The best solar installers in Missouri
A geographically balanced top 5 — two St. Louis-metro installers, two KC-metro (MO side) options, and one Springfield-based installer covering the Ozarks — so homeowners across Missouri's three major metros have a local-to-them option in the top picks. For additional alternatives, see the Honorable mentions below.
StraightUp Solar Local
Why listed: St. Louis-headquartered, founded 2006 — among the longest-tenured Missouri-based solar installers. Certified B Corp with strong EnergySage and SolarReviews trails, NABCEP-certified installers on staff, and residential, commercial, and agricultural coverage across Missouri and Illinois. The default reference point for St. Louis-metro homeowners getting bids.
Sun Solar Local
Why listed: Springfield-headquartered residential installer founded in 2012 and routinely ranked among Solar Power World's top regional contractors. Strong Ozarks and southwest-MO presence — the strongest Springfield-area top-5 option so southwest-Missouri homeowners aren't forced to take bids only from St. Louis or KC contractors.
Shinnova Home & Solar Local
Why listed: Home-improvement and solar contractor with offices in both Kansas City and St. Louis — the broadest in-state office footprint in this list and useful when coordinating solar with roofing, siding, or windows.
Show Me Solar Local
Why listed: Missouri-based residential and commercial installer with KC-metro focus and EnergySage / SolarReviews presence. Strong second-quote alternative to Shinnova on the KC-metro (MO side) — gives Independence, Lee's Summit, and Blue Springs homeowners a local-to-them choice.
EFS Energy Local
Why listed: St. Louis-based residential and commercial installer (EFS = "Earth First Solar") with EnergySage profile and strong public review trail. NABCEP-certified installer presence; battery-storage capable. Provides a second St. Louis-side top-5 option distinct from StraightUp for east-Missouri homeowners.
National installers National
Sunrun, Tesla Energy, and Palmetto Solar are the major national installers still actively taking new Missouri residential contracts as of 2026. Palmetto Solar currently holds EnergySage's Elite+ tier — the platform's highest installer rating. National installers typically have larger sales footprints but also higher financing markup and more variable local service quality than the state-based installers above.
Avoid — recently bankrupt or exited: Sunnova (Chapter 11 June 2025), the original SunPower (Chapter 11 August 2024 — the current "SunPower Inc." is rebranded Complete Solaria, a separate company), ADT Solar (exited residential solar January 2024 — warranty service only), Trinity Solar (East Coast only, doesn't serve most states), Freedom Forever (Chapter 11 April 2026), and Shine Solar (Chapter 7 March 2025 — Arkansas-based; previously held Missouri service offices, no longer operating). If a salesperson contacts you under any of these brand names, ask which legal entity is actually signing the contract and warranty.
For the complete list of national installers with state coverage maps, financing terms, and ratings:
Honorable mentions
Additional installers worth getting a quote from — Missouri-based alternatives and EnergySage-screened regional installers that serve Missouri from neighboring states.
Other Missouri-based installers
Microgrid Energy Local
Why listed: St. Louis-based commercial-leaning installer; residential available. Engineering-driven design process and strong public project portfolio — useful third quote for homeowners with larger, complex roofs or ground-mount plans.
Regional installers serving Missouri
Worth a quote if you're in border counties (close to KS, IL, AR, OK, IA, NE, KY, or TN) where regional installers have crews working nearby, but expect longer drive times for service calls than a fully Missouri-based installer.
Cromwell Solar Regional
Why listed: Lawrence, KS-headquartered installer founded 2007 with explicit KC-metro coverage on the MO side. EnergySage-listed, residential and commercial PV plus battery storage. Strong third quote for KC-metro Missouri homeowners alongside Shinnova and Show Me Solar.
SEK Solar Regional
Why listed: EnergySage Approved-tier installer based in southeast Kansas. 15+ years of solar experience on the founding team. Useful for Joplin and southwest-Missouri homeowners where SEK crews are closer than St. Louis or Springfield shops. 2-year workmanship + roof-leakage warranty.
Missouri does not have a statewide solar contractor license — verify your installer's local jurisdiction electrical license and ask for proof of general liability and workers comp insurance before signing.
