net metering ✓

EIA data updated: April 11, 2026 · EIA, PVGIS v5.3

Solar Incentives in Missouri

Federal ITC
30%

The 30% federal solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025. Cash and loan purchases no longer qualify. State incentives below still apply.

State Programs
Rebates & Exemptions

Full retail net metering, property tax exemption

Total Savings
Varies

Utility rebates, exemptions, and net metering still apply. Federal ITC expired Dec 2025. Property value increase is tax-exempt.

All Available Incentives in Missouri

Federal ITC (Section 25D) — Expired December 31, 2025 — no longer available for residential cash/loan
Property Tax Exemption — Solar-added home value not taxed
Net Metering — Full retail net metering ✓

How Much Solar Power Do Missouri Cities Get?

Real PVGIS yield data and EIA electricity rates for all 4 cities. Click any city for detailed payback calculations.

Kansas City
1438.2 kWh/kWp · 18.3 yr payback
Kansas City
1372 kWh/kWp · 11.7 yr payback
St. Louis
1352 kWh/kWp · 11.8 yr payback
Springfield
1376.3 kWh/kWp · 11.6 yr payback
Columbia
1331.6 kWh/kWp · 12 yr payback
Personalized estimate

Enter your monthly bill — get exact payback numbers for Missouri.

Calculator
All Missouri incentives

Full breakdown of credits, rebates, net metering, and SREC programs.

Incentives

Solar in Missouri: Frequently Asked Questions

Is solar worth it in Missouri?
For many homeowners, yes — though payback is longer than average in Missouri. Low electricity rates (11.8¢/kWh) extend payback to 11.8 years. But the 25-year savings (~$23,608) still significantly exceed system costs, and electricity prices will likely rise. Missouri has net metering at the retail rate and no state income tax credit. The state's moderate electricity rates (around 13¢/kWh) mean payback is 9–11 years.
What solar incentives are available in Missouri?
Missouri homeowners can stack multiple incentives: the state solar incentives (federal ITC expired Dec 2025) (ITC) — $6,480 on a typical 8 kW system; a property tax exemption (solar-added home value not taxed); and net metering through Ameren Missouri / Evergy. Missouri has net metering at the retail rate and no state income tax credit. The state's moderate electricity rates (around 13¢/kWh) mean payback is 9–11 years.
How much electricity do solar panels produce in Missouri?
Missouri averages 1358.0 kWh per kWp of solar per year — 9% below the US average. An 8 kW system produces roughly 10,864 kWh/year, with a monthly average of 113.2 kWh/kWp. Output varies by location: southern Missouri produces more than the north.
How much do solar panels cost in Missouri?
The average 8 kW system in Missouri costs approximately $21,600.0 before incentives. After the 30% federal ITC ($6,480), your net cost is around $15,120. Prices range from $2.40–$3.20/watt installed depending on installer, panel brand, and severe weather including tornadoes and hail.

Going Solar in Missouri: Step by Step

From first quote to first kilowatt — here is the typical timeline for a residential solar installation in Missouri. Most homeowners complete this process in 6–12 weeks.

  1. 1
    Get 3 quotes

    Prices in Missouri average $22,400 for an 8 kW system before incentives. Getting three quotes typically saves 10–15%. Use the same system size so you can compare apples to apples.

  2. 2
    Review your electricity bill

    Your last 12 months of usage determines the right system size. At 11.8¢/kWh in Missouri, a system that offsets 90% of your bill hits the best cost-per-kWh sweet spot.

  3. 3
    Check state incentives

    Missouri does not have a statewide solar tax credit, but utility rebates and net metering may still apply. Full retail net metering.

  4. 4
    Sign contract & apply for permits

    Your installer pulls the building permit and files interconnection paperwork with your utility. Permit approval in Missouri typically takes 1–4 weeks depending on your county.

  5. 5
    Installation day

    A standard 8 kW residential installation takes 1–2 days. Racking goes on first, then panels, then the inverter is wired to your main panel. The crew usually keeps the power on throughout.

  6. 6
    Utility inspection & interconnection

    After installation your utility inspects the system and approves grid connection. This final step can take 1–3 weeks. Once approved, your meter tracks both import and export.

Data summary for Missouri: Missouri averages 1358.0 kWh/kWp/year with 4.9 peak sun hours/day. Electricity costs 11.8¢/kWh. An 8 kW solar system saves ~$1,282/year and pays back in 11.8 years. Full retail net metering, property tax exemption.