Solar energy comes directly from the sun. Solar panels are the most common way to capture this energy, turning sunlight into electricity for homes, businesses and communities. Some systems also use the sun’s heat for water and space heating. In 2023, solar power made up about 3.9% of all electricity produced in the United States.
Solar in Missouri
In Missouri, solar provided 2.06% of the state’s electricity in 2023. Almost 80% of this came from small-scall systems, such as solar arrays installed on rooftops.
Starting in January 2025, large solar systems — known as utility-scale solar — began producing more electricity than small-scale systems for the first time. Utility-scale solar now makes more than twice as much electricity as small-scale systems and Missouri utilities are expected to continue growing their solar capacity. A recent example is Ameren Missouri’s new Reform Renewable Energy Center project, which has plans to incorporate energy storage capabilities along with solar generation.
Some reasons for this growth in utility-scale solar is due to higher energy needs, utility sustainability targets and portfolio diversity goals. In addition, solar construction is relatively low-cost and quick compared to other energy infrastructure needs.
Financial Assistance
To learn more about funding opportunities for solar installation and accessibility, check out our Energy Financial Assistance Opportunities page to see if you are eligible.
Tips for Residential Solar Installation
Solar panels can help individuals, businesses and communities lower their energy costs and reduce environmental impacts from energy consumption. If you are interested in installing solar panels, consider the following:
- Energy efficiency: Before considering a solar energy system, look for cost-effective ways to reduce your energy consumption so you can save money on your electric bill. By reducing your energy consumption, you might be able to install a smaller, less-costly solar energy system. A home energy audit can identify energy efficiency measures.
- Shop around: Get quotes from multiple solar businesses. The Missouri Solar Energy Industries Association lists member businesses that you can consider. Be cautious of sales pitches that pressure you into quick action.
- Payback time: Consider how long it will take to pay back the cost of a solar energy system. Compare your typical electricity usage to the expected production of a solar energy system and your electric utility’s rates. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s PVWatts® Calculator is a free tool that estimates solar photovoltaic system performance. Be wary of any sales pitches that claim an automatic decrease in utility rates or promise unrealistic savings. And since solar energy systems require sunshine, keep in mind that a solar energy system may not offset all your energy consumption.
- Utility policies: Be aware of your utility’s policies related to solar energy. You will have to work with your electric utility prior to connecting solar panels to the local grid. Net Metering, a technology that continuously measures electrical flow to or from an individual customer, is typically required by utilities prior to connecting a distributed energy resource to the grid. Ameren Missouri, Evergy and Liberty-Empire are regulated by the Missouri Public Service Commission. Municipal utilities are regulated by their local governments, and rural electric cooperatives are controlled by their member-owners (i.e., customers).
- Government Incentives and Grants: Be wary of any sales pitches that claim the government will pay for your solar panels. A federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit may be able to offset part of the cost of a solar system, and your electric utility may have incentives for solar panels. In addition, the Environmental Improvement and Energy Resources Authority (EIERA) is setting up a program for solar financing using Solar for All funding. More details are available on the EIERA website. Independently verify the details of any alleged government programs before committing.
The department can offer general advice regarding solar energy systems, but it cannot recommend particular businesses. Visit the U.S. Department of Energy, BBB St. Louis, Federal Trade Commission and Missouri Solar Energy Industries Association for additional tips when considering solar energy systems.
For consumer protection concerns, contact the Missouri Attorney General, the Federal Trade Commission or the Missouri Solar Energy Industries Association.