In St. Louis, MO, net metering adds extra savings by giving credits for excess energy sent back to the utility.
Generating electricity with solar panels offers homeowners a way to reduce reliance on the grid while cutting monthly utility costs.
But how does net metering in St. Louis, MO work? This guide breaks it down for you.
What Is Net Metering?
Net metering in St. Louis, MO lets homeowners with solar panels send extra electricity to the grid for bill credits.
When solar panels generate more energy than a home uses, the excess power goes to the grid, lowering future electricity costs.
This system helps homeowners maximize their solar investment by ensuring no generated energy goes to waste.
How Net Metering Works In St. Louis
Solar Generation and Excess Energy
During the day, solar panels in St. Louis, MO, often generate more electricity than a home needs. When this happens, the extra electricity is automatically sent to the utility grid instead of being wasted.
Earning and Using Bill Credits
The utility company tracks surplus energy and issues credits at the retail electricity rate, reducing future electricity costs. These credits are then used to offset power drawn from the grid at night or on cloudy days when solar production is lower.
Solar Net Metering in St Louis Example
A typical U.S. household consumes about 877 kWh per month (or around 29 kWh per day), according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).
- A homeowner installs a 6 kW solar system, producing approximately 750 kWh per month based on Missouri’s average solar output.
- During peak sunlight hours, the system generates 30 kWh per day, but the home only uses 20 kWh, sending the extra 10 kWh to the grid and earning bill credits.
How Credits Offset Future Usage
- At night, when the solar system isn’t generating power, the home still needs 9 kWh from the grid.
- Thanks to the 10 kWh banked earlier, the homeowner uses stored credits to cover nighttime energy use, lowering their bill.
- Over a full billing cycle, if the solar system produces more energy than the household uses, those excess credits roll over to the next month.
Net Metering Policies & Rates In St. Louis
Who Offers Net Metering in Missouri?
- Ameren Missouri: The largest regional utility offers one-to-one credits, with rates around 5.39¢/kWh in summer and 3.92¢/kWh in winter.
- Cooperative & Municipal Utilities: Many local utilities also provide St. Louis, MO net metering, but their policies may differ.
Credit Rates & Billing Details
Missouri’s Renewable Energy Standard requires investor-owned utilities to give full retail credit for each kWh of surplus solar energy sent to the grid. However, credits can only offset electricity charges for that billing period.
Any remaining credits at the end of the annual cycle are reimbursed at the utility’s lower avoided-cost rate rather than the full retail rate. Understanding these policies helps homeowners optimize their solar savings and energy management.
Benefits Of Net Metering For Homeowners | |
| Benefits | Description |
| Lower Electricity Bills | Use solar credits to significantly reduce or eliminate your electricity costs. |
| Better Return on Investment | Maximize savings and shorten the payback period for your solar system. |
| Energy Independence | Reduce reliance on the grid and increase energy security. |
| Environmental Impact | Use more clean energy and decrease carbon emissions. |
How to Enroll In Net Metering
Getting started with net metering is a straightforward process that ensures you can maximize savings from your solar energy system. Homeowners need to follow a few key steps to connect their system to the grid and start earning credits. Here’s what the process looks like:
- Install a Solar Energy System – Work with a trusted local solar provider like ECOcentrix.
- Apply for Net Metering – Your solar installer will help you submit an interconnection application with your utility provider.
- Utility Inspection & Approval – Your utility company will review your system and approve it for connection to the grid.
- Start Earning Credits – Once connected, you’ll begin generating credits on your utility bill.
Net Metering In St. Louis FAQs
Does net metering work during power outages?
No, unless paired with battery storage. Grid-tied solar panels in St. Louis, MO shut off during outages for safety reasons.
Are there any fees for enrolling in net metering?
Some utilities charge interconnection fees or require special meters. Check with your provider for specific costs.
What happens to excess solar credits at the end of the year?
Unused credits are reimbursed at a lower avoided-cost rate, not the full retail rate, as outlined in Missouri’s Net Metering and Easy Connection Act.
Can I switch utility providers and keep my net metering credits?
No, credits stay with your current provider. If switching, check the new utility’s St. Louis, MO net metering policy.
Earn Credits And Start Saving With St. Louis, MO Net Metering!
Missouri’s net metering in St. Louis, MO program allows you to lower your energy bills and earn credits for excess solar power. ECOcentrix makes the process seamless, ensuring your system is connected and optimized for most savings.
Claim your FREE consultation today and get a customized energy assessment ($750 value) – at no cost!
