2024 Solar Incentives Guide for Jefferson City, MO - Tax Credits & Rebates

In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Jefferson City.

You'll learn about:

  • Local & State Solar Incentives
  • Federal Tax Credits (Updated for 2024 and beyond)
  • Ways to optimize your solar investment

Solar installers are experts in maximizing your solar tax credits and rebates.
Get a free quote from one of our trusted Jefferson City solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Jefferson City?

Local Option - Clean Energy Development Boards

Incentive Type:
PACE Financing
Financing contracts limited to 20 years or less; improvements must display a positive economic benefit over the life of the contract.

Wabash Valley Power Association (28 Member Cooperatives) - Residential Energy Efficiency Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Dual Fuel Heat Pump: $500
Variable Speed Pool Pump: $250
Air-Source Heat Pump: $250 - $750
Geothermal Heat Pump: $1,500
Heat Pump Water Heater: $400/unit
HVAC: Varies depending on ZIP code. See program website

Solar Property Tax Exemption

Incentive Type:
Property Tax Incentive
100% exemption

Empire District Electric - Solar PV Rebates

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
$0.25 per watt for systems operational between July 1, 2019, and December 31, 2023

Ameren Missouri (Electric) - Residential Heating and Cooling Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Air-Source Heat Pump: $500-$900
Ductless Air-Source Heat Pump: $300-$500
Dual Fuel Heat Pump: $175-$200
Ground Source Heat Pump: $800-$2,000
Central Air Conditioner: $300-$500
Electronically Commutated Motor (ECM): $50-$100
Air Conditioner/Heat Pump Tune-Up: $75

Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit

Incentive Type:
Personal Tax Credit
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.

Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/


The term "solar incentives" refers to financial incentives put in place by solar companies and the government to encourage the use of renewable energy by making installing and using solar panels more affordable. Various kinds of incentives, including discounts, cash back or credit towards your monthly utility bill, may be available to you. Some incentives may be handled by the state of Missouri, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while others are federal. Some solar incentives you might qualify for are:

  • Net Metering: Don't forget to talk to your Jefferson City utility company about signing a net metering contract. This will allow you to receive credit towards your monthly utility bill for the value of excess energy your solar panels generate. You could receive either a dollar-for-dollar credit or a percentage of the value.
  • Tax Credits: Unlike tax deductions, tax credits reduce, dollar-for-dollar, the amount of income tax that you owe the government.
  • Tax Exemptions: Tax exemptions may come in one of two forms. The first is sales tax exemption, which is applied when you purchase solar panels. The second is property tax exemption. This allows you to ignore the value added by your solar system when paying property tax on your house.
  • Rebates: Solar rebates can be provided by your local utility company, or by your state or county. These rebates work as partial refunds that are applied after you purchase a solar system and before tax credits are calculated.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Federal Solar Incentives

Federal incentives are the type of incentives that you are most likely to have heard of. The solar incentive that you may be most familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which provides a credit on your taxes equal to a certain percentage of the cost of your solar system.

The ITC applies to a solar system installed on your primary or secondary residence in the United States. The solar system must have been installed on a property you own after January 1, 2006, for you to claim the credit. The ITC initially covered 30% of all costs (panels, accessories, labor and equipment), although this amount has fluctuated over the years between 26-30%. The installation date of your solar system will determine what percentage you are eligible for. There is no cap on the claim amount.

To better understand how the ITC may apply to you, reach out to your local Jefferson City solar panel installer and ask for more information.

The ITC was both renewed and expanded by the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022. It's also now called the Clean Energy Credit. For solar systems installed between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2032, homeowners can apply for a credit for 30% of the total cost. After 2033, the percentage will decrease annually until the Clean Energy Credit ends in 2035. Starting in 2023, it will also be easier to qualify for credits for energy storage systems under the new laws.

Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. Your local Jefferson City solar panel installers are the best people to answer your questions regarding the new Clean Energy Credit and how it applies to you.

State & Local Solar Incentives

Not all solar incentives are federal; tax credits, rebates and more might also be offered at the state and local level. Some incentives are ongoing, while others are offered for only a limited time. Local solar incentives might come from your county or municipality, or from the Missouri government.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Jefferson City

Solar energy use nationwide has significantly increased in the last 15 years, in part thanks to the increase in availability of solar incentives. You might receive these incentives from your local utility company, the federal government or the Missouri government. Your local Jefferson City solar panel installation company can help you learn more about which incentives you should apply for, and get you on track to switch to renewable energy today.

EcoWatch's Jefferson City, MO Solar Incentives FAQs

How much will a solar system save me annually on my electric bill in Jefferson City?

On average, homeowners in Jefferson City who install solar panels save approximately $913.54 per year, or about $17,357.30 over 20 years after making the switch.

What are the environmental benefits of switching to solar energy?

Solar energy is a renewable energy source — by changing where you get your energy, you can help lessen the strain on our planet's resources. You can also reduce your home's CO2 emissions by 500 pounds a year, or around 13,000 pounds over 20 years.

Can I use solar and another type of renewable energy in combination to power my home?

Yes, you can employ multiple types of renewable energy to power your home, such as a combination of solar and geothermal. You can also use both renewable energy sources and a backup source of non-renewable energy. You should discuss your plan with your local Jefferson City solar panel installer, to make sure you know what you'll need and what incentives you may or may not qualify for.

What if I add a solar system to a vacation home, rental property or commercial property? Can I still qualify for incentives?

While we recommend speaking with your local solar installer and/or tax professional to better understand what solar incentives apply to you, many will apply to a second home, so long as that home is in the United States and owned by you. There may be other incentives available for commercial properties specifically, depending on the details.

Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.

Solar incentive research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.

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