Solar savings & payback in Missouri
Missouri runs about 14¢/kWh with full retail net metering (1:1). Enter your bill for a payback estimate tuned to local rates and sun, no federal tax credit assumed (it expired at the end of 2025).
- Avg electricity rate
- 14¢/kWh
- Solar generation
- ~4.2 kWh/kW/day
- Net metering
- Full retail net metering (1:1)
- Export credit
- Full retail (1:1)
State incentive: Some utilities offer per-watt rebates.
Where your money goes
Your 25-year money curve
What the planet gets
Net metering credits exported power against what you draw from the grid. Rates vary by state, California's NEM 3.0 pays much less for exports than 1:1 states.
Enter a valid monthly bill and tariff greater than zero to see your results.
How Missouri compares to the US average
Three numbers decide most of your payback. Here's where Missouri sits against the national picture.
Electricity rate
14¢/kWh
US average: 17¢/kWh
Cheaper power means each solar kWh saves less
Solar generation
~4.2 kWh/kW/day
US average: ~4.5 kWh/kW/day
Less sun per panel than the US average
Typical payback
13 years
US average: 10.6 years
Slower than the US average on a $150 bill
Solar cost & savings by system size in Missouri
Computed with Missouri's rate (14¢/kWh), sun (~4.2 kWh/kW/day), and full 1:1 net metering, at the 2026 national benchmark of ~$2.75/W with no federal credit.
| System size | Installed cost | Generation/mo | Annual savings | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4kW | ~$11,000 | ~504 kWh | ~$847 | ~13 yrs |
| 6kW | ~$16,500 | ~756 kWh | ~$1,270 | ~13 yrs |
| 8kW | ~$22,000 | ~1,008 kWh | ~$1,693 | ~13 yrs |
| 10kW | ~$27,500 | ~1,260 kWh | ~$2,117 | ~13 yrs |
Savings assume a home large enough to use this output. Figures last reviewed July 2026,size a system from your actual bill instead.
How exports are paid in Missouri
Statewide net metering at retail rate for residential systems.
Policies change often, always confirm current rules with your utility or at DSIREbefore deciding.
City-level calculators in Missouri
Sun varies within the state, these pages tune the generation estimate to each metro's solar resource.
Missouri solar FAQs
Is solar worth it in Missouri in 2026?
For a typical $150/month bill, we estimate a Missouri system pays for itself in about 13 years, with no federal tax credit assumed (the residential credit expired at the end of 2025). At 14¢/kWh with full retail net metering (1:1), the case is workable but depends on your roof, usage pattern, and quotes.
How much does a solar system cost in Missouri?
At 2026 benchmark prices (~$2.75/W), a 6kW system runs about $16,500 installed, generating roughly 756 kWh a month in Missouri's sun. Local quotes vary 20-40% between installers, so always collect several.
What is the net metering policy in Missouri?
Statewide net metering at retail rate for residential systems.
Does Missouri have a state solar incentive?
Some utilities offer per-watt rebates. Since the federal residential credit ended in 2025, state and utility incentives are the main upfront help available.
How many solar panels do I need in Missouri?
A 8.5 kW system suits a typical $150/month bill in Missouri, that's roughly 20 modern 425W panels needing about 553 sq ft of unshaded roof. Enter your own bill in the calculator above for a precise size.