Solar Panels Cost $14k-$24k in Callaway County, MO | February, 2025
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How much do solar panels cost in Callaway County, MO in 2025?
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Getting solar panels in Callaway County, MO averages out to $3.47/W in the month of February, 2025.
For every 1000 watts (1 kW) your solar system can produce, you will need to invest, on average, $3,470 for its installation. You are able to come to this conclusion by using this rate price cost per watt. Taking into consideration the 30% federal tax credit, a 5 kW system in Callaway County typically costs $12,145. Be advised that a bigger system may be essential to fully meet your energy needs.
On the left, choose a county to view the average roof size and the maximum production capacity for solar panels on houses in your area. Below, you'll see a full overview of the costs, payback period, and 20-year average savings for a 5 kW system installed in your county.
Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Callaway County: $12,145US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Callaway County: 6 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Callaway County: $22,826US Average: $16,301
Solar Potential in Callaway County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Callaway County.
Roof size 930sq. ft.
Capacity 13kW DC
Electricity 16.4kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Callaway County, MO & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
Energy consumers in Callaway County generally pay 167.40 per month for electricity, using an typical of 1,154 kWh. Smaller units, including efficiencies and condos, are also part of the numbers cited in the earlier sentence.
In February 2025, the average electricity rate in Callaway County, MO is 14.51¢ per kWh.
Before any incentives, a 10 kW solar panel installation is priced at around $34,700, after the 30% federal tax credit, the price drops to $24,290.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Callaway County
Displayed on the left and below is the cost analysis for multiple sizes of the solar panel systems set up in Callaway County. The initial cost for more extensive solar systems is larger, but they also yield greater electricity savings and larger income tax credits.
The solar panel cost calculator, situated below and to the right, offers a breakdown of costs and benefits using an average $167.40 electric bill for Callaway County. If you seek tailored results, change the $167.40 to your typical electricity bill amount.
System Size
Roof Size Min. space required
Electricity Value Annual Production
Est. Price
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,315 a year
Est. Price
$14,574
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 8,768 kWh
Est. monthly savings $110
Full payback in 7 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 0 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 0 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 0 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,534 a year
Est. Price
$17,003
Savings from a 7kWthis system
Est. yearly production 10,230 kWh
Est. monthly savings $128
Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 0 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 0 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 1 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,754 a year
Est. Price
$19,432
Savings from a 8kWthis system
Est. yearly production 11,691 kWh
Est. monthly savings $146
Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 0 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 0 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 1 mi less a year
System Size 9kW
Roof Size Min. space required
644 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,973 a year
Est. Price
$21,861
Savings from a 9kWthis system
Est. yearly production 13,152 kWh
Est. monthly savings $164
Full payback in 11 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 0 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 0 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 1 mi less a year
System Size 10kW
Roof Size Min. space required
715 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $2,192 a year
Est. Price
$24,290
Savings from a 10kWthis system
Est. yearly production 14,614 kWh
Est. monthly savings $167
Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 0 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 0 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 1 mi less a year
Callaway County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2025
The REAP Grant can potentially cover between 80% and 100% of the installation costs for photovoltaic or wind turbines for rural small businesses and farms. If you think you might be eligible, try our REAP Grant eligibility tool to verify your qualification.
Most people are eligible for the 30% federal income tax credit for residential solar, which makes it a practical investment in various areas of the country. Furthermore, several state and local efforts are in place to further encourage the adoption of solar energy.
Missouri has 13 solar rebate and incentive initiatives available from a number of utilities and government agencies.
Solar incentives in MOIncentive Description Value
Columbia Water & Light - Solar Rebates
Value:Up to $800
Home and business customers of Columbia Water and Light may be entitled to rebates if they install a new solar PV system or water heater. The rebate amount is a fixed $400 for new water heaters, a fixed $800 for a solar water heater replacing a natural gas system, and a variable amount per kilowatt for photovoltaic systems. To qualify, customers must keep the system in operation for at least five years and participate in net metering and interconnection arrangements. Applications must be submitted before the system is installed. Additional information is available from the CWL website.
Energy Standards for Public Buildings
Value:Varies
Missouri most recently updated its statewide green building law in 2015. Any new state facility must meet standards set by the latest copy of the International Energy Conservation Code (currently 2015). Existing buildings must reduce energy consumption by 2% per year for a total 20% reduction in 2025. New remodeling projects affecting at least half of the building's area or costing half of its assessed value should be subject to pre-planning impact studies. Designers should consider on-site renewable energy and water reclamation to provide a 25-year cost/benefit analysis. Additional information is available from the Missouri DNR website.
