Solar Panel Cost in Missouri (2023 Local Savings Guide)

Here’s a quick look at the estimated cost of solar in Missouri:

  • Average Cost Per Watt: $2.59
  • Cost of Average System: $20,124*
  • Cost of Energy Without Solar: $45,487
  • Payback Period: 13 Years**
  • Lifetime Savings of Going Solar: $18,292

*Average system size is calculated using data from the Energy Information Administration. This price is after tax credit.
**Payback period is calculated assuming the system is purchased in cash.

Find Local Solar Quotes
Get Quote
Connect with approved solar installers in your area. Zero obligation.

Cost of Solar Panels in Missouri

According to market research and data from top solar brands, installing solar energy projects in Missouri is less expensive than the national average. The typical cost of solar panels in Missouri is about $2.59 per watt, compared to the U.S. average of $2.66 per watt.

The average size for a solar energy system in Missouri is 10.5 kilowatts (kW), which puts the average solar system cost at roughly $27,195 before applying for the federal solar tax credit, or about $19,037 after the credit is factored in. Keep in mind that there may be additional solar incentives and rebates available to you as a Missouri homeowner.

Badge icon

Blue Raven Solar

Best Solar Financing

Regional Service

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Read full review now

Pros

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation

Cons

  • Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Badge icon

Astrawatt Solar

Outstanding Regional Installer

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Pros

  • Comprehensive service offerings
  • Excellent reputation
  • Award-winning company
  • Educational, no-pressure sales approach

Cons

  • Limited service area
  • Relatively young company
Badge icon

ADT Solar

Best Warranty Coverage

Regional Service

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Read full review now

Pros

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area

Cons

  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

Solar Panel System Installation Cost in Missouri

Missouri has some harsh winters, which may have some people wondering if it’s worth going solar in Missouri. Plenty of residents seem to agree that the energy cost savings of going solar are well worth it in the Show-Me state because residential solar installations have been on the rise.1 It’s also worth noting that the prices of home solar have fallen 11% in Missouri over the last five years, and with more solar companies working in the Midwest, installation costs are only expected to drop further.2

Solar Panel System Installation Cost in Missouri

Based on the company you choose and the size of the solar system needed to power your home, we’ve estimated that the average solar panel installation in Missouri costs between $20,700 and $27,900 before applying any tax incentives or solar rebates.

The table below shows the average prices for a solar panel system in Missouri before and after the 30% federal tax credit:

Size of Solar Panel System Missouri Solar Panel Cost Cost After Federal Tax Credit
8 kW $20,720 $14,504
9 kW $23,310 $16,317
10 kW $25,900 $18,130
11 kW $28,490 $19,943
12 kW $31,080 $21,756
13 kW $33,670 $23,569
14 kW $36,260 $25,382

Interested in finding the best solar companies in Missouri? EcoWatch has vetted the solar companies installing solar in Missouri to find the five most reputable that offer affordable, high-quality systems. Click here to learn more.

See also: Calculate how much you can save by going solar

What Determines the Cost of Solar Panels in Missouri?

Solar panel systems in Missouri cost an average of $19,037 after the federal investment tax credit (ITC) is considered. However, you could be quoted anywhere from $14,500 to $25,500 the typical range of pricing in MO. 

The specific cost of your solar system will depend heavily on a few factors, which we’ll discuss below.

solar panels on a half cloudy day

Solar Equipment

As you might have guessed, the type and brand of solar equipment you choose to go with will in large part determine your system price.

Luckily, Missouri homeowners experience ample sun an average of 206 sunny days per year, which is just above the national average. For states with less sunlight, system prices can be higher because high-efficiency panels are needed to make use of what little sunlight is available. 

This doesn’t apply in Missouri, which is partly why the average cost per watt for solar panels in the state ($2.59) is lower than in most others ($2.66).

Unfortunately, Missouri residents are no strangers to extreme weather. The state is located in Tornado Alley and gets hit with tornadoes and severe thunderstorms on a regular basis.

As a result, power outages are common, so many homeowners in the area add solar batteries to their setup. These can provide electricity during blackouts, but they do tend to drive up the cost of your solar energy system, sometimes by tens of thousands of dollars.

Solar Financing in Missouri

With solar panels in the Show-Me State costing over $20,000 on average, the financing method you’ll use is an important consideration. Many residents don’t realize that the method of financing can actually affect the system price.

For example, a cash purchase requires that all costs be paid up front, but you’ll only be paying for labor and equipment. A solar loan doesn’t require a large up-front layout, but you’ll end up paying more for your system overall because of finance charges and interest.

Missouri makes solar financing more affordable for homeowners by offering Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) loans through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.3 This program limits interest rates to make solar financing more accessible. 

Unfortunately, there are no solar loan options for low-income households, but there are grants available for businesses and government buildings.

Missouri Solar Installation Company

Just as would be the case with a general contractor or other professional, the solar installer you choose can have a significant impact on the price you pay for your solar equipment. Even if you choose an identical system from two different vendors, your price could be hundreds or thousands of dollars apart because of differing equipment and labor charges.

A company’s average pricing can also vary based on the equipment brands it carries. Just taking a look at the top solar companies in Missouri — RisingSun Solar and SunPower — the price difference is likely to be in the thousands because of the brands each one carries. 

