ION Solar

- Max. panel efficiency
- 21.9%
- Workmanship warranty
- 10 years
- Year founded
- 2013
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The ConsumerAffairs Research Team compared popular solar companies on ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranties, availability and other factors to select the top picks for this guide. Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us — this does not affect our evaluations but may impact the order in which companies appear. Read the full methodology for all the details on how we make solar company recommendations.
| Company | Customer rating | Our pick for | Pro install | Max. panel efficiency | Panel warranty | Payment options | In-house financing | Year founded | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() ION Solar | Learn More | 3.8
121 reviews
121 reviews
| Top overall | 21.9% | 30 years | Cash, loan | No | 2013 | |
![]() Blue Raven Solar | Get Started | 3.3
319 reviews
319 reviews
| Financing options | Varies | 25 years | Cash, loan, lease, PPA | Yes | 2014 | |
![]() ShopSolar | Learn More | 4.6
219 reviews
219 reviews
| DIY projects | Varies | Varies | Cash, loan | No | 2018 |
ION Solar shines with top-tier solar equipment (but carries a premium price tag). Blue Raven also has positive customer feedback and uses high-quality materials that should last 25 years or more. If you’ve got a small solar project in mind, ShopSolar is the best value (if you don’t mind putting everything together yourself).



Jump into our guides and start learning
If you've been thinking about switching to solar power but feel overwhelmed by the options, you're not alone. Our team has talked to several solar customers in Kansas — here’s what to expect and what to look out for.
A typical residential solar panel system costs $9,865 to $27,282, depending on the size of your system and what financial incentives you qualify for.
Jump to insightThe federal investment tax credit (ITC) is a significant financial incentive for most homeowners buying solar panels in Kansas.
Jump to insightWatch out for door-to-door solar scams. Some solar reps might use pushy sales tactics, and you could end up with monthly bills higher than expected.
Jump to insightAverage solar panel costs in Kansas typically range between $9,865 and $27,282. The size of your solar panel system is a big factor in your total cost. It also depends on what incentives you’re eligible for, the condition of your roof and how much sunlight exposure it gets.
Most installers set the price according to the system's wattage, with a typical cost between $2.50 and $5 per watt. 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before federal tax credit | $13,641 | $16,369 | $19,098 | $21,826 | $24,554 | $27,282 |
Getting solar panels is like buying a car. You could pay cash, but many finance instead. A solar loan works like most other types of loans — there is an application process, and you pay it back over time with interest.
Solar panels are designed to last 25 to 30 years.
Leasing solar equipment is attractive to people who don’t want to get a loan or be responsible for maintaining a system. Using a home equity line of credit or loan to finance a solar installation can be another option — home equity interest rates are relatively low, and homeowners can still take advantage of the federal solar investment tax credit.
» SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy
The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is usually the most significant financial incentive for homeowners. The ITC reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of the cost of your solar energy system. This tax credit applies to both residential and commercial installations, and it includes the cost of the solar panels and other equipment, as well as labor and additional features for monitoring the system.
The ITC expires at the end of 2025.
For example, if you spend $10,000 installing a solar panel system, the ITC is worth $3,000. If you owe $15,000 in taxes, the ITC reduces what you owe to $12,000. The ITC is a nonrefundable credit, meaning you can only claim up to the amount of taxes you owe.
However, the credit rolls over to the next tax year if you don’t use the full amount. So, if you only owed $2,000 the year you went solar, you could claim the remaining $1,000 the next taxable year.
» MORE: Kansas solar incentives
For many homeowners, going solar in Kansas is worth it for lower energy bills and less reliance on local power companies. On average, Kansas homeowners with solar panels can avoid $18,439 in total utility costs over 25 years.
Solar power provides clean, renewable energy while locking in consistent electric rates for years. “I have a goal of having my house be zero net energy,” Dick in Olathe told us after going solar in 2020. “I also want to minimize the amount of carbon dioxide I put into the atmosphere.”
Homeowners with solar panels typically save $20,000 to $90,000 over 25 years.
However, we’ve also heard about problems with leaks and roof damage caused by installing the solar panels, leading to frustration and difficulties in getting repairs. As a rule of thumb, if your roof is more than 10 years old, consider fixing it before going solar.
As long as your house is a good candidate for solar, it’s usually worth it for the reduction in energy bills and reliance on local power companies. The return on investment of a solar panel installation depends on your system's efficiency and size. Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 17.13 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost).
» STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons
Choosing a solar company in Kansas requires careful consideration if you want the best value for your investment. In our experience, the best solar energy companies have a few things in common: great reviews, transparent contracts, reliable equipment and comprehensive warranties. Here’s what else to keep in mind when hiring a solar company.
Plenty of unshaded roof space that faces south or west is best for optimal sun exposure. Kansas averages 4 to 5.5 peak sun hours each day. However, if you have a lot of shading around your house, they might not get enough sun to power your home. It’s also smart to upgrade any old, inefficient appliances first. Solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies, more commonly known as solar panels, absorb sunlight and convert it into usable electricity.
There’s no totally free option to get solar panels in Kansas that we’re aware of. Unfortunately, scams that promise free solar panels can cost consumers a lot of money. However, you can lease solar equipment with minimal upfront costs.
» FREE SOLAR PANELS: Are they really free?
A solar battery helps you increase your energy independence and is essential if you want to go off-grid. Solar batteries let you store the solar energy you produce to use when your system is not generating power.
A solar broker is a middleman or intermediary who helps connect homeowners with solar installation companies. A solar installer specializes in designing, procuring and installing solar panels and related components.
Ultimately, deciding between a broker or solar installer depends on how much you want to be involved in the process. A broker can be helpful if you value convenience. If you want more control and potentially lower costs, working directly with a solar installer is best.
