WGSI Solar

Solar Panels in Missouri: Costs and Options

There’s no denying that the cost of electricity is on the rise. According to the US EIA, the average price of electricity in MO paid by residential customers was 11.26 c/kWh, which is already up from last year. At those rates, Missouri families and individuals pay an average of $115.60 per month, or $1,387.20 per year. As resources become more scarce and the federal government continues to push for a switch to renewables, relying on power generated by fossil fuels will only become more impractical.

Solar power provides an excellent solution. Energy Sage cites the average cost of solar panel installation in Missouri as between $12,240 and $16,560. While that may sound like a lot of money, it’s important to remember that you’ll be paying for all the power you need upfront. Once your solar array and battery bank are hooked up, you won’t have to worry about a thing when it comes to electrical costs.

Don’t believe that making the switch to solar is worth it? Let’s take a look at the numbers. We’ve already established that the average Missouri family pays almost $1,400 per year for electricity and that the cost of installing solar panels is around $13,000. The thing is, the average lifespan of residential solar arrays is between 25 and 30 years, which means you’ll be paying for all the power you need for decades at once.

If you spread even a $16,500 bill, which would be on the high end of what to expect in terms of cost, out over 25 years, you’d only be paying $660 per year, or $55 per month, and remember, that’s on the conservative end of what to expect. When you find a company that provides high-quality panels and installs them for less, you could expect to pay as little as what would amount to $433.00 per year or $36.00 per month were you to pay the bill monthly as you would with municipally provided electricity.


By now, it should be clear that solar power is the more economical choice. Your next step if you want to start taking advantage of those impressive savings is to find a reputable company that uses high-quality materials and expert labor but doesn’t charge an arm and a leg. The good news is that we’ve done your work for you, so all you have to do is check out the top providers in your area listed below.

The Benefits of Going Solar

If you need more incentive to make the switch to solar power than just the long-term savings it can provide, you’re still in luck. Going solar comes with all kinds of other advantages, too, including:

  • No need to worry about price fluctuations on the grid.
  • Increased energy independence during natural disasters.
  • Increased property resale value.
  • Low maintenance requirements.
  • Potential for additional savings and income generation through net metering.
  • Lower environmental footprint.
  • Positive economic impact in terms of job creation.

As you can see, going solar won’t just benefit your family’s finances. You’ll also be doing right by the environment and the economy. Plus, since you could stand to save many thousands of dollars over the course of your solar array’s expected lifespan, there’s really no downside to balance out all those benefits.

Paying for Solar

Switching from relying exclusively on the municipal grid for your power to providing some or all of it on-site can save you a ton of money in the long run, but that doesn’t mean you won’t need to make a substantial investment right now. Unless you have some extra money saved up in a home improvement fund, you’ll need to figure out how to pay for your purchase. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to go about it.

Tax Credits

Every homeowner in Missouri who makes the switch to solar and installs new panels is currently eligible for a federal 26% tax credit known as the Investment Tax Credit (ITC). There are two things you should know, though:

  1. The ITC only applies if you buy your photovoltaic system outright.
  2. It isn’t a refundable credit.

If you want to take advantage of the ITC, you’ll need to make enough money that you would be paying more in taxes than the cost of covering 26% of your purchase. You’ll also need to either pay for your new system outright as a cash purchase or take out a solar loan instead of financing the purchase through the installation company or manufacturer.

Financing Options

If you don’t care about the ITC, or you just can’t afford to take out a personal loan to cover the full cost of the installation, financing the purchase may be your best bet. Many solar panel installation companies offer direct financing options to qualified customers. If you have a sufficient credit line, many companies will also accept credit cards. Just remember that you won’t be eligible for the ITC if you pay for your new solar panels using either of these strategies.