RisingSun installs panels from REC, Tesla, SolarEdge, Enphase and Silfab, and SunPower only offers Maxeon panels. These brands vary widely in cost as will the total system costs proposed by different companies.

It’s worth mentioning, however, that choosing a company based on more than just cost is important. SunPower might be more expensive, but its warranty is outstanding, as are its panels’ durability and efficiency ratings.

solar panels on a commercial building

Additional Considerations and Costs in Missouri

Below are some additional considerations you should think about before going solar in Missouri.

  • Permits: All solar panel systems in the State of Missouri must have building permits prior to installation. These need to be pulled by an electrician in most cases, so double check with your installer that they will handle the permitting process.
  • Licenses: Missouri is one of the few states that doesn’t have general contractor licenses, and there are no specific licensing requirements for installing solar panels. However, you should make certain your company is registered with the MO Secretary of State, as is required by law.
  • Warranties: Solar warranties are crucial, not only because they protect your system from damage and improper installation, but also because they help guarantee a certain level of efficiency. You might want to prioritize warranty coverage when shopping around, as longer and more comprehensive warranties bring a ton of value to your system.
  • HOAs: Missouri is one of many states that has solar rights laws. These prohibit HOAs, specifically, from preventing homeowners from installing solar panels.
  • Environmental zoning: The zoning laws in Missouri don’t normally prevent you from installing solar panels, although you might run into issues with ground-mounted panels in some cases.

Missouri Solar Incentives

Missouri is not one of the top states for solar, but solar panels are becoming increasingly popular in the state. It could be because Missourians are seeking energy independence from utility companies, or perhaps they’re interested in lowering their electricity rates through net metering. Or maybe they just want to capitalize on the pros of going solar.

Whatever your reason for making the switch to clean energy alternatives, we want you to get the maximum reward. We’ve outlined some of the solar incentives available in Missouri below:

Missouri Solar Incentive How it Affects the Cost of Solar Panels in Missouri
Property Tax Exemption Even though installing solar panels boosts your home’s value, Missouri law ensures your property taxes won’t budge.
Net Metering Missouri lawmakers passed legislation in 2007 that requires all electric utilities to offer “true net metering” to customers with solar photovoltaic systems up to 100-kW.4 If you don’t know what net metering is, here’s our guide.
Local Solar Rebates & Incentives Be sure to check with your city government and utility provider for any additional incentives offered in your area. For example, Columbia Water & Light, Kansas City Power & Light and Liberty Utilities all offer rebates for installing PV systems.
Federal Solar Tax Credit The solar investment tax credit, or ITC, allows homeowners to claim 30% of their system costs as a credit against the federal taxes they owe. The credit is set to reduce starting in 2033 before being phased out completely for residential systems in in 2035, unless extended by Congress.

The Best Solar Panel Brands Available in Missouri

There are many brands of solar panels suitable for use in Missouri, but it’s important that you choose one that is right for your energy needs and budget. Some of the best solar panel brands in MO are listed below, along with relative pricing information for each.

Solar Panel Brand Average Cost Per Watt ($-$$$$$)
LG Solar $$$
Canadian Solar $$
JA Solar $$
Mission Solar $$
Panasonic $$
Q Cells $$
REC $$$
Silfab $$$
SunPower $$$$$
Tesla $$
Trina Solar $$$

When you’re ready to see what your solar panel system will cost, select one of our top providers below. We’ll have a vetted solar installer reach out to you with a free, no-obligation quote and an estimate for what your system will produce.

Read More About Going Solar

FAQs: Solar Panel Cost Missouri

Here at EcoWatch, we field many questions from Missouri homeowners who are interested in going solar. If you have specific questions that aren’t answered here, reach out to our team of solar experts at solar@ecowatch.com.

Blog author image
Article author
Karsten is an editor and energy specialist focused on environmental, social and cultural development. His work has been shared by sources including NPR, the World Economic Forum, Marketwatch and the SEIA, and he is certified in ESG with the CFA Institute. Before joining EcoWatch, Karsten worked in the solar energy sector, studying energy policy, climate tech and environmental education. A lover of music and the outdoors, Karsten might be found rock climbing, canoeing or writing songs when away from the workplace.
Reviewer image
Expert reviewer
Melissa is an avid writer, scuba diver, backpacker and all-around outdoor enthusiast. She graduated from the University of Florida with degrees in journalism and sustainability studies. Before joining EcoWatch, Melissa worked as the managing editor of Scuba Diving magazine and the communications manager of The Ocean Agency, a nonprofit that’s featured in the Emmy award-winning documentary Chasing Coral.

Comparing authorized solar partners

EcoWatch rating
Average cost
Pros
Cons
BBB Rating
Year founded
Service Area
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
Warranty Coverage
  • 4.5
    • Industry-leading in-house financing
    • Competitive pricing
    • Excellent reputation
    • Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
    A+
    Best Solar Financing
    2014
    Trina Solar, Canadian Solar, SolarEdge, Silfab, SunPower
    25-year manufacturer warranty; 10-year workmanship warranty, 2-year production guarantee

Having trouble deciding? Click below and use our process to receive multiple quotes instead:

Get My Solar Quote