Are there solar panel incentives in Kansas?
Kansas has relatively few incentives for residential solar installations. The state doesn’t offer a dedicated solar tax credit or statewide rebate, but homeowners may benefit from a property tax exemption and utility bill credits through net metering.
Availability and compensation can vary by utility, particularly for customers of municipal utilities and electric cooperatives.
Solar property tax exemption in Kansas
Installing solar panels can increase a home’s value, but eligible Kansas homeowners don’t have to pay property taxes on that added value for a limited period.
Under K.S.A. 79-201 Eleventh, qualifying renewable energy systems are exempt from state property taxes for the 10 taxable years immediately following the year the system is placed in service.
For example, if your solar system is completed and placed in service in 2026, the exemption would generally apply for the 2027 through 2036 tax years.
What to know about net metering in Kansas
Net metering lets homeowners offset some of the electricity they draw from the grid with power generated by their solar panels. If a system sends more electricity to the grid than the home uses during a billing period, the remaining excess generation is generally credited at the utility’s monthly average cost of energy.
Kansas requires its investor-owned utilities, including Evergy and Liberty, to offer net metering. Municipal utilities and electric cooperatives aren’t required to participate, although some offer their own programs.
Residential system limits
Kansas no longer has a general 15-kW limit for new residential net metering systems. New systems may export up to 150 kilowatts of alternating-current power, but the approved export capacity must be based on the customer’s expected electricity use.
For systems operating on or after Jan. 1, 2026, total generating capacity generally cannot exceed the approved export capacity by more than 50%. Utility requirements and local grid conditions may further limit system size.
How net metering credits work
Excess electricity is generally credited at the utility’s monthly system average cost of energy. This rate is typically lower than the retail rate customers pay for electricity.
Newer net metering customers are generally compensated for monthly excess generation at the utility’s average cost of energy. Beginning Jan. 1, 2030, this method will apply to all customers who aren’t enrolled in a time-of-use rate, including older systems that currently qualify for different crediting rules.
How much are solar panels in Kansas?
Solar panel costs in Kansas typically range from $13,641 to $27,282. Leasing usually requires less money upfront, but you won’t own the system or build equity in it.
Your system size greatly affects how much you pay overall. The typical residential solar system size in Kansas is 8.9 kW. You might need a larger or smaller system, depending on your average household energy usage. The table below shows average solar cost by system size in Kansas and its largest city.
| 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 |
| Wichita | $13,579 | $16,295 | $19,011 | $21,727 | $24,442 | $27,158 |
Nationally available solar programs
The 30% federal solar tax credit expired at the end of 2025, but a few programs can still help make home solar more affordable in Kansas.
- FHA financing: Eligible borrowers may be able to include the cost of qualifying solar panels or other energy improvements in an FHA-insured purchase or refinance mortgage.
- Financing for multifamily properties: Fannie Mae offers certain financing incentives for qualifying apartment buildings and other multifamily properties that invest in solar or energy-efficiency improvements. These programs generally aren’t available to individual homeowners.
Find solar companies in Kansas
A good solar company helps you navigate local incentives, permitting and net metering policies. Compare our picks for Kansas’s top solar companies to learn more.
» MORE: Best solar companies in Topeka
| Company | Customer rating | Pro installation | Payment options | Year founded | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Blue Raven Solar | Learn More | 3.2 |  | Cash, loan, lease, PPA | 2014 |
 ION Solar | Learn More | 3.3 | | Cash, loan | 2013 |
 ShopSolar | Learn More | 4.5 |  | Cash, loan | 2018 |
FAQ
Can I get solar panels for free in Kansas?
No, but you can get a solar lease with little to no upfront costs. Still, it’s not completely free — solar leases generally require a flat monthly fee.
» FREE SOLAR PANELS: Are they really free?
How can I pay for solar panels?
You can pay cash, but most people lease or buy solar panels in Kansas.
How much can I save with solar panels in Kansas?
On average, Kansas homeowners with solar panels avoid $18,439 in utility costs over 25 years. Even if you don’t generate 100% of your energy needs, you can still save a lot of money compared with traditional utility bills. In Kansas, solar panels usually pay for themselves within 17.13 years.
» EXPLORE: Where your solar savings go the furthest
How do I know if my house is a good candidate for solar?
It’s best to have plenty of unshaded roof space that faces south or west for optimal sun exposure. It’s also smart to upgrade any old, inefficient appliances first. Reducing your electrical loads now means you can get a smaller system, which will be cheaper.
The condition of your roof matters too — if it needs replacement soon, do that before installing solar panels. Installing solar panels on an old roof might mean you have to remove the panels, replace your roof and then reinstall the panels. This will cost around $5,000 for a 19-panel setup.
Solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies, more commonly known as solar panels, absorb sunlight and convert it into usable electricity. If you have a lot of shading around your house, they might not get enough sun to power your home.
What has Kansas’s investment in solar been so far?
Total solar investments in the state amount to $833 million, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association.
Bottom line
Solar may be worth considering in Kansas, particularly for homeowners with a suitable roof, high electricity use and access to favorable financing. Compare installation quotes with your projected utility savings and net metering compensation before deciding.
The ConsumerAffairs Research Team conducted an in-depth analysis to determine the average costs of going solar and incentives in other states. Turns out, it’s worth considering in most places. The table below shows solar costs vs. savings in 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
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- DSIRE, "Kansas Programs." Accessed July 22, 2026.
- Kansas Office of Revisor of Statutes, "79-201." Accessed July 22, 2026.
- Kansas Corporation Commission, "Net Metering in Kansas." Accessed July 22, 2026.
- Solar Energy Industries Association, "Kansas." Accessed July 22, 2026.
