Are solar panels worth it in Kansas?

7 factors to consider before getting solar panels in Kansas

ConsumerAffairs has heard from thousands of solar customers who have already gone through the installation process, including several from Alabama. Here’s what to consider before making the switch.

1. Solar panel installation costs
2. Your energy consumption
3. Kansas solar incentives
4. Net metering buyback rates
5. How long you stay in your house
6. How you pay
7. The solar company you hire

1. Solar panel installation costs: $10,000 to $30,000

Average solar panel costs in Kansas are comparable to the national average. Before the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC), a typical residential system ranges from $15,600 to $31,200. That price drops to $10,920 to $21,840 after considering the full 30% tax credit.

Most installers set the price according to the system's wattage, with a typical cost between $2.50 and $5 per watt. “Cost per watt” is a little like looking at the price per square foot when you buy a house. It helps you compare the value of solar energy systems in different sizes. In Kansas, the average cost per watt $3.12.

Average solar installation cost by system size in Kansas

2. Your current energy consumption

A typical Kansas household needs a system with a capacity of 10.31 kW to offset its electricity needs with solar energy. You might need a larger or smaller system, depending on your current energy consumption.

Homeowners with solar panels typically save $20,000 to $90,000 over 25 years.

Getting your electrical loads as low as possible before going solar is smart. That way, you can get a smaller system, which will be cheaper overall. If you have older electrical appliances, upgrade those before investing in solar panels.

Once you know your current energy consumption, you can calculate your potential savings and the time it should take for your solar installation to pay for itself. Solar panels will save you even more if you also have an electric vehicle.

3. Kansas solar incentives: federal and state

The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is the most significant incentive for many Kansas homeowners to go solar. The ITC provides a 30% tax credit on your system costs, including equipment, labor and permits. It will drop to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034.

The ITC is not a rebate or a refund.

For example, let’s say you spend $10,000 going solar. The ITC would be worth $3,000. If you owe $5,000 in federal taxes the year your system becomes operational, the ITC would cut that down to $2,000.

The ITC is a nonrefundable credit, meaning you can only claim up to the amount of taxes you owe. The credit rolls over to the next tax year if you don’t use the full amount. So, if you only owed $2,000 the year you went solar, you could claim the remaining $1,000 in the next taxable year. However, it’s possible to get a refund if the ITC means that you overpaid throughout the year.

» MORE: Kansas solar incentives

4. Net metering in Kansas: buyback rate

Net metering lets homeowners with solar panels sell any excess electricity they generate to their local power grid. In Kansas, excess energy is credited at full retail rate or the utility's average cost, with policies guaranteed through 2030.

This can result in significant savings on your electricity bills, according to Paul in Topeka. “We were on equal pay with Westar Energy here in Topeka. So, we were still paying for our winter usage,” Paul told us. “We’re saving probably $145, and it’s costing $133, so we’re doing better. And the system is basically paying for itself.”

While investor-owned utilities must offer net metering, cooperative and municipal utilities may have different policies. You should compare potential savings against installation costs and consider available incentives to determine if solar is worthwhile for your situation.

» GREENEST STATES: Kansas ranked 19th in 2024

5. How long you plan to stay in your house

It takes years for electric bill savings to make up for the initial cost — about 10.5 years on average in Kansas. If you sell your house and move before then, you might not fully realize the financial benefits of your solar investment.

Solar panels last 25 to 30 years.

A Zillow study found that, on average, houses with solar panels sell for 4.1% more. Let’s say you spend $25,000 putting solar panels on a house that costs $400,000. It might sell for $16,400 more in a few years, according to Zillow. But you miss out on some of that $60,286 in total avoided utility costs over 25 years.

In other words, don't get solar panels just because you want to sell your house soon. Consider a home improvement project with a better return on investment, like remodeling the bathroom or kitchen, instead.

6. How you pay

It’s great if you can pay for the whole thing upfront. You own the system from day one and receive the benefits of available tax credits; plus, you don’t have to pay interest on a loan. Of course, cash isn’t always an option.