City of Columbia - Renewable Portfolio Standard
Value:Varies
The city of Columbia, Missouri has a local renewable portfolio standard (RPS) program supplementing the mandatory state standard. Columbia Water and Light, as the city's public utility, is currently bound by ordinance to source at least 25% of its retail energy from renewable sources by 2022. Compliance is measured through regular proposals and reports addressed to the City Council. When possible, CWL must not increase the price of consumer energy by over 3% to fund new renewable energy investments. Additional information is available from the Columbia municipal website.
Empire District Electric - Solar PV Rebates
Value:Varies
Show Me PACE is a multi-jurisdiction property-assessed clean energy financing program in Missouri. Any county or city government may become a program signatory. The program serves business and multi-family residential property, farms, nonprofits, and public-sector facilities making energy or water efficiency improvements. A minimum principal of $50,000 is available at low market-rate interest. Repayment periods may vary, but cannot be longer than the useful life of the equipment that the loan funds. The Missouri Energy Initiative oversees the Show Me PACE lending market. Additional information is available from the program website.
Energy Loan Program
Value:Varies
Public/private school districts, local governments, and hospitals may be eligible for special financing on energy efficiency improvements through the Missouri Energy Loan Program (MELP). The revolving loan fund is managed by the state's Department of Economic Development. Available principal ranges from $10,000 to $1 million. Funding can be repaid over 10 years at 2.75% APR and with a 1% administrative fee. Monthly payments are typically based on estimated cost savings. Additional information is available from the DED Energy Division website.
Renewable Energy Standard
Value:Varies
Missouri's mandatory renewable portfolio standard was created in 2008 by the Proposition C ballot referendum. The standard sets minimum quotas for renewable energy investment. Current objectives (as of 2021) require the state's power industry to source 15% of retail energy from renewable sources by the end of the year. Any solar, wind, biomass, hydrogen fuel cell, or select solid waste reclamation system may qualify. However, "carve-out" measures require a specific portion of the annual quota be fulfilled using solar energy. Compliance is measured through both renewable energy credit (REC) and solar carve-out credit (SREC) systems. Each credit pegs a fixed amount of electricity to a variable dollar value. Credits are subject to market forces as utilities buy them through net metering and retire them after three years. Annual reports on standard objectives and progress are available through the Missouri Public Service Commission website.
Columbia Water & Light - Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Loan
Value:Varies
Home customers of Columbia Water and Light may be eligible for special financing on ENERGY STAR certified building materials and equipment. Available offers will vary from time to time. Currently, loans are available for central and room HVAC, insulation/weatherization, solar water heaters/thermal systems, and some appliances. CWL works with loan partners to provide financing. Current repayment options can last up to ten years at variable interest rates. Applicants will be subject to standard credit checks, pre-installation audits, and final system inspections by CWL representatives. Additional information is available from the CWL website.
Net Metering
Value:Varies
Missouri requires any private/municipal utility, electric retailer, or utility cooperative to offer net metering contracts to renewable energy customers. Any solar PV/heating, wind, hydroelectric, or hydrogen fuel cell system qualifies to receive tariff compensation. Once a customer and their utility agree to a contract, the utility will install a bidirectional meter on the customer's system at no cost. This meter measures net excess generation (NEG) sent back to the grid. The customer's electric bill will be credited at a fixed avoided-cost rate for NEG generated during each billing cycle. Should generation exceed consumption for any given month, credits may carry forward to subsequent cycles. Additional information is available from the Missouri Department of Economic Development website.
Missouri Clean Energy District
Value:Varies
The Missouri Clean Energy District is a statewide property-assessed clean energy (PACE) financing program. Counties and cities may join MCED at any time, allowing local businesses, farms, nonprofits, and public-sector building owners to receive specialized loans for energy efficiency improvements. (Due to regulatory concerns from the FHFA, residential buildings are ineligible for PACE loans at this time.) PACE funding effectively comes from the government, but it is administered by the MCED and a number of banking partners. Loans are at low interest and can be repaid over up to 20 years. Repayments take the form of a tax lien senior to the property's mortgage; should the owner sell or transfer their property, the new owner will be responsible for continuing repayments. Additional information is available from the MCED website and member localities.
Interconnection Guidelines
Value:Varies
Any private/public electrical utility or cooperative in Missouri must offer their renewable energy customers interconnection and net metering contract options. Unlike other states, renewable energy systems are not divided into regulatory tiers based on size and capability; however, systems over 100 kW in capacity are ineligible for net metering. All systems must meet standards set by IEEE/UL and have manual disconnect switches/other safety features installed. Additional information is available from individual utilities.
