Kansas solar incentives, tax credits and rebates

Resources to make solar panels more affordable in 2025

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Edited by: Justin Martino

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    As of publishing, there are no active state incentives in Kansas for homeowners investing in solar panels. You can still take advantage of the 30% federal solar tax credit, which reduces your federal income tax bill. After the installation is complete, net metering lets you earn credits toward future utility bills.

    Here’s everything you need to know about how federal solar and local incentives can make installing panels more affordable in the Sunflower State.


    Key insights

    In Kansas, a typical residential solar panel system costs $10,920 to $31,200, depending on the size of your system and what financial incentives you qualify for.

    Jump to insight

    The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is the best financial incentive for most Kansas homeowners going solar.

    Jump to insight

    Kansas residents can get the retail rate when they sell excess solar power to the local grid.

    Jump to insight

    Residential solar panel incentives in Kansas

    The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is the most significant financial incentive for many residents buying solar panels in Kansas. It reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of how much it costs to install solar panels.

    The ITC drops to 26% in 2033 and then 22% in 2034.

    The ITC is a credit, meaning it directly decreases the amount of taxes you owe. For example, if you spend $10,000 installing a solar panel system, the ITC is worth $3,000. If in the year your system becomes operational you owe $15,000 in taxes, the ITC reduces what you owe to $12,000.

    Check DSIRE for the most comprehensive source on solar incentives and policies in Kansas.

    What to know about net metering in Kansas

    Net metering lets homeowners with solar panels earn credits for any excess electricity they send into their local power grid. These credits can then be used to offset their electricity bills in months when their renewable energy system doesn't generate enough to meet their needs.

    The state's two investor-owned utilities (IOUs) — Evergy and Liberty — are required to offer net metering. Electric cooperatives and municipal electric providers are not mandated to offer net metering, but many have chosen to do so.

    • System size limits: Residential systems up to 15 kilowatts are eligible to participate.
    • Upcoming changes: Currently, net energy generation (NEG) is credited based on the utility’s monthly system average cost of energy. Starting Jan. 1, 2030, all NEGs will be credited based on the utility’s average energy cost for every customer.

    » GREENEST STATES: Kansas ranked 19th in 2024

    How much are solar panels in Kansas?

    After considering the federal solar tax credit, solar panel costs in Kansas typically range from $10,920 to $21,840. Leasing is usually cheaper upfront, but you won’t be eligible for the federal solar tax credit and other financial incentives.

    Your system size greatly affects how much you pay overall. The typical system size for solar systems in Kansas is 10.31 kW (kilowatts). You might need a larger or smaller system, depending on your average household energy usage.

    Average solar cost by system size in Kansas

    Solar resources in Kansas

    Below are some additional resources that can help you go solar in Kansas.

    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

    Simplify your search

    Switch to solar with a system built for you.

      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 finance solar panels with a solar loan. It works a lot like any other type of loan — there’s an application and approval process, and you pay it back over time (with interest). You also have the option of getting a lease or power purchase agreement.

      » SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

      How much can I save with solar panels in Kansas?

      On average, Kansas homeowners with solar panels avoid $60,286 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 10.5 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 $319 million, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association.

      Bottom line

      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 for most homeowners.

      Solar costs vs. savings: Kansas and nearby states

      *For 100% usage offset; **Over 25 years

      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:
      1. DSIRE, "Kansas Programs." Accessed March 29, 2024.
      2. EnergySage, "The cost of solar panels in Kansas." Accessed March 29, 2024.
      3. Solar Energy Industries Association, "Kansas Solar." Accessed March 29, 2024.
      4. SolarReviews, "How much do solar panels cost in Kansas, 2024?" Accessed March 29, 2024.
      5. Kansas Corporation Commission, “Net metering in Kansas.” Accessed Sept. 20, 2024.
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