Net Metering and Solar Rebates

If you install a grid-tied solar system, you may be able to take advantage of solar rebates and net metering programs, as described below. Electrical companies in Missouri that offer solar rebates include:

  • Columbia Water & Light
  • Kansas City Power & Light
  • Empire District Electric
  • Amaren Missouri

Grid-Tied vs. Off-Grid Solar

There are two types of solar systems you can have installed in Missouri: grid-tied systems and off-grid ones. In an off-grid solar system, all of your excess electricity that doesn’t get used to power electronics, appliances, and home support systems during the sunny hours of the day will be stored in a battery bank. You can then pull the power back out of the battery bank as needed at night or on cloudy days.

If you choose to install a grid-tied solar system instead, you won’t need a battery. You’ll use whatever power you need, then send the rest to other customers via the municipal grid using net metering. Net metering refers to a system in which everyone’s solar panels are connected to the power grid so that surplus power can be transferred to other customers across that grid. In return for transferring that surplus power, you’ll get an offset to the cost of any power you draw from your utilities.

There’s also a third option that you should know about: hybrid solar systems. With a hybrid system, you can get the best of both worlds. You’ll install a battery bank in your home to store excess power, which you can use at night and on cloudy days or save for an emergency, but still participate in net metering programs. Most homeowners who opt to install hybrid systems do a combination of both.

The Best Solar Panel Installation Companies in Missouri

The great thing about the renewables revolution that’s taking place across Missouri, the United States, and the globe right now is that it has made solar power available to just about everyone. Missouri boasts plenty of solar panel installation companies. Some work only in specific areas, while others provide services to the whole state. That means that no matter where you live in Missouri, you can find a contractor to install a new, cost-efficient solar panel system on your home.

Statewide or Multi-City Providers

Whether you live in Kansas City or Goss Town, Missouri, you should have options when it comes to choosing a solar panel installation company. Some industry-leading solar installers provide services statewide, while others maintain headquarters in multiple cities. A few of the most popular of these providers include:

StraightUp Solar

If you’re looking for a company that has both an excellent reputation and plenty of experience in the field, StraightUp Solar is a great choice. The company provides services across all of Missouri, but it’s based in St. Louis. StraightUp Solar has been in business for 16 years, received a BBB accreditation in 2010, and has maintained an A+ rating since then. To date, StraightUp Solar has completed over 1,700 turn-key solar designs and installations. You can reach them at (844) 977-6527, email hello@straightupsolar.com, or visit the website, straightupsolar.com to learn more about their services.

Redditors report that this company “did amazing work,” were “very professional, and provided very accurate and easy initial quotes. The company uses Google Maps to measure potential customers’ roof space and figure out how many panels they’ll need to install based on that, so instead of getting a hyper-generalized quote, you’ll get a great idea of what to expect. Other customers report similar experiences on Google and Yelp, though it’s relevant to note that one reported the sales team was “very pushy when it comes to closing the sales deal.”

Solis Energy Services

Solis Energy Services maintains its main offices in Fallon and St. Louis, but it serves a far wider swath of Missouri. Although Solis Energy Services has only been in business for two years, the company has already established a positive reputation in the Show-Me State. It has received an A rating from the BBB thanks to the emphasis these experts place on customer education, cost efficiency, and helping customers find appropriate financing options to meet their needs. You can learn more about Solis Energy Services by visiting solisenergyservices.com, calling (800) 262-1101, or sending an email to info@solisenergysolutions.com.

If you want to get a better idea of what to expect when you work with Solis Energy Services, all it takes is a quick scan of the reviews. The company’s customers are universally pleased with the services they received and the cost of installing new solar systems. One satisfied customer reports on Google that the company offers “excellent service from design through applications through installation.” Another says he “never felt pressured” and was “saving big on electric bills too!” Redditors also report that Solis products are more reliable than others in the price range.

Helio GreenTech

Helio GreenTech has two Missouri locations, one in St. Louis and one in Kansas City. This company specializes in installing top quality, tier one panels, and every electrician that works on your residential project will be NABCEP certified. You can reach them by email at info@heliogt.com, by phone at (866) 435-4648, or on their website at heliogt.com and can expect a prompt response.

