Solar power in Kansas

Switching to solar energy in Kansas may reduce your average electricity bill, decrease carbon emissions, and even increase your home’s resale value. According to Find Energy, the average Kansas solar system is 9 kilowatts (kW) and costs $3.34 per watt, for a total average cost of $30,060. Federal incentives can help you recoup an additional 30% of the total cost, bringing the average solar panel cost in Kansas to under $21,042. Solar is still a major home improvement project in Kansas, but one you will reap the benefits of for decades.

Is solar worth it in Kansas?

Solar can be worth it in Kansas for households with high energy bills. With solar energy rebates and incentives at the federal, state, and local levels, residential solar panels are a worthwhile investment in Kansas. According to Best Places, Kansas receives 230 sunny days yearly, making solar panels a great option for generating renewable electricity. 

While Kansas isn’t currently a leading state for solar generation, it has enough solar installed to power over 16,000 homes. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) predicts the state will add more than 2,000 megawatts (MW) of solar capacity in the next five years.

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How much do solar panels cost in Kansas?

The cost of solar panels in Kansas is often the number one deciding factor for homeowners considering solar installations. The cost per watt in Kansas is less than the national average. Kansas’ average solar system cost is also 4% cheaper than the U.S. average, at around $30,060.

Cost of solar panels in Kansas vs. the U.S.

*Estimated panel count is based on the average panel size ranging from 300 to 400 watts.

The total price of a solar panel array depends on the system size, additional components like solar batteries, and installation costs. Each solar panel system is customized for the homeowner’s energy use and storage capabilities. You can get a free quote for your solar costs using the form on this page.

Payback period for solar systems in Kansas

The estimated payback period for a Kansas solar system is about 14 years, based on the average system cost of $30,060 and the state’s average monthly electric bill of $125 in 2022. This return on the solar investment is found by dividing the total system cost after the 30% federal solar tax credit by the annual electric bill.

Kansas solar system size, cost, and number of panels

*Estimated panel count is based on the average panel size ranging from 300 to 400 watts.

The best Kansas solar incentives 2023

Whether you purchase solar panels up front or through a loan, they require a substantial investment. Federal and state incentives, rebates, and tax credits can offset some of these costs, making the transition to solar more realistic for many people.

Does Kansas have a solar tax credit? There is not a state-specific solar tax credit in Kansas, but Kansas residents are eligible for the federal solar tax credit. The Residential Clean Energy Credit is the most important solar incentive to know about. This federal incentive offers a tax credit valued at 30% of the cost of a solar panel system. There is no cap on the amount you can claim with this credit, so you’ll receive the full 30% regardless of the size or price of your panels. Once you apply and are approved by the IRS, you’ll receive your credit when you file your next annual tax return. There are also state and local solar incentives available in Kansas to consider. You can combine these incentives with the federal tax credit.

Kansas solar programs

Solar incentives in Kansas City

• The utility company Evergy provides several Kansas clean energy programs. 
• Net metering is one Evergy solar program Kansas residents can use to offset the cost of solar panels. The utility will credit customers at an avoided cost rate — the amount it costs Evergy to generate or purchase power — rather than the retail electricity value. 
• Submit this net metering application to apply. A $100 application fee is required.  
• Other Evergy clean energy incentives in Kansas City include a solar subscription to offset energy use with no solar panels required. Learn more and sign up here.  

Solar incentives in Overland Park

• Like Kansas City, Overland Park’s primary energy provider is Evergy. Evergy customers can apply for net metering bill credits when they generate energy through solar, wind, or other means. 
• The Johnson County solar program began allowing utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) projects, such as solar farms, in unincorporated areas of the Kansas county in 2021. Businesses interested in a solar permit can check to see if they are in the eligible area and apply here.

Why choose Kansas solar power right now?

There are several reasons why solar power could make sense for you. Many Kansas residents are motivated by the possibility of lower electricity bills. Solar panels also allow you to rely less on the traditional power grid and offer sustainable benefits.

Lower energy costs

Solar panel installation in Kansas can lower energy bills in the long run because you can power your home’s appliances and devices using electricity generated from your panels. Your electricity bills will likely decrease because you’ll rely less on energy from the power grid. Solar panels can also protect you from fluctuations in the energy market, which impact the price of electricity. The amount you save on energy bills with solar will depend on how much electricity you consume in a month and the typical electric rate in your area.

Establish energy independence

Powering your home with solar energy also decreases your reliance on the traditional power grid, improving your overall energy independence. Most residents who install solar panels remain connected to the power grid so they can use its electricity when the sun isn’t shining. If you install a solar battery alongside your panels, you may be able to protect yourself from power outages and rate spikes in Kansas.

Go green

Solar energy can reduce your environmental impact. Unlike traditional power sources like gas and coal, solar energy does not emit greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide that contribute to climate change. Since solar is a renewable resource, powering your home with it can reduce your carbon footprint. 

Should I buy or lease solar panels in Kansas?

You have a few financing options when installing solar panels on your home. Whether you want to purchase or lease your system will determine your long-term savings and eligibility for solar incentives. Each financing option has pros and cons, so weigh all options carefully.

Kansas solar panel companies

Kansas residents can choose from a variety of solar installers. When considering your options, be sure to read customer reviews, check the installer’s warranty terms, and compare quotes from a few different installers. SaveOnEnergy can help you find a solar installer in your area. We partner with vetted, top-tier solar companies to provide curated solar options. Fill out our solar estimator form or call the number on this page to learn more about how much you could save with solar panels for your home.

How does Kansas solar save you money?

In 2022, the average Kansas energy bill was $125 per month or about $1,500 for the year. Based on the average energy bill and the typical cost of home solar systems in Kansas, you could expect to see a return on investment in about 14 years. Solar incentives and tax credits can also help reduce the total cost of solar panels and your anticipated payback period.

Beware of free solar panels in Kansas scam

Will Kansas pay for solar panels? No, Kansas does not pay for panels, although solar incentives can help with the cost. At SaveOnEnergy, we aim to help readers make the best energy and solar decisions by providing truthful information. When you request a solar quote, we only put you in contact with vetted and trusted solar installers near you. 

However, not all solar companies and solar financing lenders are as transparent. You may see solar ads that promote free solar panels in Kansas. Beware of these types of marketing strategies because free solar does not exist. Some solar installers who offer no-money-down leasing plans or PPAs will campaign with these words. Don’t get misled or defrauded by these offers because solar panels are not free. Even if you can get excellent solar rebates and incentives or delay initial payments, you will eventually owe money on solar panels installed on your home. 

Important solar installation factors to consider

Certain factors can affect the reliability and cost of solar panels in Kansas, including where you live and the condition of your home. Be sure to consider all factors before signing a solar contract.

• Your home’s roof: Solar panels have a long lifespan and typically have warranties of 25 years or more. Therefore, you want to ensure your roof can withstand the panels for that time. Older roofs might not be strong enough to support a solar array. The roof should also be angled to capture enough sunlight to make solar efficient. 
• Your location: Solar works by capturing and converting energy from the sun. You should ensure your home is in an area without too much shade in order to take advantage of all the sunny Kansas days. Solar panels also perform well in winter as long as they still have access to direct sunlight.
• Your homeowners’ association (HOA): Check with your HOA or neighborhood rules to determine if a solar array is allowed on your roof. Some neighborhoods may require prior approval to install solar. Your solar installer may be able to help you work through these obstacles.