Solar Panels Cost $12k-$22k in Franklin County, MO | November, 2024
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How much do solar panels cost in Franklin County, MO in 2024?
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Going solar averages out to $3.59/W in the month of November, 2024 in Franklin County, MO.
It will cost you $3,590, on average, per 1K (or 1000 watts) of capacounty that your solar panels have. After the 30% federal tax credit, the average expense for a 5 kW panel install in Franklin County is approximately $12,565. Please keep in mind that a more powerful system might be essential to fully meet your energy needs.
On the left side, select your county to discover the typical roof size and the maximum capacity of solar panel systems for homes in your area. Displayed below is an analysis 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.
Franklin County: $12,565US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Franklin County: 7 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Franklin County: $16,912US Average: $16,169
Solar Potential in Franklin County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Franklin County.
Roof size 778sq. ft.
Capacity 10.88kW DC
Electricity 13.5kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Franklin County, MO & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
Franklin County households typically consume 1,071 kWh each month and have an average monthly electric bill around 145.26. Smaller houses, including condos and duplexes, are also encompassed in the statistics mentioned in the previous sentence.
In November 2024, the mean electricity rate in Franklin County, MO amounts to 13.57¢ per kWh.
Presently, a 9 kW solar system will be priced at around $32,310at first, but thanks to the 30% federal tax credit, you get a 30% reimbursement, reducing the total to $22,617.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Franklin County
Displayed on the left side, you'll see a detailed cost summary of the multiple sizes of solar panel systems installed in Franklin County. The investment for a more extensive solar panel setup is larger, but it also yields more significant electricity savings and more substantial income tax credits.
Using the solar panel cost calculator positioned down and to the right, you can view a detailed cost and benefit analysis based on an average electric bill of $145.26 in Franklin County. Change the $145.26 with your average electricity bill to get customized results.
System Size
Roof Size Min. space required
Electricity Value Annual Production
Est. Price
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,030 a year
Est. Price
$12,565
Savings from a 5kWthis system
Est. yearly production 7,355 kWh
Est. monthly savings $86
Full payback in 7 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 7.74 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 355 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 19,156 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,236 a year
Est. Price
$15,078
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 8,826 kWh
Est. monthly savings $103
Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 9.29 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 427 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 22,987 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,442 a year
Est. Price
$17,591
Savings from a 7kWthis system
Est. yearly production 10,297 kWh
Est. monthly savings $120
Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 10.83 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 498 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 26,819 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,648 a year
Est. Price
$20,104
Savings from a 8kWthis system
Est. yearly production 11,768 kWh
Est. monthly savings $137
Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 12.38 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 569 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 30,650 mi less a year
System Size 9kW
Roof Size Min. space required
644 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,853 a year
Est. Price
$22,617
Savings from a 9kWthis system
Est. yearly production 13,239 kWh
Est. monthly savings $145
Full payback in 13 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 13.08 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 601 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 32,371 mi less a year
Franklin County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
Rural entrepreneurs and farmers might find that the REAP Grant pays for 80% to 100% of their costs when installing photovoltaic or wind energy systems. Believe you might qualify? Use our REAP Grant eligibility tool to confirm your eligibility.
Installing residential solar panels comes with a 30% federal tax credit, accessible to most homeowners, making it a good option for many areas across the country. Additionally, there are numerous state and local incentives to further promote the adoption of solar energy.
Different utilities and governmental bodies in Missouri offer 13 solar rebate and incentive programs.
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 Franklin County, MO?
For those in Franklin County intending to stay in their homes past the payback period of their solar system, solar panels make excellent sense. A 5 kW solar system in Franklin County, MO might save you an average of $22,297.4 over 20 years, with the break even point generally being 7 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Franklin County, MO
Beyond missing out on the savings noted above, the absence of solar panels or an alternative backup energy solution leads to total dependency on your electric utility for power. As evidenced by recent news stories, full reliance on your utility company is not always ideal.
Each year, customers in Franklin County face about 1.14 outages. The average length of an outage is 153.19 minutes. However, during significant events such as lightning strikes, aging infrastructure, or wildlife damage, this duration can grow considerably.
View the graphic below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Franklin County.
Installing a solar panel system, irrespective of whether it features a backup battery, could reduce the pressure of future outages you might encounter.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Franklin County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Franklin County, MO?
Your Energy Needs - Though the initial cost of larger solar panel systems is larger, the price per watt diminishes as the system gets larger. It is often beneficial for consumers to set up a solar system that can produce enough electricity to offset their electric bill, which results in substantial savings.
Make & Model - Solar panels and mounting equipment, just like many other products, come in different makes and models. The installer’s preference for brand makes it essential to pick a reputable company. Better quality materials often result in a more positive long-term experience for buyers.
Solar Panel Type - There's a good reason why monocrystalline panels are now the industry standard. They have a higher price but are more efficient. Most solar panel installers use panels made of this type of material.
Your Property - Each property and home has its own characteristics. Factors like trees, uneven land, or other impediments can make the installation more challenging. With the use of satellite images, solar installers these days can evaluate your home and include these considerations into the first cost estimate.
Labor Rates - Various wages are offered to employees by various companies, and these costs are transferred to the consumers. Businesses paying more to their employees often garner higher reviews for their services and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - Your final installation price will be affected by the permitting and utility interconnection fees, which vary by area. Experienced local installers will include these figures in your initial estimates to guarantee transparency.
See what solar panels cost in other Franklin County cities
Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
Franklin County, MO Solar Panel Cost FAQs
In November, 2024, the average cost of solar panels per watt in Franklin County, MO is $3.59/W. A 5 kW solar panel system will cost you around $12,565 in Franklin County, MO after the federal tax credit is applied.
There are 13 rebates and incentives available in Missouri from a range of utility providers and government organizations. Additionally, almost everyone is entitled to the 30% federal income tax credit.
Cash payments yield the greatest savings, but many financing options for solar panels that are cost-effective are now available. Many installers have financing partners and will provide this information in your initial quotes.
Yes, on average, 5 kW solar panels in Franklin County, MO pay for themselves in 7 years, with homeowners saving approximately $22,297.4 on electricity over 20 years.
Savings from 
Environmental Impacts 