Missouri solar economics in 2026
| Metric | Missouri average |
|---|---|
| Average residential rate | $0.12–$0.14 / kWh |
| Typical 8 kW system cost (cash) | $22,000–$28,000 before incentives |
| Average $/W | $2.75–3.50 |
| Average annual production (kWh per kW) | ~1,300–1,450 kWh/kW/year |
| Net metering structure | Net metering at retail (Ameren MO, Evergy) |
| Average cash payback | 12–15 years |
For full state-by-state cost comparison see solar cost by state.
Missouri solar incentives and rebates (2026)
Missouri stacks federal credit pathways (commercial Section 48E for businesses and third-party-owned residential), state-level credits/rebates where applicable, statutory tax exemptions, and utility-specific programs. Below is the 2026 picture with links to authoritative sources.
Federal credits (2026)
- Commercial Section 48E (Clean Electricity Investment Credit): Available to businesses, farms, and to third-party owners in lease/PPA structures (which can pass the benefit through as lower monthly payments). FEOC restrictions apply — see FEOC rules guide and FEOC compliant parts list. IRS — Clean Electricity Investment Credit.
- USDA REAP grants (agricultural / rural small business): Up to 50% of project cost, with low-interest loan guarantees on top. Quarterly application windows. "Before you build" rules — you must apply before construction starts. USDA — REAP Program.
- Federal 30C EV Charger Tax Credit: Up to 30% of eligible EV charging equipment + installation costs at qualifying locations. Expires for property placed in service after June 30, 2026. IRS — 30C Credit.
Missouri state-level incentives
- Property tax exemption: MO Statute §137.115 — solar exempt from property assessment.
- Sales tax: MO sales tax exemption for solar PV components (RSMo §144.030).
Net metering & utility programs in Missouri
MO retail-rate NEM up to 100 kW (Easy Connection Act). See also net metering explained.
- Ameren Missouri: NEM at retail www.ameren.com
- Evergy KC: NEM with reduced credit for new solar customers (verify 2026)
Missouri EV charger and EV-purchase incentives (2026)
- Federal 30C EV Charger Tax Credit: Up to 30% of eligible equipment + installation in qualifying low-income / non-urban census tracts. Expires June 30, 2026 for property placed in service after that date.
- Many Missouri utilities and cooperatives offer Level 2 EV charger rebates ($150–$800 typical) often tied to TOU enrollment or smart-charger requirements. Check directly with your specific utility.
Authoritative sources to verify before signing
- MO DNR — Division of Energy: energy.mo.gov
- DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency): programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=MO — searchable national database, kept current by NC State.
- Federal IRS guidance: irs.gov — Clean Electricity Investment Credit
What to verify before signing in Missouri
- Contractor license: Verify with your state contractor licensing authority before signing.
- NABCEP certification: Most reputable installers carry NABCEP-certified installers on staff. Ask which crew member holds the certification.
- Insurance: General liability + workers comp + roofer's insurance separate from electrical insurance.
- References from your county: Permitting and inspection requirements vary. Ask for 2–3 references from your specific county.
- Get at least three bids: Solar bids vary by 20–35% on the same scope of work. See how to compare solar bids.
Got bids from Missouri installers? Compare them properly.
Upload up to four solar proposals from any Missouri installer. The analyzer compares $/W, production estimates, equipment, and financing structure — and tells you which one to sign.
Analyze My Bids →Frequently asked questions about Missouri solar
Does solar make sense in Missouri?
Yes for most homeowners with a $150+ monthly electric bill, an unshaded roof, and 8+ years of expected ownership. Missouri's specific economics are summarized in the table above.
How much does a typical Missouri solar install cost in 2026?
$22,000–$28,000 for an 8 kW system before incentives. Effective net cost depends on your state and utility incentives.
Should I get more than three bids?
Yes — three is a minimum. Four or five is better. Solar bids vary by 20–35% on the same scope of work. See how to compare solar bids.
Are there other reputable Missouri solar installers besides these?
Many. The list above represents installers with strong public profiles in Missouri; reputable installers exist beyond it. Get bids from a mix and compare them objectively rather than relying on any one list.