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New to plug-in solar?

Plug-in solar lets anyone generate free electricity — no roof, no permit, no contractor. A single panel on your balcony can meaningfully cut your bill, especially as rates keep rising.

What is plug-in solar? →How it saves you money →
Pending legislation

Coming Soon — Missouri is considering plug-in solar legislation

Would permit residential plug-in solar systems up to 1,200W without utility approval or interconnection requirements.

Get notified when Missouri goes legal

We track every vote. One email when this bill passes — no spam.

🔋

Solar you can use in Missouri today, while you wait

Plug-in solar that ties into your home's wiring isn't legal here yet — but a portable solar generator (a panel charging a battery you plug devices into directly) never touches your home's wiring, so it's legal everywhere, including Missouri, right now.

See solar backup options →

Bill Status

Bill number
HB 2528 / HB 2444
Expected vote
Introduced — 2026 session
Proposed watt cap
1200W AC
As written in current bill text — subject to amendment
Primary utility
Ameren Missouri / Evergy

Pending bill information may change as legislation advances. Bill text, watt caps, and effective dates are subject to amendment or failure. This is not legal advice.

What to Expect If This Passes

🔌

Up to 1200W, no permit

The bill as drafted would allow systems up to 1200W AC connected to a standard household outlet — no permit, no utility approval required.

⚡

No net metering

The bill does not include net metering for plug-in systems. Excess generation would not be credited. Self-consumption maximization is key.

🏠

Renters included

The bill does not restrict installation to homeowners. Renters would still need landlord consent, but no permanent installation is required.

Electricity Cost Trend

↑ 4.0%/yr avg — Moderate
Rates up 22% over the past 5 years
From $0.099/kWh in 2021 → $0.120/kWh today. Every year you delay solar, your bills compound.
4.0%
avg. annual increase
Historical avg. residential rate ($/kWh)
$0.099
2021
$0.103
2022
$0.107
2023
$0.111
2024
$0.115
2025
$0.120
2026
20-year projected rate
$0.263/kWh
at 4.0%/yr escalation
Extra you'll pay over 20 yrs*
$1,173
vs. today's rates (1,000 kWh/mo household)
Best time to go solar
Now
Each year of delay = a year of higher grid bills

Estimated Savings Preview

Based on Missouri's $0.120/kWh avg. rate and 4.6 sun hours/day. Use this to plan — not to make a purchase yet.

Best-fit kits for Missouri

sorted by your payback period
10yr payback~$2,264 lifetime savings

US Solar Supplier 810W Balcony Kit

Complete kit: Runergy panels, APsystems EZ1, SunModo awning racking.

Output
810W
Lifespan
25 yrs
●Panel warranty: 25 yr
●Inverter: 12 yr
UL1741IEEE1547
$969~$97/yr avg cost
Shop Now →
11yr payback~$1,067 lifetime savings

CraftStrom 400W Eco Line Plug-In Kit

400W Eco Line bifacial panel + ETL/UL 1741 microinverter.

Output
400W
Lifespan
25 yrs
●Panel warranty: 25 yr
●Inverter: 10 yr
ETLUL1741
$530~$48/yr avg cost
Shop Now →
11yr payback~$2,194 lifetime savings

PluggedSolar 800W Plug-In Kit

Four 200W panels + UL 1741 microinverter + WiFi monitor. Sold on Amazon.

Output
800W
Lifespan
25 yrs
●Panel warranty: 25 yr
●Inverter: 10 yr
UL1741
$999~$91/yr avg cost
Buy on Amazon →

Payback estimates use your current slider settings with each product's wattage and price. We earn an affiliate commission on purchases at no extra cost to you.

Default: 4.6h/day (Missouri avg)
$1,200
$900$2,200
800W
400W1200W
60%
30%100%
$0.120/kWh
$0.080/kWh$0.400/kWh
Rate Escalation Scenario
Year 1 Generation
685 kWh
57 kWh/mo
Year 1 Savings
$82
$7/mo
Payback Period
13 yrs
by year 13
25-Year Savings
$3,193
net $1,993
ℹPanels typically last 25–30 years with a 25-year output warranty. Microinverters carry a 10–25 year warranty depending on brand. Battery modules degrade faster — expect 10–15 years before capacity drops below 80%. The 25-year savings figure above assumes the panel and inverter run for the full window; budget ~$200–$400 for an inverter swap around year 15 if needed.
Cumulative Savings vs. Break-even ($)
Selected scenario2% escalation8% escalationBreak-even
Calculator AssumptionsSavings estimates are projections based on average sun hours, self-consumption assumptions, and rate escalation scenarios. Actual results vary by roof orientation, shading, usage patterns, and local rate schedules. The federal ITC for residential solar expired December 31, 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is plug-in solar legal in Missouri?
Not explicitly authorized yet. Missouri's net metering law requires an interconnection application, a disconnect switch, and anti-islanting testing for grid-tied systems with no carve-out for small plug-in devices. A bill addressing 'Portable Solar Generation Devices' (HB 2444) was introduced in the 2026 session but had not advanced as of mid-2026.
Can my HOA block solar panels in Missouri?
No, not for roof-mounted solar collectors on homeowner-occupied property. RSMo § 442.404 bars HOA covenants from prohibiting solar installations, and a 2025-2026 Missouri Supreme Court ruling confirmed this applies even to older covenants. However, the law was written for roof-mounted panels and doesn't specifically address plug-in or balcony devices.
Does Ameren Missouri or Evergy offer net metering?
Yes, both utilities offer net metering for systems up to 100kW under Missouri's Net Metering and Easy Connection Act, though excess generation is credited at an avoided-cost rate after an annual true-up rather than carrying over at full retail value indefinitely.
What's Missouri's solar potential?
Missouri has moderate-to-good solar potential, particularly in the southern half of the state, comparable to many mid-Atlantic states -- making it a reasonable candidate for supplemental plug-in solar once clearer rules are in place.
Is there a bill to legalize plug-in solar in Missouri?
Yes -- HB 2444, addressing 'Portable Solar Generation Devices,' was introduced in Missouri's 2026 legislative session, but as of mid-2026 it had not advanced through committee, so no plug-in-solar-specific law is currently in effect.

Stay in the Loop

We monitor the Missouri legislature and will email you the moment HB 2528 / HB 2444 is signed into law or fails. No spam — one email per bill outcome.

Legal DisclaimerLaws change. Information on this site reflects our best understanding of current statutes as of the date shown. It is not legal advice. Verify requirements with your state utility commission, local building department, and a qualified attorney before installation.