Are you a Missouri resident looking to embrace solar power? Are you tired of the ever-increasing utility bills? We have just the article for you.
This presentation discusses everything you need to know about installing solar panels in Missouri. We’ll explore the cost of installation and the incentives available to you. We’ll also outline the best solar panel installers in the state.
Here’s a guide to installing solar panels in Missouri.
Solar System Installation Costs in Missouri
Installation costs are a natural factor to consider when investing in solar power. But what installation costs should you expect in Missouri?
As of April 2023, solar panel installation costs in Missouri average $2.59 per watt. For example, a 5kW system in Missouri would cost you $12,950 before tax credits. This $2.59 price tag is still cheaper than the national average of $3.00 per watt.
What Makes Up The Cost of Installing Solar Panels in Missouri
The $2.59 per watt price tag is not a magic number from nowhere. Many factors contribute to this price tag. Below are the elements that contribute to solar system cost and their respective contributions:
| Factor | Cost per kW |
| Solar Panels | 67¢ |
| Inverters | 26¢ |
| Racking and Balancing System | 26¢ |
| Sales and Marketing | 39¢ |
| Installation | 62¢ |
| Permits and Inspection | 13¢ |
| Installer’s Margin | 26¢ |
| Grand Total | $2.59 |
Factors Affecting Solar Panel Installation Costs in Missouri
Various factors affect the cost of solar panel installation in Missouri. They include:
Size of Your Solar Panel Installation
The size of your solar panel installation will dictate how much you pay. The average cost of installing solar panels in Missouri is $2.59 per watt. But this average cost decreases with increasing system size.
Like in other commodities, the laws of bulk buying apply to solar panels. Per watt, larger systems cost less to install.
Let’s consider installation costs by system size.
| System Size in kW | Average Cost Per Watt | Average System Cost
(Before Tax Credits) |
| 4 kW | $2.83 | $11,320 |
| 5 kW | $2.71 | $12,400 |
| 6 kW | $2.59 | $15,540 |
| 7 kW | $2.56 | $17,950 |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $20,720 |
| 9 kW | $2.50 | $22,500 |
| 10 kW | $2.48 | $24,800 |
Note: The costs above reflect installation prices before tax credits. Plus, the numbers above are only averages. They may vary from vendor to vendor.
Your Energy Needs
When it comes to solar installation, you buy the system that fits your needs. Energy requirements dictate the size of your solar system. Your energy needs depend on the power consumption of all your electronics and how long you use them in a day.
To learn how to calculate your energy needs, check out our article on building an off-grid solar system.
Your Solar Equipment Preferences
Your choice of solar panels has a direct impact on installation costs. There are two classes of solar panels, monocrystalline and polycrystalline PV panels. Monocrystalline panels tend to be more expensive due to their high efficiency. Check out this article to learn how the two options compare.
Inverters costs also vary widely. Expensive options will increase installation costs.
Solar Incentives in Missouri
In addition to the factors above, solar incentives can influence solar panel installation costs. Governments of different levels use tax credits to make solar energy affordable. Incentives are also tools to encourage people to embrace solar power.
As a Missouri resident, what solar incentives apply to you?
The Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
The federal ITC incentive that applies to homes is known as the Residential Clean Energy Credit. Offered by the federal government, the Residential Clean Energy Credit is available to all Americans. It reduces your solar installation costs by 30%.
Let’s see how the Residential Clean Energy Credit affects the costs of different system sizes.
| System Size in kW | Average System Cost
(Before Tax Credits) |
Average System Cost
(After Federal Tax Credit) |
| 4 kW | $11,320 | $7,924 |
| 5 kW | $12,400 | $8,680 |
| 6 kW | $15,540 | $10,878 |
| 7 kW | $17,950 | $12,565 |
| 8 kW | $20,720 | $14,504 |
| 9 kW | $22,500 | $15,750 |
| 10 kW | $24,800 | $17,360 |
The 30% tax credit is available until the end of 2035, after which it will be reduced to 26%. In 2034, the federal ITC drops further to 22%. By 2035, the federal Investment Tax Credit won’t be available for residential solar installations.
Until then, use this federal tax credit to your advantage.
