Ameren Missouri solar: net metering and export credit rules

The rules

What happens to the solar power you send to the grid

Ameren Missouri, the business name of Union Electric Company, provides electric service to about 1.3 million customers across central and eastern Missouri, including the greater St. Louis area.

Electric Power Purchases from Qualified Net Metering Units (net metering)

How Ameren Missouri credits exports

Ameren Missouri offers net metering for systems of 100 kW or less under its tariff for Electric Power Purchases from Qualified Net Metering Units, which applies under Missouri's Net Metering and Easy Connection Act, RSMo 386.890.
On the Anytime Users rate, Ameren nets the electricity it supplies against the electricity your system sends back over each billing period, and if you send back more, your bill includes a credit at the Net Metering Rate, which is based on Ameren's avoided fuel cost.
On the Smart Savers, Overnight Savers and Ultimate Savers time of use rates, the netting is done separately for each time of use period, while the Evening/Morning Savers rate nets usage over the whole billing period.
The Net Metering Rate has a summer value for June through September and a winter value for October through May, and Ameren updates it every odd numbered year.
Under Ameren's net metering agreement, a credit applies to the following billing period and expires without payment 12 months after it is issued, or sooner if you disconnect service or end net metering.
Monthly customer charges still apply, and Ameren notes that a system producing more than you use will not give you a zero bill.

The rule behind it

Net Metering and Easy Connection Act, RSMo 386.890

The program

Electric Power Purchases from Qualified Net Metering Units (net metering), MO.P.S.C. Schedule No. 6, Sheet 171

Recent changes

A revised net metering tariff sheet took effect June 1, 2026, spelling out how exports are netted and credited on each residential rate, and Ameren says that as of June 1, 2026, net metering customers can choose any of its five residential rate options.

Before you connect

Limits, and the steps to get connected

Limits and eligibility

Net metering covers systems of 100 kW or less that are located on premises you own, lease or control and are intended primarily to offset part or all of your own electricity use.
Ameren estimates the maximum allowable nameplate capacity in kW DC by dividing the most recent 12 billing months of usage by 8,760 hours times a 15.6% capacity factor, calculates the final maximum when it receives the application, and requires any panels added later to stay within that maximum.
Ameren offers net metering until net metered capacity reaches 5% of its single hour peak load from the previous year, and it need not approve more applications in a calendar year once approvals reach 1% of that peak.
Ameren cannot switch billing to net metering while the customer is still subscribed to its Community Solar program.

How a home gets connected

Ameren Missouri must review a renewable project before installation or operation, and the homeowner or installer applies with Ameren's Interconnection Application/Agreement for Net Metering Systems With Capacity of 100 kW or Less, including system plans, specifications and a wiring diagram.
Ameren approves or denies the application within 30 days for systems of 10 kW or less and within 90 days for larger systems, and an approval expires if the system is not interconnected within one year.
After the system is built to the approved plans, a Missouri licensed engineer or electrician signs the electrical inspection section, and if the city or county requires a permit, its permit number and approval must be shown to Ameren before interconnection.
Within 21 days after all post construction paperwork and any local inspection approval are submitted, Ameren makes any inspection it needs and tells the customer whether the bidirectional meter has been set and parallel operation is permitted, or what must be corrected first.
The customer agrees not to run the system connected to Ameren's grid until Ameren has approved the application and agreement.

Federal tax credit

The residential solar credit (section 25D) ended for systems completed after 2025. What that means in 2026.

Questions

Common questions about Ameren Missouri and solar

How does Ameren Missouri net metering work?

Ameren measures the electricity it supplies and the electricity your system sends back, and if you send back more than you use, your bill shows a credit at the Net Metering Rate, which is based on Ameren's avoided fuel cost. That credit applies to the following bill and expires 12 months after it is issued. Your regular monthly charges still apply, so Ameren says you will not have a zero bill.

How big can a solar system be on Ameren Missouri net metering?

Net metering is limited to systems of 100 kW or less, and Ameren also limits size based on your use. Ameren divides your most recent 12 billing months of usage by 8,760 hours times a 15.6% capacity factor to estimate the maximum nameplate capacity in kW DC, then confirms the figure from your actual usage when it receives your application. For a new home, Ameren asks for the living space square footage instead.

Can I use a time of use rate with solar on Ameren Missouri?

Yes. Ameren says that as of June 1, 2026, net metering customers can choose any of its five residential rate options. On the Smart Savers, Overnight Savers and Ultimate Savers rates, usage and exports are netted separately in each time of use period, with any excess credited at the Net Metering Rate.

Is there still a federal tax credit for home solar?

The federal residential clean energy credit, section 25D, ended for home solar expenditures made after December 31, 2025, under the law signed July 4, 2025. The IRS treats the expenditure as made when installation is completed, so a system completed in 2026 does not qualify even if it was paid for earlier.

Does the consultation cost anything?

No. The consultation is free for homeowners, and there is no obligation to buy anything.

Who will contact me?

Our team confirms a few details with you, then one local solar company for your area contacts you to set up the visit. Your request never goes to a list.

Sources (checked September 26, 2026)

Tariffs and programs change, so confirm current terms with Ameren Missouri before you decide.

Answers homeowners look for

Is the federal solar tax credit still available in 2026?No, not for a home solar system completed in 2026.Can an HOA stop you from installing solar panels?Missouri: State law limits some HOA bans Do solar panels raise your property taxes?Missouri: No statewide exemption found

How Ameren Missouri credits home solar

Check your home