How Can I Lower My Electric Bill in St. Louis, MO, Region?

4 Ways Solar Helps.

Posted: 6.24.2025

Rising energy costs are a growing concern for homeowners in the Greater St. Louis area. It has many wondering, “how can I lower my electric bill in St. Louis, MO?” Solar can help.

Ameren Missouri, the region’s monopoly utility provider, received approval for a 15% rate hike, totaling $335 million for 2025, to fund utility pole upgrades, new substations, and an expanded energy portfolio. Customers have already begun to see bills increase–for the average user about $14 per month more.

Ameren Missouri Rate Increase Outpaces Inflation & Wages

This follows an unsettling trend of increasing electricity rates that outpace even inflation and wage growth. Between 2020 and 2023, Ameren Missouri’s residential customers saw a 20% increase in bills, according to research by the Consumer Council of Missouri.

There is a way to protect yourself from future utility rate hikes: invest in solar power.

By installing solar panels in St. Louis, you effectively own your energy source, creating clean, local electricity for your home. Solar provides financial security by locking in energy costs for decades and shielding you from unpredictable utility bills.

Source: Consumer Council of Missouri.

4 Ways Solar Can Lower Your Electric Bill in the Greater St. Louis Area

1. Solar Locks in Your Energy Costs Long Term

A solar panel system can provide energy for 25–30 years, delivering long-term savings through a fixed energy cost known as the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE). This calculation divides the net system cost (after incentives) by the energy produced over its lifetime.
Here’s an example for a typical 11kW system on a St. Louis home:

At just 8.1 cents per kilowatt-hour, solar energy already beats current Ameren Missouri rates. While utility rates consistently climb, your solar-generated electricity remains consistent in cost for decades.

Imagine what their prices will look like in 30 years, while you are still paying yourself 8 cents per kilowatt hour!

2. Solar Adds Value to Your Home

A well-designed solar system not only reduces your energy costs but can also increase your home’s value. Buyers today prioritize energy efficiency. Adding solar panels makes your home more attractive on the market, especially when paired with battery storage.

With power outages becoming more common and utility Time of Use rates on the rise (more on this below), being able to store and use your own solar energy offers real savings and energy security.

According to Zillow, more than 80% of homebuyers say they value sustainable features, making solar a smart investment now and for the future.

3. Net Metering Offsets Your Energy Use

Another way you can lower your electric bill in St. Louis is through net metering. This allows you to exchange excess solar energy produced by your solar PV system for utility credits. These credits offset your electricity use at night or during periods when your system generates less energy. For example,

If your system consistently produces more energy than you consume, your utility will compensate you for the surplus. Each utility, including Ameren Missouri, has specific net metering policies.

At StraightUp Solar, our Project Developers ensure you understand how these policies work and how to maximize credits for your St. Louis area home.

Learn more about Missouri net metering.

4. Beat Time of Use Rates with Battery Storage

Time of Use Example Rates Sourced from Ameren Missouri Summer Savers Rates

Adding energy storage to your St. Louis solar system allows you to save excess energy for use at night or during power outages. With Ameren Missouri’s time-of-use (TOU) rate options, you can also strategically use stored energy to save even more. Essentially, your battery can store up the excess solar electricity produced when the sun is out (when TOU rates are low), then you can use your stored energy at night when energy demand is high (thus TOU rates are high).

StraightUp Solar offers storage solutions like Enphase IQ Battery, FranklinWH Battery, and Tesla Powerwall, customizable to fit your home’s energy needs. From partial backup to whole-home coverage, our engineers design systems to keep your essential appliances running when it matters most.

Secure the 30% Federal Tax Credit Before it Ends

Congress has proposed to end the 30% residential tax credit by year-end. This means for your best opportunity to secure this powerful incentive, which returns 30% your total solar costs as a credit against your tax liability, you’ll need to have your solar installed before the end of 2025.

While the long-term value of solar is strong, especially with Missouri seeing some of the highest utility rate increases across the nation, this incentive won’t last. Our installation queue is filling fast, get started before it’s too late.

Ready to Lower Your Electric Bill?

As you can see, there are many ways solar answers the question, “how can I lower my electric bill in St. Louis, MO, area.” Investing in solar is a proactive way to secure your financial future while taking control of your energy.

StraightUp Solar, proudly headquartered in St. Louis, has helped thousands of Missouri homeowners and businesses choose brighter energy since 2006. As a certified B Corp, we care for our customers and community, offering expert design, installation, and long-term service with people and planet in mind.

Start your free, no-obligation quote today! A StraightUp Solar project developer will work with you to create a customized energy plan that meets your needs.

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How Can I Lower My Electric Bill in St. Louis, MO, Region?

4 Ways Solar Helps.

Ameren Missouri Rate Increase Outpaces Inflation & Wages

4 Ways Solar Can Lower Your Electric Bill in the Greater St. Louis Area

1. Solar Locks in Your Energy Costs Long Term

2. Solar Adds Value to Your Home

3. Net Metering Offsets Your Energy Use

4. Beat Time of Use Rates with Battery Storage

Secure the 30% Federal Tax Credit Before it Ends

Ready to Lower Your Electric Bill?

Want to Stay Informed? Subscribe to Sunshine!

LOCAL BUSINESSES
Trust StraightUp Solar

Start Your Free, Custom Solar Quote Today

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SOUTHERN IL

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How Can I Lower My Electric Bill in St. Louis, MO, Region?

4 Ways Solar Helps.

Ameren Missouri Rate Increase Outpaces Inflation & Wages

4 Ways Solar Can Lower Your Electric Bill in the Greater St. Louis Area

1. Solar Locks in Your Energy Costs Long Term

2. Solar Adds Value to Your Home

3. Net Metering Offsets Your Energy Use

4. Beat Time of Use Rates with Battery Storage

Secure the 30% Federal Tax Credit Before it Ends

Ready to Lower Your Electric Bill?

Want to Stay Informed? Subscribe to Sunshine!

LOCAL BUSINESSES Trust StraightUp Solar

Start Your Free, Custom Solar Quote Today

HEADQUARTERS

CENTRAL IL

SOUTHERN IL

PHONE

QUICK LINKS

Newsletter

SOCIALS

MEMBERSHIPS

CERTIFICATIONS

LOCAL BUSINESSES
Trust StraightUp Solar