Helio GreenTech hasn’t been in business as long as some of the solar panel installers in Missouri, but they’ve received nothing but rave reviews from customers so far. Customers have reported via Google reviews that the company’s representatives “took the time to explain everything and consult us,” and that everyone on the staff was “very knowledgeable about the industry.”

Solar Panel Cost and Options in St. Louis, MO

If you live in the St. Louis area, you’re in luck because there are a ton of expert solar panel installation companies to choose from. When tons of contractors provide the same services in the same area, it drives prices down. As a result, the average cost to install solar panels in St. Louis is lower than the state average at $10,323 to $12,618 after claiming the current 26% federal solar tax credit.

Of course, installation prices vary, so you’ll have to request a quote to get a more accurate estimate of what you can anticipate paying. If you’re looking for the most reputable companies in the area, try:

  • Solar Luxury LLC
  • Solis Energy Services
  • RisingSun Solar
  • StraightUp Solar
  • EFS Energy

Solar Panel Cost and Options in Kansas City, MO

Given that it’s the largest city in the state, it should come as no surprise that Kansas City, MO is also home to multiple highly respected solar panel installation companies. The cost of installation in Kansas City after taking advantage of tax credits is between $10,624 and $12,985, which is lower than the state average, though you can expect to pay slightly more to install your new solar system in Kansas City than you would in St. Louis.

It’s important to remember that the cheapest companies aren’t always the ones that offer the best value in the long run. If you want to maximize the potential of your investment, work with local industry experts such as:

  • RisingSun Solar
  • Solar Power and Light Service
  • KC Solar Concepts
  • Shinnova Solar by Smart Home Innovations LLC
  • Omni Solar Group

Solar Panel Cost and Options in Springfield, MO

If you live in Springfield, you’ll have access to not just the state-wide providers discussed above but also to plenty of local options. You should expect your solar panel installation to cost a bit more than it would in nearby cities like KCMO and St. Louis, as the average prices for a full solar panel installation range from $11,188 to $13,674 after tax breaks. Of course, at those prices, you can still expect to save thousands of dollars in the long run, even if the price of electricity doesn’t continue to increase at the same alarming levels we’ve come to expect.

The key to finding a high-quality, affordable solar panel array in Springfield is to work with the right company. You can trust these local leaders to provide excellent services at fair prices:

  • Simple Solar
  • Solar Energy Services, LLC
  • Solera Energy LLC
  • Missouri Solar Energy Co
  • Bliss Brothers Solar

Solar Panel Cost and Options in Jefferson City, MO

Jefferson City may be Missouri’s capital city, but it’s not one of the most populous metropolitan areas. As a result, residents don’t have quite as many options when it comes to solar panel installations. Among those local companies that provide services to Jefferson City residents, the prices for solar panel installations vary significantly. The average cost to install solar panels in Jefferson City ranges from $9,611 to $11,746 after tax credits.

If you live in the Jefferson City area, you may want to investigate both local contractors and companies that provide statewide services. Your options could include:

  • Missouri Solar Applications
  • Green Home Systems
  • Sun Solar Systems, LLC
  • Missouri Solar Solutions
  • StraightUp Solar

Solar Panel Cost and Options in Columbia, MO

The average cost of installing a new solar panel system in Columbia is between $10,407 and $12,720 after taking advantage of the federal tax credit, which means Columbia residents can anticipate paying roughly the state average for their new solar arrays. The relatively low cost of installing solar panels in Columbia, MO means that it’s becoming an increasingly popular option among homeowners of all income levels.

If you live in Columbia, you’ll have a few options to choose from, including both local providers and larger companies that operate statewide. Try your search by checking out:

  • Dogwood Solar
  • Sun Solar
  • Green Leaf Solar
  • EnergyLink
  • Modern Power LLC

Get Ready to Make the Switch to Solar Power in Missouri

People who have been paying attention already know that solar power is the way of the future, but that doesn’t mean you have to wait to start taking advantage of all those savings. Now that you know how much it costs to install solar panels in Missouri and what your options are in terms of reputable contractors, it’s time to start reaching out for quotes.