Is solar worth it in Missouri?

Missouri is a decent solar state. Required net metering for investor-owned utilities means Ameren and Evergy customers get 1:1 credits. Good sunshine (4.7 peak sun hours) and property tax exemption help. Expect 9-12 year payback.

How much does solar cost in Missouri?

An 8 kW solar system in Missouri costs $20,000-$24,800. No state incentives significantly reduce this cost, but property tax exemption provides long-term savings.

What solar incentives are available in Missouri?

Missouri offers 100% property tax exemption for solar value. State law requires net metering for investor-owned utilities. Ameren has offered rebates historically (check current availability). No state tax credit exists. The federal 25D credit ended, but PPA/Lease gets 30% through 2027.

Does Missouri have net metering?

Yes, Missouri law requires net metering for investor-owned utilities. Ameren Missouri and Evergy (Kansas City area) provide full retail credit for excess generation. Systems up to 100 kW qualify.

Does Missouri have a solar property tax exemption?

Many states offer solar property tax exemptions, meaning the added home value from solar panels won't increase your property taxes. Check your state's specific exemption details, as coverage varies from full to partial exemption.

How many solar installers operate in Missouri?

The number of solar installers varies by market size. Larger states have dozens of options. Always get 3-5 quotes from different installers, comparing identical equipment, to find the best price and service quality in your area.

Missouri Solar Guide: Incentives, Net Metering & Costs

Quick Answer

Missouri offers required net metering for investor-owned utilities, meaning Ameren and Evergy customers get 1:1 retail credit. Good sunshine (4.7 peak sun hours) and 100% property tax exemption create solid fundamentals. No state tax credit, but expect 9-12 year payback periods with rising utility rates helping economics.

Missouri Solar Overview

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From my experience:

Missouri is a pleasant surprise in the Midwest. The state requires net metering for investor-owned utilities, which means Ameren and Evergy customers get real 1:1 credits. The sunshine is decent—almost 5 peak sun hours—and the property tax exemption helps. Not the most exciting market, but solid fundamentals that can make solar work.

Missouri isn't known as a solar leader, but good sunshine, net metering requirements, and property tax exemptions make solar work for many homeowners. With rising Ameren and Evergy rates, solar is becoming more attractive.

[Editor's Note, Jan 2026]:Ameren Missouri and Evergy have offered solar rebates historically. Check current program availability and net metering terms with your specific utility.

Missouri Solar Facts

Missouri averages 4.7 peak sun hours daily—solidly Midwestern. Net metering is required for utilities, and solar property value is exempt from property taxes. Payback typically runs 9-12 years. (Source: NREL Solar Resource Data)

Why Missouri Works for Solar

Net metering: Required for investor-owned utilities
Good sunshine: 4.7 peak sun hours average
Property tax exemption: Solar value excluded
Rising rates: Utility costs increasing
Competitive market: Multiple installers, fair pricing

State Incentives

Missouri Programs

Property tax exemption: 100% of solar value excluded
Net metering: Required for IOUs
Ameren rebates: Check current program availability
No state tax credit: Missouri doesn't offer state credit

Federal Options

Purchased systems: No federal credit (25D ended 2025)
PPA/Lease: Still benefits from 30% credit through 2027

Net Metering

Missouri Policy

Credit rate: Full retail rate for excess
Monthly rollover: Credits carry forward
Annual true-up: Varies by utility
System size: Up to 100 kW for residential

Net Metering Requirement

Missouri law requires investor-owned utilities to offer net metering. This means Ameren and Evergy customers get 1:1 credit for excess solar generation— a key factor in solar economics. (Source: utility tariff filings and DSIRE Database)

Solar Costs

System Size	Gross Cost	After Incentives
6 kW	$15,000-18,600	$15,000-18,600
8 kW	$20,000-24,800	$20,000-24,800
10 kW	$25,000-31,000	$25,000-31,000

Major Utilities

Ameren Missouri

Service area: St. Louis region, central/eastern MO
Net metering: Full retail credit
Rebates: Check current program status

Evergy (formerly KCP&L)

Service area: Kansas City region, western MO
Net metering: Full retail credit
Programs: Solar rebates available historically

Production Estimates

Annual production: 1,300-1,450 kWh per kW installed
8 kW system: ~10,400-11,600 kWh/year
Best months: April-September

The Bottom Line

Missouri is a decent solar state. Net metering requirements and property tax exemptions help offset the lack of state tax credits. Expect 9-12 year payback depending on utility and usage.

Questions About Missouri Solar?

Our AI can help you understand Ameren and Evergy programs and Missouri solar economics.

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Illinois

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Written by

Lincoln Panasy

Founder, SolarQuest AI • Solar Expert Since 2018

Lincoln created SolarQuest AI after seeing too many homeowners get burned by pushy solar salespeople. With 8 years of experience in the solar industry since 2018, he writes and reviews all content on this site—combining his real-world expertise with AI tools to deliver accurate, unbiased solar education.

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