Missouri is a Midwestern state in the United States. Famous for its fascinating Gateway Arch, the Show-Me State is rapidly diversifying its energy mix and gearing towards becoming a more energy-independent state. To do so, Missouri is making multiple efforts to tap its potential for power generation through solar energy.
Work on solar power started in Missouri in the 1970s. However, major breakthroughs were achieved during the second decade of the 21st century. Solar power has been growing at a steady rate since the early 2010s. A major catalyst for this rapid increase can be attributed to the introduction of solar-friendly legislation in Missouri, financial incentives, and the decreasing cost of solar equipment.
Currently, the cost of solar panel installation in Missouri lies in the range of $2.43 to $3.29/watt. Thanks to its geographical placement, Missouri gets a decent amount of sunlight throughout the year. On average, Missouri receives five daily peak hours of sunlight.
On a commercial level, IKEA’s store located in St. Loius has installed the largest rooftop solar system which has a generation capacity of 1.28 MW. The installation was completed in July 2015.
Solar Friendly Legislation and Rebates in Missouri
Federal Investment Tax Credit
The Federal Investment Tax Credit allows the users to subtract 26% of the total cost of the solar system from their federal taxes. In other words, you are compensated up to 26% of the cost of your solar system.
After 2023, this incentive will be eliminated for residential solar installations. However, owners of commercial solar systems will still get a tax credit for up to 10% of the cost of their solar systems.
Ameren Missouri’s Solar PV Rebate Program
Ameren Missouri is one of the power utilities that provide electricity to the commercial and residential units of Missouri. The customers of Ameren utility are eligible for getting solar PV rebates of up to $0.25 for each watt of the electricity generated through the solar PV system. For commercial and industrial customers, this incentive is capped at 150KW.
Missouri Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS)
Missouri’s Renewable Portfolio Standard dictates that all utility companies must meet at least 15% of their energy requirements from renewable sources out of which the share of solar is capped at 0.3%.
The terms of the RPS create an incentive and drive to install large-scale solar power projects from which the utility companies can meet their solar needs.
The following statistics reveal the state of solar energy in Missouri in a glimpse:
- Solar Installed (MW): 351.5
- National Ranking: 35th (34th in 2021)
- Percentage of State’s Electricity from Solar: 0.70%
- Solar Jobs: 2,522
- Solar Companies in State: 113 (14 Manufacturers, 39 Installers/Developers, 60 Others)
- Total Solar Investment in State: 894 million
- Prices have fallen 4% over the last 5 years
- Growth Projection and Ranking: 791 MW over the next 5 years (ranks 36th)
- Number Of Installations: 18,701
Need for Solar Panel Recycling Solutions in Missouri
Missouri is making multiple efforts to tap its true potential for solar generation. Ambitious targets and solar-friendly legislation have put Missouri on a path to achieving energy sufficiency through the use of solar energy.
However, the rapid proliferation of photovoltaic technology also raises the alarming question about the decommissioning and disposal of end-of-life solar panels. Most experts agree that recycling old solar panels is the most cost-effective and eco-friendly waste disposal option for solar waste.
If you are looking for decommissioning of solar systems or large-scale solar panel recycling solutions in Missouri, contact We Recycle Solar. We provide recycling solutions for solar panels, batteries, and other equipment. Our processes are safe, efficient, and compliant with all federal and state laws.
Looking for decommissioning or large-scale Missouri solar panel recycling solutions?
Unless otherwise noted, all data from SEIA/GTM Research U.S. Solar Market Insight