Columbia Water & Light Solar Rebates
All Columbia Water & Light customers are eligible for certain solar rebates. The amount of money you get depends on the size of your system. Below is the criterion that the utility company uses:
| System Size | Rebate Amount per kW |
| 0 – 10kW | $375 – $625 per kW |
| 10 – 50kW | $300 – $500 per kW |
| 50 – 100kW | $150 – $250 per kW |
| More than 100kW | No additional rebates |
For more information about these solar rebates, visit Columbia Water & Light’s website.
Ameren’s Solar Rebate Program
You’re eligible for its solar rebate program if you’re an Ameren customer. You can get up to $0.25 per watt for installing a new solar panel system. For example, a 5kW system grants you $1,250 in savings.
Please note that this rebate system caps at 25kW for residential systems and 150kW for commercial units.
Liberty Utilities Solar Rebates
Liberty Utilities offers similar incentives as Ameren. All their customers are eligible for a rebate of $0.25 per watt. An 8kW system could grant you up to $2,000 in savings. Note that this incentive ends on December 31, 2023.
Solar Property Tax Exemption
Solar installations add value to your property. Local governments must assess your home for taxes after installing a solar system. In the assessment, they exempt the value added by your newly-installed system.
With this incentive, you don’t have to worry about increased property taxes.
Top Solar Installers in Missouri
Astrawatt
- Location: 3525 Roanoke Road, Suite 110, Kansas City, MO 64111
- Phone: +1 816-489-4154
Based in Kansas City, Astrawatt is the country’s 3rd fastest growing solar company. They focus on customer education. Online, Astrawatt’s customers praise them for the professionalism of their crew. The quality of their solar panels also gets many shoutouts.
Jackson Solar LLC
- Location: 127 W Main Street A, Jackson, MO 63755
- Phone: +1 573-243-7657
With over 12 years of service, Jackson Solar is one of the most experienced installers in Missouri. They specialize in residential solar energy solutions. Their customers praise them for their systems’ quality and low prices.
Missouri Solar Solutions
- Location: 5066 County Road 306, Fulton, MO 65251
- Phone: +1 573-999-0841
Missouri Solar Solutions works with homes, companies, and local governments. Their main focus is making solar energy affordable. Their clients praise them for the professionalism of their crew and the quality of their systems.
The Solar Guys
- Location: 6114 MO-9, Parkville, MO 64152
- Phone: +1 816-708-5556
The Solar Guys is a full-service solar company based in Kansas City, Missouri. It offers solar installation, maintenance, and repair for residential and commercial customers. It also offers energy storage solutions.
Solera Energy LLC
- Location: 1725 N Packer Road, Springfield, MO 65803
- Phone: +1 855-420-0251
Solera Energy dedicates itself to customer education. The company posts a ton of educational content on its YouTube channel. Below is one of those videos. Their customers also praise the quality of their systems and their responsiveness.
Solar Solutions
- Location: 6545 N 21st Street, Ozark, MO
- Phone: +1 417-572-5800
Solar Solutions offers its services to homes and businesses at affordable prices. Online, clients praise the company’s customer support systems.
Bliss Brothers
- Location: 762 S Scenic Ave, Springfield, MO 65802
- Phone: +1 417-955-0210
Besides solar panel installation, Bliss Brothers offer roofing services and site analysis. Two brothers with deep ties to the local community run this solar company.
Installing Solar Panels in Missouri: Things to Keep in Mind
Below are things to keep in mind when installing solar panels in Missouri:
Peak Sunlight Hours
Missouri’s peak sunlight hours average 4.73 hours daily, ranking it 22nd in the country. The state also enjoys 115 days of clear skies in a year.
In the summer, Missouri’s peak sunlight hours average 5.50 hours daily. In the winter, the state gets an average of 3.97 hours of peak sunlight. Around the year, Missouri’s peak sunlight hours are fairly consistent.
This consistency continues no matter your location within the state. Kansas City, northern to Springfield, matches the southern city’s 4.9-hour average.
Solar Panel Tilt Angles
In Missouri, the ideal roof faces south. And the ideal tilt angle ranges between 15-40°.
Final Thoughts
Installing solar panels in Missouri is fairly cheap. The Show-Me state averages $2.59 per watt to the national average of $3.00 per watt. Missouri’s peak sunlight hours are also fairly consistent throughout the year. You don’t have to worry about large energy deficits in the winter.
With all these factors working for you, what’s your excuse?