Key insights
A typical residential solar system costs $13,641 to $27,282 in Kansas.
Jump to insightIt takes solar panels approximately 17.13 years to pay for themselves in Kansas.
Jump to insightOver 25 years, Kansas homeowners with solar panels avoid $18,439 in total utility costs on average.
Jump to insight6 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 Kansas. Here’s what to consider before making the switch.
1. Solar panel installation costs
Average solar panel costs in Kansas are comparable to the national average. A typical residential system costs $24,297 in Kansas.
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 is $2.73.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Kansas
| 5 kW | 6 kW | 7 kW | 8 kW | 9 kW | 10 kW | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | $13,641 | $16,369 | $19,098 | $21,826 | $24,554 | $27,282 |
| Topeka | $13,932 | $16,718 | $19,504 | $22,291 | $25,077 | $27,863 |
| Wichita | $13,579 | $16,295 | $19,011 | $21,727 | $24,442 | $27,158 |
2. Your current energy consumption
A typical Kansas household needs a system with a capacity of 8.9 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
The 30% federal residential solar tax credit has expired, and Kansas offers few statewide solar incentives. There’s no state solar tax credit or rebate, but homeowners may still save through a property tax exemption and net metering, which lets eligible customers earn credits for extra solar power sent to the grid.
Property tax exemption: Qualifying solar systems are exempt from property taxes on their added value for 10 years.
Net metering: Evergy and Liberty customers can earn credits for extra solar power sent to the grid, generally at the utility’s average cost of energy. Co-ops and municipal utilities set their own rules.
» LEARN MORE: Kansas solar incentives
4. How long you plan to stay in your house
It takes years for electric bill savings to make up for the initial cost — about 17.13 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. But 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.
5. How you pay
It’s great if you can pay for the whole thing upfront. Of course, cash isn’t always an option.
Solar loans work like any other type of home improvement loan. There’s an application and approval process. You pay it back over time (with interest) each month.
Leasing solar panels lets you set up a system without the high upfront costs. Monthly payments usually range $150 to $250. Agreements last 20 to 25 years.
Monthly costs: solar payments vs. savings
Compare what you’d pay each month with solar to what you pay for electricity now. Ideally, your solar loan payment plus any remaining utility bill should be lower than your current electric bill.
» SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy
6. 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.
Pros and cons of solar panels in Kansas
Solar energy has a lot of advantages, but it’s also important to consider the drawbacks.
Pros
- Long-term savings
- Better for the environment
- Low maintenance costs
- May increase home resale value
Cons
- Upfront costs
- Seasonal production variations
- Potential roof leaks
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.
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.
| Company | Customer rating | Pro install | Payment options | Year founded | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Blue Raven Solar | Learn More | 2.9 |  | Cash, loan, lease, PPA | 2014 |
 ION Solar | Learn More | 1.2 | | Cash, loan | 2013 |
 ShopSolar | Learn More | 4.5 |  | Cash, loan | 2018 |
FAQ
What are the benefits of solar panels in Kansas?
Solar panels have several benefits 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.
What are the drawbacks of solar panels in Kansas?
Solar panels have a few drawbacks in Kansas:
Solar equipment is expensive: Solar panel prices typically start 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.
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
How much can I save with solar panels?
On average, Kansas homeowners with solar panels avoid $18,439 in total utility costs over 25 years.
» EXPLORE: Where solar savings go the furthest
How long does it take to install solar panels in Kansas?
Installation times depend on a range of factors, especially seasonality and supply chain issues. The actual installation might take only a day, but it takes time to design, plan and activate the system.
Is it cheaper if I install solar panels myself?
It’s potentially cheaper to install your solar energy system yourself, but it’s difficult and dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing, especially for a large residential project.
» DIY SOLAR PANELS: Pros and cons
Will hail damage my solar panels?
Hail can damage solar panels, but you shouldn’t let that deter you from installing them. Many solar panels are made to withstand small hail. The cost of fixing any damage that does occur may be covered by your homeowners insurance.
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.
» COMPARE: Best solar companies in Topeka
Solar costs vs. savings: Kansas and nearby states
| 6-kW system cost (before incentives) | 10-kW system cost (before incentives) | Typical system size needed* | Average cost per watt | Total utility power cost savings** | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $14,806 | $24,677 | 8.1 kW | $2.47 | $16,822 |
| Colorado | $16,729 | $27,882 | 4.9 kW | $2.79 | $31,582 |
| Kansas | $16,369 | $27,282 | 8.9 kW | $2.73 | $18,439 |
| Missouri | $15,220 | $25,366 | 10.9 kW | $2.54 | $29,087 |
| Nebraska | $25,449 | $42,414 | 8.9 kW | $2.92 | $52,449 |
| Oklahoma | $14,154 | $23,589 | 7 kW | $2.36 | $29,807 |
Article sources
- DSIRE, "Kansas Programs." Accessed Sept. 9, 2026.
- EnergySage, "The cost of solar panels in Kansas." Accessed Sept. 9, 2026.
- Solar Energy Industries Association, "Kansas Solar." Accessed Sept. 9, 2026.
- SolarReviews, "How much do solar panels cost in Kansas?" Accessed Sept. 9, 2026.
- Kansas Corporation Commission, “Net metering in Kansas.” Accessed Sept. 9, 2026.
