How much do solar panels cost in Kansas?
Installing residential solar panels can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000 or more, although individual costs vary. On average, Kansas residents paid $23,310 for their system before using tax credits or incentives.
It's no surprise that the smaller your system, the less you'll pay. The average size of a solar power plant in Kansas is 9 kilowatts (kW).
Average Costs by System Size in Kansas
| 6kW | 7kW | 8kW | 9kW | 10kW | 11kW | 12kW | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before federal tax credits | US$15,540 | US$18,130 | US$20,720 | US$23,310 | US$25,900 | US$28,490 | US$31,080 |
| After Federal Tax Credit | US$10,878 | US$12,691 | US$14,504 | US$16,317 | US$18,130 | US$19,943 | US$21,756 |
| Approximate size of house | 1400 square meters. foot | 1600 square meters. foot | 1800 square meters. foot | 2000 square meters. foot | 2200 square meters. foot | 2400 square meters. foot | 2600 square meters. foot |
Source: Ecowatch
Are solar panels suitable for use in Kansas?
Solar panels are valuable to many Kansas homeowners because they save on electricity bills. For some people, the environmental benefits make solar energy worthwhile.
“Eco-friendly thinking, we wanted to use alternative energy sources and always thought about geothermal or solar power,” Paul told us in Topeka. “We decided to go solar and we are very happy with that.”
The high up-front costs of purchasing and installing solar panels may deter many Kansas residents from switching to solar energy. However, in recent years, the price of solar panels has fallen making them more affordable.
Kansans who try to install the system themselves or hire questionable installers often run into problems. Lack of maintenance support or components that don't function properly can quickly wipe out the savings from in-house production.
Whether it's worth going solar also depends on where you live in Kansas. Areas in the western part of the state receive more sunlight than the eastern part. Your solar panels can produce more energy with more sunlight, which can impact your return on financial investment.
» Still not sure? Advantages and disadvantages of solar energy
Cost Factors for Switching to Solar Energy in Kansas
The cost of your solar installation will vary depending on the size of your system, the type of panels you choose, and additional components of your installation. Additionally, there are other important factors to consider when deciding how much to invest in your solar project.
Dimensions of your system
The size of your system plays an important role in the overall price. You can easily determine the size system you need. First, find out how much electricity you used in kilowatt-hours (kWh) over the past year. You can find this information in your online energy bill dashboard.
Then divide the annual kWh by 1,200 to find the required system size. For example, the average household in Kansas uses 10,680 kWh per year. Using this formula, the average household would need a 9 kW system.
"Who cares? kW vs kWh
Cost of solar power equipment
Solar panel prices vary depending on the efficiency level, the company you choose, and the size and weight of the panels. When it comes to the solar equipment you need, there are several average price ranges. Solar panels typically cost per watt, and the average cost per watt in Kansas is $2.59.
Here are some average costs you can expect for panels and other equipment:
» Compare: the most efficient solar panels
The condition of your roof
Why worry about your roof? Solar panels should last between 25 and 30 years. Your roof should not last long. Otherwise, you'll have to pay to remove the solar panels, repair the roof, and reinstall the panels if the roof needs repair. Avoid the added expense and frustration of preparing your roof for solar energy. Get a professional inspection.
» Should I replace my roof before going solar?
Local permission
In most cities, you must obtain a permit before installing a solar system, which can be quite expensive. If you live outside the city, you may not need a permit, but it's a good idea to check before operating your solar system. Some solar energy companies will take care of the permits for you, so be sure to ask about this when you sign up.
» Tip: Get the best deals on solar energy
Solar Incentives, Tax Credits and Rebates in Kansas
The federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is a major factor in lowering the cost of solar energy in Kansas. If you install a home solar panel system by the end of 2032, you will receive a federal income tax credit equal to 30% of the total cost of the system, including equipment, labor, and permits. Loan interest rates will fall to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034.
The average cost of ITC in Kansas in 2023 is $6,993.
Kansas also offers property tax incentives for homes equipped with solar panels, which can save you thousands of dollars.
» Explore: Solar Incentives in Kansas
Compare Solar Panel Installation Companies in Kansas
Compare the top solar energy companies available in Kansas below. Read our guide to finding the best solar energy companies to learn more.
General Questions
Can I get free solar panels in Kansas?
Kansas does not have a free solar panel program. You can rent solar power equipment for minimal upfront costs, but it's not free. Solar panel rental usually requires a fixed monthly fee.
» Free solar panels: are they really free?
How are solar costs changing in Kansas?
The cost of solar power in Kansas has fallen 42 percent over the past 10 years, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association.
How to pay for solar panels?
You can pay cash, but most people buy solar panels. Solar loans work just like other types of loans: there's an application and approval process, and you pay them back over time (with interest).
When considering a solar loan or lease, always ask:
- Do you have a security deposit?
- How much do I have to pay each month?
- Will monthly payments be increased and by how much?
» Solar panels: Canon vs. progress
How much can I save with solar panels?
How does net metering work in Kansas?
If you don't store excess solar energy in batteries, you can sell it to the power company. This is called pure exchange.
In Kansas, EverG and Empire District must provide net metering. The connection configuration must be 15 kW or less. They pay you with a credit to your account, but if you don't use it by the end of March each year, the credit disappears.
» Compare: Best Solar Monitoring Systems
Will hail damage my solar panels?
last line
In Kansas, solar panels are very cheap. Prices are cheaper than other places, averaging about $23,310. With incentives like the federal solar investment tax credit and property tax exemptions, you can pay even less. The main part? The savings really add up over time. Over 25 years, you can save an average of $21,455.
» Guide: Installing Solar Panels
The Cost of Solar Energy: Kansas and Surrounding States
| Starting price* | ITC Fee (30%) | Overall system dimensions | Average consumption per watt | Maturity** | Estimated net savings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas | US$23,310 | US$6993 | 9kW | $2.59 | 11 years old | US$21,455 |
| Oklahoma | US$28,820 | US$8646 | 11kW | US$2.62 | 14 years | US$14,190 |
| Colorado | US$20,176 | US$6053 | 7.5kW | US$2.69 | 12 years old | US$14,479 |
| Nebraska | US$29,716 | US$8915 | 10.5kW | $2.83 | 14 years | US$13,421 |
| Missouri | US$27,195 | US$8158 | 10.5kW | $2.59 | 13 years old | US$18,292 |
| Arkansas | US$27,940 | US$8382 | 11kW | US$2.54 | 13 years old | US$15,567 |
| New Mexico | US$18,760 | US$5628 | 7kW | US$2.68 | 12 years old | US$15,413 |
| Texas | US$30,934 | US$9280 | 8.5kW | US$2.69 | 13 years old | US$21,350 |
*Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC); **With full payment in advance
The True Cost of Solar Panels Don't waste your money
