In 2022, nearly 75% of solar projects in Missouri were residential. This suggests that the Show-Me State is willing and ready to invest in renewable energy. Those who make the switch could save $25,000 or more with solar panels in Missouri.
If massive utility savings interest you, it’s time to start budgeting for an installation. Yet with so many factors influencing the overall cost, getting started could prove challenging. Read on for equipment rates, critical aspects, and potential savings for solar in Missouri.
Average Price for Solar Panels in Missouri
Along with Minnesota, Missouri is one of the leading states in the Midwest making solar energy more affordable. Homeowners can expect to pay about $2.59/W, which ranges on the lower end of the spectrum throughout the country. This equals about $15,540 for a 6kW array of solar panels in Missouri.
The real value in that number comes when we weigh it against the typical cost of electricity. Missourians typically use about 1,028kWh of power a month, slightly more than usual. Coupled with a standard electricity rate, homeowners spend around $134.77 each month. With higher-than-normal utility bills, residents of Missouri can benefit from a solar panel system.
To get the budget started, residents of the Show-Me State can apply for the federal solar tax incentive. This program offers a 30% return on taxes for any purchases made toward a solar panel system. Those installing the same 6kW array could watch its price reduce from $15,540 to $10,878.
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What Size Solar Array Do Missourians Need?
While the above number represents a general cost for an average-size array of solar panels in Missouri, it might not reflect your household’s power needs. To find out the amount of wattage your system should have to cover your electricity demands, you’ll have to take your average usage and divide it by the hours of direct sunlight your home receives. We’ll show you how this math is done using Missouri’s averages.
Homeowners in the Show-Me State typically use about 34.2kWh a day (1,028kWh a month). With that number in mind, we’ll divide by 4.73 hours, which is Missouri’s average peak sun throughout the state. This math shows us that this solar panel system should produce 7.2kW per hour, which is slightly higher than the national average. An array of this size could cost as much as $18,648 if we used the state’s typical equipment rate.
These numbers fluctuate depending on your power needs and geographic location. Knowing how to do the math, you can use this Missouri sun chart to find the average peak sun hours for your hometown.
Missouri Solar Price Factors
As mentioned, your location can affect the amount of sunlight your array receives, which can affect the overall price of solar panels in Missouri. While the state’s position near the center of the country results in pretty consistent sunlight, some cities outside of the Mark Twain National Forest could receive a bit more. For example, homeowners in Jamesport can experience as much as 5.4 peak sun hours, nearly 45 minutes more a day.
For other case studies of how geography and sunlight can affect solar panel costs, you can compare Missouri to its neighboring states:
Peak sunlight can also affect the type of solar panels used in a system. Because Missouri generally receives good peak sun, most homeowners can save money with polycrystalline panels. However, it could make more sense for those living closer to Springfield to install monocrystalline equipment which is more expensive but much more efficient.
Homeowners must take the time to review potential installers for solar panels in Missouri. There are plenty of companies out there undercutting the competition with low prices, but these same companies leave out critical aspects of the installation. Sandwiched between Kansas City and St. Louis, Missourians have nearly 50 installers to choose from. This means you have plenty of options to find the best installer near you.
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Best Solar Installers in Missouri
We use EnergySage’s prerequisites when suggesting the best installers for solar panels in Missouri. The review company has endorsements from SEIA and the USDoE, making their resources valuable. When reviewing solar installers, you want to keep a close eye on these factors:
- Years of installation experience
- Contractor transparency
- Quality equipment
- Lifetime warranties
- Industry-standard certifications
These are our prime choices for the Show-Me State.
Sunsent Solar is a local installation company with its home base located in St. Charles. The company has been in the solar industry for 6 years and over 50 in the roofing industry. They use a wide range of high-quality equipment, including brands like Enphase, REC, and Solaria. Their NABCEP certification backs their work and their 30-year warranties are some of the longest in the business. Investing in this company will ensure your system works as efficiently as possible.
Another great option in Missouri is EnergyONE Renewables. This Kansas City installer has nearly twice as much experience installing solar panels as Sunsent Solar. They use elite-trained, in-house technicians to install their equipment. With their industry-standard certifications and lifetime warranty, EnergyONE received accolades in PV Magazine in 2019.
Can Solar Save Missourians Money?
Managing the variety of factors that can affect the cost of solar panels in Missouri, homeowners are in a position to save thousands. The incredible benefit comes in the form of utility offsets, which can pay for the system entirely and result in a net return. Let’s break these down below.
An average Missourian will pay about $1,617.24 a year on electricity ($134.77/mo). If homeowners used this utility offset to pay for a 6kW system, they could cover the cost in 9.6 years. That is slightly shorter than in most states, resulting in a bigger overall return.
With the solar array paid off, the utility offset returns to your wallet as net savings. With solar arrays having an average lifespan of 20-25 years, Homeowners in the Show-Me State could earn back $16,819 to $24,905. This number only increases when Missourians take advantage of all the available incentives in their state.
Solar Panels in Missouri: Rebates, Tax Credits, and Other Benefits
As we’ve shown, the cost of equipment coupled with high electricity rates can lead to massive savings over time. To help with the initial cost of an installation and even earn money for producing solar energy, Homeowners in Missouri can apply for solar benefits. The Show-Me State is one of the leading states in the Midwest when it comes to renewable standards, which is good for residents.
The first step to save money on solar panels in Missouri is to apply for the federal tax credit. With 30% coming back on any solar purchases, homeowners could immediately save about $5,000. Plus, with the state offering benefits in the form of rebates, net metering, and more, there are plenty of ways to earn. For a detailed guide to all of Missouri’s solar incentives, check out this list.
Solar Panels in Missouri: Further Reading
Missouri is quickly becoming one of the best states in the Midwest for residential solar. With good rates for equipment and excellent sunlight, residents of the Show-Me State could save nearly $25,000 on electricity bills. For more on solar panels in Missouri, as well as other emerging tech, check out the following articles.
Solar Panels in Massachusetts: Cost, Savings, and Rebates – Compare Missouri to one of the states with the highest rates on solar panels.
Owning an EV in Missouri: Charging Cost, Incentives, and More – While the Show-Me State is still building its infrastructure, there might be future benefits for electric vehicle owners in Missouri.
Largest Tech Companies in Missouri – With its central location within the country, it’s no surprise that these major technology companies call Missouri home.
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