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Is plug-in solar legal in Missouri?
Bill stalled (likely refiled 2027) HB 2528 / HB 2444
- Introduced
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Signed
- In effect
Not yet. Missouri considered a plug-in solar bill (HB 2528 / HB 2444) that did not pass in 2026; a new version is expected. Until then, utility interconnection rules apply.
Max system sizeNo capsmallest tier: <=10 kW: 30-day decision
Electrician / permitPermit and inspectionutility rules apply
Tell the utility?Interconnection application'applicable parallel generator interconnection fees' (amount not stated)
CertificationUL 1741 inverterrequired by every utility
What this means for you
✓ What you can do
- Apply for interconnection like any small generator (<=10 kW: 30-day decision), 'applicable parallel generator interconnection fees' (amount not stated).
- Use portable panels with a power station, never connected to house wiring, with no permission at all.
- Install conventional rooftop or ground-mount solar through the standard interconnection process.
✕ Not yet / not allowed
- Plug a grid-tied kit into an outlet without an interconnection agreement; it can breach your service terms.
- Expect a permit or wiring exemption; none exists without a law.
- Count on HB 2528 / HB 2444 this year: Prefiled Dec 2025; no committee referral until 5/15/2026 (Emerging Issues); dead; deferred to 2027.
What the rules say
Missouri's 2026 bills stalled; Ameren/Evergy interconnection rules apply.
What happened in 2026. HB 2528 / HB 2444: Prefiled Dec 2025; no committee referral until 5/15/2026 (Emerging Issues); dead; deferred to 2027.
Before you plug in: Missouri checklist
- The rule that applies is Missouri Public Service Commission's interconnection process: Net Metering and Easy Connection Act RSMo 386.890; 20 CSR 4240-20.065.
- A plug-in kit falls in the smallest tier (<=10 kW: 30-day decision). 'applicable parallel generator interconnection fees' (amount not stated).
- Permits: No statewide NEC; municipal permits; certified installer or self-install.
- Only consider kits with a UL 1741-listed inverter (UL 3700 preferred); a non-listed inverter will not be approved anywhere.
- What exports are worth: Monthly retail netting, excess at avoided cost.
- If approval is slow or costly, a portable panel and power station (never connected to house wiring) needs no permission.
- Watch HB 2528 / HB 2444: Prefiled Dec 2025; no committee referral until 5/15/2026 (Emerging Issues); dead; deferred to 2027.
The rules in detail
Missouri has no statute specific to plug-in solar (the only bill so far is HB 2528 / HB 2444). Average residential electricity price: 16.09¢ per kWh (EIA, July 2026).
Your utility's rules in Missouri
No utility in Missouri publishes a rule that specifically allows or bans outlet-connected generation, so the general interconnection agreement is what applies. Here is what the largest residential utilities say and require.
| Utility | Residential customers | Published position on plug-in kits |
|---|---|---|
| Ameren Missouri | 1,095,619 | No specific statement; design approval letter 'approves the customer to proceed with system installation'; 30-day review for <=10 kW. source |
| Evergy Missouri West / Metro | 579,443 | No specific statement. |
| Empire District (Liberty) | 142,537 | No specific statement. |
| City Utilities of Springfield | 105,029 | No specific statement. |
Interconnection terms for a sub-1.2 kW system
| Regulator | Missouri Public Service Commission. |
|---|---|
| Governing rule | Net Metering and Easy Connection Act RSMo 386.890; 20 CSR 4240-20.065. |
| Smallest tier | <=10 kW: 30-day decision. |
| Application fee | 'applicable parallel generator interconnection fees' (amount not stated). |
| Electrician / permit | No statewide NEC; municipal permits; certified installer or self-install. |
| Export compensation | Monthly retail netting, excess at avoided cost. |
| Electrical code | None statewide (local only). |
In practice
- Statutory 30-day clock for <=10 kW applies to munis/co-ops too.
- Republican-sponsored bills died from inattention, not opposition.
Plug-in solar bills in Missouri, 2025–2026
| Bill | Sponsor | Status | What it would do |
|---|---|---|---|
| HB 2528 / HB 2444 | Rep. Matthiesen (R) (HB 2528) | Prefiled Dec 2025; no committee referral until 5/15/2026 (Emerging Issues); dead; deferred to 2027. | Exempts portable solar generation devices from net metering; anti-energizing feature; no utility approval/fees. |
State incentives
- Property-tax exemption RSMo 137.100(10).
- No credit or sales-tax exemption.
Who is pushing for a law
- Renew Missouri
- MOSEIA
- Sierra Club Missouri (not confirmed)
Savings preview: 800 W kit in Missouri
Adjust for your setup →≈ $144/year
Frequently asked questions
Is plug-in solar legal in Missouri?
Not yet. Missouri considered a plug-in solar bill (HB 2528 / HB 2444) that did not pass in 2026; a new version is expected. Until then, utility interconnection rules apply.
Do I need a permit or electrician for plug-in solar in Missouri?
Default. Check with your local building department before you plug in.
Do I have to tell my utility in Missouri?
Default. Plugging in a grid-tied kit without following this can breach your service agreement.
What can an 800 W plug-in kit save in Missouri?
Roughly 896 kWh and about $144 per year at Missouri's average residential rate of 16.09¢/kWh, assuming a typical balcony or patio mount. See the calculator for your exact setup.