Cost of Solar Panels in Kansas (2026)

How much do solar panels cost in Kansas?

Average solar panel installation costs range from $9,865 to $28,186 in Kansas. Prices in Wichita are comparable, ranging from $13,611 to $27,221. It costs between $14,193 and $28,386 to go solar in Topeka.

Average solar panel costs by system size in Kansas

NOTE: The estimated costs above do not include the price of a solar storage battery. Adding a battery can double your total costs.

Solar panel installation cost factors in Kansas

How much you pay going solar largely depends on the size of your system, the equipment you want and the condition of your roof. Local permits and fees are a small part of your overall costs.

Size of your system

A typical Kansas household needs a 8.9 kW system to fully offset their energy costs. This costs about $25,098 on average. Depending on your household electrical needs, you might need a smaller or larger system. Unsurprisingly, bigger systems cost more.

How to estimate what system size you need: First, look at your electric bill. It should say how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) you used last year. Then, divide that number by 1,200 to estimate your system size in kilowatts (kW).

For example, if you used 12,000 kWh of electricity last year, you would need a 10-kW system. If you used 10,800 kWh, you would need a 9-kW system.

Pro tip

Upgrade old appliances with more eco-friendly ones before you go solar. If you use less electricity, you need fewer solar panels, making the whole system cheaper.

» WATT’S THE DIFFERENCE? kW vs. kWh

Solar equipment

The equipment — panels, inverters, mounting hardware and other electrical accessories — is typically the largest portion of your overall solar costs (approximately 25% to 50%).

• Solar panels: Prices vary depending on efficiency rating. In general, monocrystalline panels are considered the best bang for your buck. Cheaper solar panels are typically polycrystalline.
• Solar batteries: The cost of solar batteries generally ranges between $7,000 and $18,000. Solar batteries store any excess energy your panels produce during the day, allowing you to keep your lights on at night. Without a battery, that unused clean energy goes to the power grid, and you’ll still depend on utility power after dark.
• Solar inverter: Inverters convert the solar power generated by your 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 the amount of energy your system produces and identify any potential issues. If not, you can buy a stand-alone system for $80 to $400.

Condition of your roof

High-quality solar panels last 25 to 30 years, and your roof needs to last just as long. 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 — avoid it if you can.

Labor costs

Labor, which includes planning, preparing and connecting your solar system to the grid, accounts for 10% to 30%. Solar equipment costs are decreasing, but labor costs remain relatively high in certain parts of the state.

You might be tempted to install the system yourself. DIY solar panels are cheaper, but there are potential issues: Incorrectly installed solar panels can cause roof leaks, electrical safety risks and other dangerous problems.

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 $26,406 in utility costs on average.

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

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.”

Whether going solar is worth it 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. 

Use the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) PVWatts Calculator to estimate the annual electricity production of a solar panel on your house.

Solar costs and payback in Kansas: how statewide averages compare with Wichita and Topeka

How can I pay for solar panels in Kansas?

Financing or leasing options make going solar much more affordable for the average Kansan. In an ideal scenario, your solar power system generates enough extra power to cancel out your monthly payment.

• Solar financing: 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.
• Solar leases: Leasing solar panels lets you set up a system without the high upfront costs. A potential downside is that you are not eligible for the same financial incentives.

How to compare solar quotes

Most installers set the price according to the system's wattage. A little like “cost per square foot” when you buy a house, “cost per watt” lets you compare the relative value of a solar panel system. It shows you the per-dollar price of your system’s energy production potential.

Solar prices in Kansas have decreased 42% over the last 10 years.

According to our latest research, the average cost per watt is $2.82 in Kansas.

Get quotes from at least three or four different solar installers in Kansas. Make sure the estimated price includes all the equipment you want, labor, permits and grid hookup. Watch for hidden fees for system monitoring or maintenance service charges.

Cost per watt and total solar panel system costs in Kansas

Solar incentives Kansas

The federal solar tax credit is set to expire at the end of the year, much earlier than previously scheduled. This means you have until Dec. 31, 2025, to install and pay for a system to qualify for the 30% credit.

On the bright side, a couple of Kansas solar incentives still encourage homeowners to invest in renewable energy.

For instance, there is a property tax exemption on solar panels and lithium-ion storage technologies. This means your property tax bill won’t go up if your system adds value to your house.

In addition to government incentives, you might be able to save money through manufacturers’ rebates.

Compare solar companies in Kansas

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

Bottom line

Home solar system costs typically range from $10,000 to $30,000 or higher, depending on factors such as the system's size, local labor rates and available incentives.

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