Cost of solar panels in Kansas (2024)

How much do solar panels cost in Kansas?

With professional installation, a typical 8-kilowatt (kW) residential solar panel system in Kansas costs $24,960. That price drops to $17,472 after the full federal solar investment tax credit (ITC). This doesn’t include a storage battery, which sometimes costs as much as the panels.

The size of your solar panel system is another big factor in your overall solar costs. A typical Kansas household requires a system with a capacity of 10.31 kW to generate enough electricity. Depending on your household energy usage, you might need a smaller or larger system.

Average solar installation cost by system size in Kansas

Are solar panels worth it in Kansas?

Going solar is worth it for many Kansas homeowners for the long-term savings on utility bills. Over 25 years, homeowners with solar panels avoid $60,286 in utility costs on average.

For some, like Paul in Topeka, it’s more about the environmental benefits. “Thinking green, we wanted to go to an alternative power source and have always thought about either geothermal or solar energy,” Paul told us. “We decided to go with solar, and we're very happy with it.”

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

“I wanted solar panels so that I could be even more self-sustainable,” Karen in Pomona told us. “The performance of the panels have far exceeded my expectations! I can't believe how much power they generate, even during the winter, I am still generating sufficient energy to provide for all of my electricity needs.”

Whether going solar is worth it also depends on where you live in Kansas. Areas in the western part of the state get more sunlight than the eastern part. Your solar panels can generate more power with more sunlight, which can affect the financial returns on your investment.

We suggest using the National Renewable Energy Laboratory'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.

Kansas may not be the best state for going solar, but it’s still worth considering if you like the idea of lower monthly utility bills and more energy independence.

» STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons

Solar panel installation cost factors in Kansas

The equipment — solar panels, inverters, mounting hardware and other electrical accessories — is typically the largest portion of your overall total costs (approximately 25% to 50%). Labor, which includes planning, preparing and connecting your system to the grid, accounts for 10% to 30%. Local permits and fees are a small part of your overall costs.

Size of your system

The size of your system plays a significant factor in how much you pay overall. You can easily determine what size system you need. First, find out the amount of electricity you used in the last year in kilowatt-hours (kWh). You should find this information through your electric bill’s online account dashboard.

Then, divide your annual kWh by 1,200 to find the necessary system size. For example, the typical Kansas household uses 10,680 kWh per year. Using this formula, the typical household would need a 9-kW system.

» WATT’S THE DIFFERENCE? kW vs. kWh

Solar equipment costs

Solar panel prices vary depending on efficiency rating, the company you choose and the size and weight of your panels. In general, monocrystalline panels are considered the best bang for your buck. Cheaper solar panels are typically polycrystalline. The difference comes down to efficiency and materials: Monocrystalline panels are made from pure, single silicon crystals; various silicon fragments melted together are used to make polycrystalline panels.

Solar arrays also contain mounting equipment, wiring and other devices, such as inverters, batteries or a monitoring system.

• Solar batteries: A battery stores energy for later use. Expect to pay between $7,000 and $18,000, though some cost $30,000 or more.
• Solar inverter: Inverters convert the electricity generated by your solar panels from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). Inverter costs usually range from $1,000 to $3,000.
• Monitoring system: Some companies include a solar monitoring system to track how much energy your system produces and if there are any problems. If not, you can buy a stand-alone system for $80 to $400.

Condition of your roof

Quality solar panels should last 25 to 30 years, and your roof needs to last just as long. If you want to ensure a seamless and cost-effective solar journey, your roof must match the system's longevity. Get your roof inspected, fixed or replaced before you go solar.

ConsumerAffairs often hears from disgruntled solar customers who felt blindsided by expensive roof repairs needed after their solar panel installation was complete. This is a frustrating and expensive process you should avoid if you can.

Labor costs

Solar equipment costs are going down, but labor costs are higher than ever in some areas. Installing solar panels yourself might initially seem cheaper because you'll save on labor costs. However, it's crucial to consider several factors for safety before going the DIY route. If not installed correctly, solar panels pose safety risks, causing roof leaks and other problems.

How can I pay for solar panels in Kansas?

Financing and leasing options make the upfront costs of solar more manageable. In an ideal scenario, your system generates enough extra power to cancel out your monthly payment.

• Loan: A solar loan works like any other type of home improvement loan — there’s an application and approval process, and you pay it back over time (with interest) each month.
• Lease: Leasing solar panels is a great way to set up a system without the high upfront costs. A potential downside is that you are not eligible for the same tax incentives.

» SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

How to save money on solar panels in Kansas

Here are some tips to get a cheaper solar installation:

• Compare quotes: Get quotes from at least three or four different solar companies.
• Lower your electrical load: If you use less electricity, you need fewer solar panels, making the whole system cheaper. For example, replacing an old refrigerator with a more eco-friendly one reduces your electric load.
• Use incentives: In addition to government incentives, you might be able to take advantage of manufacturers’ rebates.

» MORE: Why are solar panels so expensive?

Solar incentives, tax credits and rebates in Kansas

The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is the best financial incentive for going solar in Kansas. The ITC credits 30% of the system’s total cost — including equipment, labor and permits — toward what you owe on federal income taxes.

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

Don’t get confused: The ITC is not a rebate or a refund. It is a credit that goes toward what you owe on federal income taxes the year your system becomes operational. For example, if you spend $20,000 installing a solar panel system, the ITC is worth $6,000. If you owe $10,000 in taxes, the credit reduces what you owe to $4,000. Any unused portion of the credit rolls over into future tax years.

» MORE: Kansas solar incentives, tax credits & rebates

Compare solar installation companies in Kansas

We compared ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranties, availability and other factors to pick the top solar companies in Kansas.

Bottom line

Residential solar panel system costs typically fall between $10,000 and $30,000 or higher, depending on factors like the system's size, local labor rates and available incentives. Kansas homeowners with solar panels can typically save more than that in total avoided energy costs over the lifetime of a system.

The ConsumerAffairs Research Team has conducted extensive research to compare the costs of going solar in Kansas and other states.

Solar costs vs. savings: Kansas and nearby states