Columbia Water & Light - Commercial Energy Efficiency Loans
Value:Varies
Business customers of Columbia Water and Light may be eligible for special financing on energy efficient equipment and improvement projects. Available offers will vary from time to time. currently, "Super Saver" loans are available for HVAC systems, solar and geothermal water heaters and heat pumps, and energy efficient lighting. CWL works with banking partners to provide financing; as such, loan terms may vary. Loans through the program are senior to other debt on the property; should the owner sell the property or refinance another loan, they must pay off the Super Saver loan. The application process involves pre-installation audits and final system inspections using ASHRAE Level 2 standards. Additional information is available through the CWL website.
Show Me PACE
Value:Varies
Show Me PACE is a multi-jurisdiction property-assessed clean energy financing program in Missouri. Any county or city government may become a program signatory. The program serves business and multi-family residential property, farms, nonprofits, and public-sector facilities making energy or water efficiency improvements. A minimum principal of $50,000 is available at low market-rate interest. Repayment periods may vary, but cannot be longer than the useful life of the equipment that the loan funds. The Missouri Energy Initiative oversees the Show Me PACE lending market. Additional information is available from the program website.
Set the PACE St. Louis
Value:Varies
"Set the PACE" is a local property-assessed clean energy (PACE) financing program. Businesses, nonprofits, and public-sector property owners in the city/county of St. Louis may be eligible for special financing through the program to fund energy efficiency improvements. Residential property may qualify so long as it is not mortgaged. PACE funding effectively comes from public funds, but loans will be supplemented by PNC and serviced by local governments. The maximum available principal for a single loan is $25,000 or 35% of the property's assessed value, whichever is lower. Loans are low-interest and can be repaid over up to 20 years. Repayment takes the form of a tax lien senior to the property's mortgage; should the owner sell or transfer their property, the new owner will be responsible for continuing repayments. Additional information is available from the Set the PACE St. Louis website.
Are solar panels worth it in Callaway County, MO?
Intending to stay in your house beyond the solar payback period? Solar panels are a wise investment in Callaway County. Having a 5 kW solar system in Callaway County, MO can potentially save you roughly $28,031 over a span of 20 years, with an average break even point of 6 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Callaway County, MO
In addition to missing out on the savings mentioned above, not having solar panels or an alternative backup energy source results in total reliance on your electric utility for electricity. Recent news reports have shown that complete dependence on your utility isn't always the best option.
Callaway County utilities have recorded 0.8 outages per customer per year recently. Each outage, on average, lasts for 101.97 minutes. In the case of major events like hurricanes, aging infrastructure, or wildlife damage, this period can rise substantially.
See the component below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Callaway County.
A solar energy system, regardless of whether it has a backup battery or not, can relieve the strain of future power outages you may encounter.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Callaway County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Callaway County, MO?
Your Energy Needs - Larger solar panel setups come with a larger price tag, yet the cost per watt decreases as the size of the system expands. It is often advantageous for consumers to install a solar system that can produce enough electricity to fully cover their electric bill, which leads to significant savings.
Make & Model - Just like other products, solar panels and mounting equipment come in a variety of makes and models. Because the installer you select might have specific brand preferences, picking a recommended company is especially important. Investing in superior quality materials can result in a much better long-term experience for the buyer.
Solar Panel Type - It's understandable that monocrystalline panels are now the industry standard. These panels are more expensive, yet they generate more energy. Most installers often utilize panels crafted from this material.
Your Property - Every home and property is unique. Sloping terrain, trees, or v can increase the complexity of the installation. These days, most solar installers can assess your home using satellite images and include these considerations for the preliminary cost estimate.
Labor Rates - The wages that companies offer their employees differ, and these costs are ultimately shown in consumer prices. Reviews for services and customer service are often higher for businesses that pay higher wages.
Permitting & Interconnection - The cost of installation will be influenced by varying local permitting and utility interconnection fees. Reputable local installers will incorporate these numbers into your initial quotes to prevent any surprises.
See what solar panels cost in other Callaway County cities
The typical cost per watt for solar panels in Callaway County, MO as of February, 2025 is $3.47/W. With the federal tax credit, the cost of a 5 kW solar panel system in Callaway County, MO drops to roughly $12,145.
In Missouri, you have access to 13 rebates and incentives provided by numerous utilities and government organizations. In addition, the 30% federal income tax credit is available to almost everyone.
Even though cash payments offer the greatest savings, numerous financing options for solar panels today are also advantageous. Installers often have partnerships with financing companies and will provide this information in your initial quotes.
Yes, the average time to recoup the cost of 5 kW solar panels in Callaway County, MO is 6 years, with homeowners saving an average of $28,031 on electricity over 20 years.
Savings from 
Environmental Impacts 
