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Explore the Solar Potential of Missouri!

Welcome to Missouri, a state renowned for its diverse landscapes and vibrant communities, and now emerging as a promising player in the solar energy arena. Despite variations in weather patterns, Missouri experiences ample sunshine throughout the year, making it an ideal location for solar power generation. This untapped resource presents an exciting opportunity for residents and businesses to embrace clean, renewable energy solutions. With incentives available to offset installation costs and a growing interest in sustainability, Missouri is poised for a solar revolution. Discover how harnessing solar energy can illuminate your property, reduce energy bills, and contribute to a cleaner environment right here in the Show-Me State. Join us in harnessing the power of the sun and take a step towards a brighter, greener future in Missouri.

Solar State Incentives

Missouri State Solar Incentives

Evergy Solar Rebate Program
Evergy in Missouri offers financial incentives for solar PV system installations, aiming to boost renewable energy adoption among residential and commercial customers.
Show Me PACE
Show Me PACE, under Missouri's Property Assessed Clean Energy Act, provides eco-friendly financing for property improvements. It's administered by the Missouri Energy Initiative.
Liberty Utilities - Solar PV Rebates
Since May 16, 2015, Empire (now Liberty Utilities) offers solar rebates to customers who installed eligible systems after December 31, 2009 and meet program requirements.
City of Kansas City - Solar/Wind Easements and Geothermal Access
Solar and wind energy systems must adhere to building codes and height restrictions. Ground-mounted systems are subject to zoning rules. Geothermal systems are permitted in all districts.
City of Kansas City - Green Building Policy for Municipal Buildings
Kansas City Council mandates new constructions and renovations of 5000 sq ft or more to comply with LEED Gold Standard or higher since March 2011.
Columbia Water & Light - Solar Energy Loans
Columbia Water & Light offers low-interest loans to residential and commercial customers for photovoltaic systems and solar water heaters, subject to eligibility.
Set the PACE St. Louis
Set the PACE St. Louis offers long-term financing for energy-efficient upgrades to property owners, repayable via property tax bills. The program is administered by Energy Equity Funding, LLC.
Missouri Clean Energy District
The Missouri Clean Energy District offers a PACE financing program for renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements with no upfront cost.
Local Option - Clean Energy Development Boards
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) in 2010 discouraged mortgage underwriters from investing in homes with a PACE lien. PACE financing allows property owners to fund energy improvements, repayable via a special assessment on the property. Commercial PACE programs were not affected by FHFA’s directive. Some residential PACE programs operate with loan loss reserve funds to address concerns. In Missouri, local governments can establish PACE programs.
City of Columbia Water & Light - Commercial Energy Efficiency Loans
Columbia Power Partners offers fixed-rate loans for commercial customers making energy efficiency improvements; approval, inspections, and repayments apply.
Energy Standards for Public Buildings
Missouri state facilities under construction or renovation must comply with the 2015 IECC. State agencies are also required to reduce energy consumption by 2% each year for 10 years.
Columbia Water & Light - Solar Rebates
Columbia Water & Light provides rebates for commercial and residential customers installing solar water heaters and photovoltaic systems. Conditions apply.
Renewable Energy Standard
The Missouri Clean Energy Act, also known as Proposition C, passed in 2008, mandates a 15% renewable energy standard for investor-owned utilities by 2021, including a solar electricity carve-out.
Net Metering
Missouri legislation requires all electric utilities to offer net metering to customers using renewable energy sources. The system must primarily offset customer's own electricity requirements.
Columbia Water & Light - Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Loan
Columbia Water & Light offers low-interest loans for energy-efficient home improvements through its Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program.
Interconnection Guidelines
Missouri legislation mandates all electric utilities to offer net metering to customers generating electricity from renewable sources. It also establishes safety, performance, interconnection and reliability standards for these systems.
Energy Loan Program
Missouri Energy Loan Program now accepting loan applications for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in public/government buildings at 2.75% interest rate.
City of Columbia - Renewable Portfolio Standard
Columbia, Missouri's municipal utility is required to generate or purchase 30% of its electricity from renewable resources by 2028, after a proposal was passed in 2004.
Missouri Solar Easements & Rights Laws
Missouri law recognizes solar energy as a property right. Solar energy system easements must be in writing and are subject to conveyance and recording requirements. In 2022, S.B. 820 prevented prohibitions on rooftop solar panel installation.

Federal Solar Incentives

USDA - Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grants
REAP, administered by USDA, provides financial aid to small rural businesses and agricultural producers for sustainable energy projects. Grants cover 25% of the project cost, up to $25 million.
Interconnection Standards for Small Generators
New FERC order mandates small generators under 20 MW to maintain operation during abnormal frequency and voltage events, enhancing interconnection efficiency.
USDA - Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Loan Guarantees
The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) supports agricultural producers and rural businesses in the US by providing financial aid for renewable energy projects and energy efficiency improvements.
Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs)
Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs) were used by public entities to fund renewable energy projects. They were repealed in 2017.
Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECBs)
Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECBs) financed energy projects by local governments. Discontinued in 2018, they offered tax credits as interest to bondholders.
Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs - Funding Opportunities
The DOE's Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs aids tribes in attaining energy self-sufficiency and economic growth through renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.
Fannie Mae Green Financing – Loan Program
Fannie Mae's Green Financing offers loans for multifamily properties aiming for energy and water efficiency improvements. Eligible properties can access favorable rates and additional loan proceeds.
Energy-Efficient Mortgages
Energy efficient mortgages (EEM) allow homeowners to finance energy-saving renovations or purchase new energy-efficient homes. These loans, insured by the U.S. government, aim to promote energy efficiency.
Green Power Purchasing Goal for Federal Government
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 set a goal for federal buildings to use 7.5% renewable energy by 2013. This target was increased to 30% by 2025 but later rescinded in 2018.
USDA - High Energy Cost Grant Program
USDA's grant program, enhancing energy generation in rural areas, concluded its latest application period on July 6, 2021. Updates can be found on the program website.
Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion (Personal)
US law exempts energy conservation subsidies provided by utilities from taxation but requires adjustments for federal tax credits. IRS guidance on solar rebates is unclear.
Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
H.R. 5376 extends tax credit for energy storage systems and excludes biomass heaters, with credit amounts varying by technology type and installation date.
U.S. Department of Energy - Loan Guarantee Program
The Inflation Reduction Act has allocated $11.7 billion to the LPO for new loans, boosting loan authority by $100 billion, and setting up the Energy Infrastructure Reinvestment Program.
Business Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 updates the federal Business Energy Investment Tax Credit, introducing new eligibility criteria, bonus credits, and transitions the tax credit to a new section.
Renewable Electricity Production Tax Credit (PTC)
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 introduces changes to the federal renewable electricity production tax credit, introducing new bonus credits and eligibility criteria.
Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion (Corporate)
U.S. energy conservation subsidies provided by public utilities are tax-exempt, but this does not extend to certain electricity-generating systems. Tax credits can't be claimed for unsubsidized expenses.
Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery System (MACRS)
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 allows 100% depreciation for qualified assets, impacting renewable energy technologies. MACRS classifies these technologies for depreciation purposes.
Energy and Emissions Goals and Standards for Federal Government
President Biden's Executive Order 14057 sets ambitious sustainability goals for the US, including 100% carbon-free electricity by 2030 and a fully zero-emission federal fleet by 2035.