Cost of solar panels in Missouri (2024)

How much do solar panels cost in Missouri?

Average solar panel installation costs range from $10,150 to $29,000 in Missouri. This doesn’t include a storage battery, which sometimes costs as much as the panels.

The size of your solar panel system is another big factor in your overall solar costs. The average size of solar systems in Missouri is 10.98 kW (kilowatts). Depending on your household energy usage, you might need a smaller or larger system.

Most installers price systems according to their wattage. The average solar panel installation costs $2.90 per watt in Missouri. “Cost per watt” is similar to the price per square foot when you buy a house. It helps you compare the value of solar energy systems in different sizes.

Average solar installation cost by system size in Missouri

Are solar panels worth it in Missouri?

We’ve talked to dozens of residents who made the switch to solar. Some, like Christopher in Alton, say solar is worth it in Missouri for the cost savings. “I'm producing more electricity than I'm using. So, it's working out well. I even got an electric bill for $0 this month,” Christopher told us.

However, Madelyn in St. Louis isn’t saving as much as anticipated. “I’m paying two bills — the electric bill and the solar bill,” she explained. “The solar bill is not that large right now. But I’m still paying the electric bill so I really don't see the difference.”

Homeowners with solar panels typically save $20,000 to $90,000 over 25 years.

For some, like Xander in Columbia, the environmental benefits make solar worth it. “I am very pro-environmental, and this step felt necessary to take as someone who believes that way,” Xander told us. “I appreciate the lack of guilt I now experience when I flip on the light or use the microwave. The sun is creating this electricity, not some coal burning somewhere.”

We suggest using the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house — just type in your address. Project Sunroof is a free solar savings estimator powered by Google Earth imagery.

If your house is a good candidate for solar, it’s worth considering if you like the idea of lower monthly utility bills and more energy independence. On average, you’ll spend $10,150 to $29,000 for panels that last about 25 years. Over that same period, you’d avoid approximately $55,374 in total utility costs. Solar panels will save you even more if you also have an electric vehicle.

» STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons

Solar panel installation cost factors in Missouri

How much you pay for your solar system isn’t just dependent on where you live. It also depends on what kind of equipment you purchase, how you pay and other factors.

The equipment — solar panels, inverters, mounting hardware and other electrical accessories — is typically the largest portion of your overall total costs (approximately 25% to 50%). Labor, which includes planning, preparing and connecting your system to the grid, accounts for 10% to 30%. Local permits and fees are a small part of your overall costs.

» BEST STATES FOR SOLAR: Missouri ranked 33rd in 2024

Solar panels

Most of your solar equipment costs come down to how much you pay for solar panels. You’ll hear installers talk about how “efficient” their panels are.

Solar panel efficiency is a measure of how well a panel makes electricity. The more efficient the solar panels you buy are, the fewer panels you need. While more efficient panels cost a little more, you save by buying fewer panels.

In general, monocrystalline panels are considered the best bang for your buck. Cheaper solar panels are typically polycrystalline. The difference comes down to efficiency and materials: Monocrystalline panels are made from pure, single silicon crystals; various silicon fragments melted together are used to make polycrystalline panels.

Additional solar equipment costs

Solar arrays also contain mounting equipment, wiring and other devices, such as inverters, batteries or a monitoring system.

• Solar batteries: A battery stores energy for later use. It’s a must if you want real energy independence, and they sometimes cost as much as the panels. Expect to pay between $7,000 and $18,000, though some cost $30,000 or more.
• Solar inverter: Inverters convert the electricity generated by your solar panels from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). Inverter costs usually range from $1,000 to $3,000.
• Monitoring system: Some companies include a solar monitoring system to track how much energy your system produces and if there are any problems. If not, you can buy a stand-alone system for $80 to $400.

Size of your system

You can easily determine what size system you need. First, find out the amount of electricity you used in the last year in kilowatt-hours (kWh). You can find this information through your electric bill’s online account dashboard. Then, divide your annual kWh by 1,200 to find the system size you need. For example, the typical Missouri household uses 12,468 kWh per year. Using this formula, the typical household would need a 10-kW system.

» WATT’S THE DIFFERENCE? kW vs. kWh

Condition of your roof

Solar panels last 25 to 30 years, and your roof needs to last as long. ConsumerAffairs often hears from disgruntled solar customers who felt blindsided by expensive roof repairs needed after their solar panel installation was complete. This is a frustrating and expensive process you should avoid if you can.

» SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?

Labor costs

Solar equipment costs are going down, but labor costs are higher than ever in some areas. Installing solar panels yourself might initially seem cheaper because you'll save on labor costs. However, it's crucial to consider several factors for safety before going the do-it-yourself route. If not installed correctly, solar panels pose safety risks, causing roof leaks and other problems.

Solar panels require minimal maintenance, but you may run into some added costs for the repair or replacement of components through the years. You’ll also need to pay for periodic cleaning.

» TIPS: How to get the best solar quotes

How to save money on solar panels in Missouri

There’s no way around it — solar panel installations are expensive. Here are some tips to maximize your savings on solar panels in Missouri:

• Compare quotes: Get quotes from at least three or four different solar companies.
• Lower your electrical load: If you use less electricity, you need fewer solar panels, making the whole system cheaper. For example, replacing an old refrigerator with a more eco-friendly one reduces your electric load.
• Use incentives: In addition to government incentives, you might be able to take advantage of manufacturers’ rebates.

» MORE: Why are solar panels so expensive?

Solar incentives, tax credits and rebates in Missouri

The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is currently the best financial incentive for most homeowners going solar in Missouri. The ITC credits 30% of the system’s total cost — including equipment, labor and permits — toward what you owe on federal income taxes.

The ITC drops to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034.

Don’t get confused: The ITC is not a rebate or a refund. It is a credit that goes toward what you owe on federal income taxes the year your system becomes operational.

For example, if you spend $10,000 installing a solar panel system, the ITC is worth $3,000. If you owe $15,000 in taxes, the credit reduces your debt to $12,000. The ITC only offsets your tax liability; you can't take advantage of it if you don’t owe taxes in the first place. Any unused portion of the credit rolls over into future tax years.

Additional Missouri solar incentives include the Columbia Water & Light rebate program — you can get up to $625 per kW back.

How can I pay for solar panels in Missouri?

Affordable financing makes the upfront costs of solar more manageable. For instance, most leases let you start saving from day one with little or no money down.

• Loan: A solar loan works like any other type of home improvement loan — there’s an application and approval process, and you pay it back over time (with interest) each month. Columbia Water & Light offers solar loans up to $15,000 for residential projects and $30,000 for commercial projects.
• Lease: Leasing solar panels is a great way to set up a system without the high upfront costs. A potential downside is that you are not eligible for the same tax incentives.
• PACE: PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) financing lets property owners fund energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements through a special assessment on their property tax bill, repaid over time. Set the PACE St. Louis and the Missouri Energy Savings Program (MOESP) offer PACE programs.

» SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

Compare solar installation companies in Missouri

We compared ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranties, availability and other factors to pick the top solar companies in Missouri.

Bottom line

Residential solar panel system costs typically fall between $10,000 and $30,000 or higher, depending on factors like the system's size, local labor rates and available incentives. Missouri homeowners with solar panels can typically save more than that in total avoided energy costs over the lifetime of a system.

The ConsumerAffairs Research Team has conducted extensive research to compare the costs of going solar in Missouri and other states.

Solar costs vs. savings: Missouri and nearby states