• Loans: Solar loans work like any other type of loan. They have relatively low fixed interest rates. Once you pay it off, you own your system outright.
• Leases: A solar lease works like a car lease — you get to use the panels but don’t own them. Leasing can be good if you have limited savings. Solar lease agreements typically last 20 to 25 years.

» SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

7. The solar company you hire

Unfortunately, not all solar companies have your best interests in mind. “They promise you the world,” one dissatisfied Kansan, David in Spring Hill, said, “and once they have your money it's downhill fast.”

One of the most common complaints is related to pushy sales reps who make promises that can’t be delivered. Use NREL’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house — just type in your address. Project Sunroof is a free solar savings estimator powered by Google Earth imagery.

Monthly costs: solar payments vs. savings

Think of going solar in terms of your monthly costs. Given rising energy costs in Kansas and elsewhere, financing solar panels makes sense as long as your monthly loan payment is less than what you would be paying the utility company anyway.

Is my house a good candidate for solar panels?

Going solar ends up being worth it for many homeowners as long as their house is a good candidate to support the panel installation. Here’s what to think about before you commit:

• How much sunlight do I get? Solar panels need regular exposure to sunlight to produce the most energy possible. Kansas averages 4 to 5.5 peak sun hours each day. However, lots of shading — like trees or tall buildings above your roof — could make your solar system less efficient.
• What is the size and angle of my roof? Kansas (and the rest of the United States) is in the Northern Hemisphere, so solar panels perform best on south-facing roofs. The worst place to install would be on north-facing roofs, especially if those roofs have a high pitch. For example, if the only place you can install is a north-facing roof with a 30-degree pitch, your costs will likely go up by 30% to 40%.
• What is the condition of my roof? If you have to replace your roof, do that before you install solar panels. Solar panels are designed to last up to 30 years, so you want your roof to last just as long. Otherwise, it could cost thousands to remove the panels, fix your roof and reinstall the panels again.

Pros and cons of solar panels in Kansas

Solar energy has a lot of advantages, but it’s also important to consider the drawbacks.

Benefits of solar panels in Kansas

• Cheaper energy bills: Going solar now means that your monthly energy expenses will be more predictable (and very often significantly lower). Solar panels also protect you from future energy cost increases.
• Better for the environment: Installing solar panels on your roof helps the environment primarily by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.
• More energy independence: Embracing solar paves the path toward true energy independence. It especially works out for people in areas susceptible to power outages.
• Higher home resale value: Installing solar panels can significantly increase a home's value. The exact increase in value varies by location, with homes in active solar markets sometimes seeing even higher boosts.

Drawbacks of solar panels in Kansas

• Solar equipment is expensive: Even with rebates and other financial incentives, the price typically starts between $10,000 and $30,000. It’s even more expensive if you want a solar battery for energy storage. Solar battery costs are generally between $7,000 and $18,000. Getting a solar battery might be strategic if net billing rates decline in Kansas. That way, you can store energy at home instead of tapping into the local grid when you need to.
• Potential roof leaks: The installation process involves drilling holes into the roof to anchor the panel mounting systems. If not done correctly, this can lead to leaks or structural damage.
• Energy production varies: Solar panels are dependent on weather conditions and seasonality. Solar panels still work on cloudy days, but less available sunlight does affect how efficiently they produce energy. Snow cover may also temporarily reduce efficiency until it's removed or melts off.

» MORE: Solar energy pros and cons

Find solar companies in Kansas

A good solar company helps you navigate local incentives, permitting and net metering policies. Compare our picks for Kansas’ top solar companies to learn more.

Bottom line: Is going solar in Kansas worth it for you?

For a lot of homeowners, solar ends up being worth it as long as their cost savings over time outweigh the initial investment. Others are happy to go solar for the environmental benefits alone.

Solar costs vs. savings: Kansas and nearby states