Net metering is a system of give-and-take between you and your utility company. It lets you earn credits for sending any excess solar energy to the grid. These credits can offset the cost of electricity consumed at other times. In Kansas, Evergy and other utilities are required to offer net metering.
The ConsumerAffairs Research Team used a research-backed, data-driven approach, which was informed by our expert editors, to choose the best solar companies. For this guide, we objectively weighted several key features to get our final rankings:
Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%
We analyzed solar company reviews by verified solar customers to gauge real-world satisfaction. Companies with generally positive feedback on our site scored highest in this aspect. Those with the most 4- and 5-star reviews by verified Kansas customers were given preference.
Warranties: 20%
A long warranty is important — it shows that a company stands behind its products and services. We compared companies on both equipment and craftsmanship warranty terms. All of our top picks for professional installation have warranties or production guarantees of at least 10 to 25 years.
Equipment selection: 20%
We evaluated each company’s selection of solar panels, storage batteries and inverters. Those with proprietary technology or a wide equipment selection from trusted brands ranked highest.
Financing and payment options: 10%
We gave preference to companies that offer multiple payment and financing options for transparent terms and conditions.
Reputation and local experience: 10%
We prefer to recommend those with a longer time in business and a solid track record of reliability in Kansas. Solar is a booming industry, and there are some sketchy installers out there. Company history, current reputation, mission and values were also considered.
Our goal is to highlight solar companies that are best equipped to meet most Kansans’s needs. The team regularly evaluates customer reviews, company information and industry trends to update our top picks:
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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:
| Company | Customer rating | About | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
ShopSolar
| 4.6
219 reviews
| Solar energy solutions. Offers solar energy kits, DIY solar kits and lithium batteries. Small- and large-scale equipment. Online purchasing with shipping to 48 states. Partner installer network. Financing and warranty available. | Read reviews |
Blue Raven Solar
| 3.3
319 reviews
| Offers solar energy systems for $0 down. Offers 18 months of free solar power. Handles design, permits and installation. Includes a 25-year manufacturer warranty. Available in select states across the country. | Get Started |
Ram Roofing and Solar
| 5.0
View profile
| Residential and commercial roofing, solar energy system installation and power backup for parts of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. Offers a lifetime guarantee on installations. Free roof inspections available. | Read reviews |
Aurora Solar
| 4.0
View profile
| Online solar marketplace. Connects you to solar panel installers and lenders. Online quotes in less than 60 seconds. Nationwide availability. Vetted installer network. Free quotes. Federal tax incentives for panel installation. | Read reviews |
EnergyPal
| 2.0
View profile
| Many solar panel brands available. Sells solar panels, backup batteries and solar inverters. Three different financing types offered with multiple lender options. Costs typically range from $8,000 to $32,000. | Learn More |
Plugged Solar
| 2.0
View profile
| Offers several types of plug-and-play DIY solar kits for homeowners to install without additional labor costs. Shipping throughout the United States. All products come with a 30-day return policy and a minimum one-year warranty. | Read reviews |
Ecovole Solar
| 1.0
View profile
| Residential and commercial installation of solar energy systems across nine states in the Midwest. Offers products from Generac Power Systems, IronRidge, JinkoSolar and SolarEdge. Financing available through loans. | Read reviews |
Blue Pacific Solar
| 1.0
View profile
| Sells DIY solar and wind energy kits. Ships across all of the U.S., except Alaska and Hawaii. Accepts PayPal Credit, Mastercard, Visa, Discover and American Express. Offers products from brands like Briggs & Stratton and Sol-Ark. | Read reviews |
816 Solar Pro
| No reviews | Specializes in residential and commercial solar energy system installations as well as batteries and generators. Serves parts of the Kansas City metropolitan area. Offers products from Enphase Energy, Silfab and SolarEdge. | |
Atwood Electric
| No reviews | Solar installation for residential, agricultural, commercial and industrial consumers across the Midwest. Generator installations also available. Certified Tesla installer. Financial quotes available upon request. | |
CTEC Solar
| No reviews | Solar installer serving businesses in New England, the Mid-Atlantic, the South and the Midwest. Also offers operation and maintenance services for solar energy systems in these areas. Utility-scale installations available. | |
Ecojiva
| No reviews | Commercial and utility-scale solar panel installations, energy monitoring and roofing services plus solar mounts and canopies. Serves the Northeast and the Midwest regions. Financing options and 25-year warranties available. | |
Golden Gate Solar Tech
| No reviews | Solar parts dealer and installer offering systems for homes, businesses, industrial buildings and cities. Also offers small specialty solar systems. Installations worldwide. Equipment from a variety of manufacturers. | |
Harvest Solar Energy
| No reviews | Residential and commercial solar installation, energy storage and more in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas. Offers brands like Canadian Solar, Panasonic, Qcells and more. Pay upfront or with a loan. | |
Helio GreenTech
| No reviews | Specializes in commercial and residential solar installations. Offers products from AXITEC, ChargePoint, Emporia, Enel X, Enphase Energy, JinkoSolar, Qcells, REC, Silfab and VSUN. EV charging station installations available. | |
JSunPV
| No reviews | Residential and commercial installation of solar energy systems and energy storage in the Kansas City area. Offers brands like the REC Group, Enphase Energy, Sol-Ark and more. Provides free quotes. | |
Kaw Valley Solar
| No reviews | Specializes in residential, commercial and agricultural solar installation services in Kansas and Missouri. Offers products from Generac Power Systems and Silfab. Multiple financing options and free quotes available. | |
Missouri Solar Solutions
| No reviews | Residential and commercial solar installation and energy storage in all of the Midwest. Offers a 25-year combined power and product warranty on panels from Mission Solar Energy and Silfab. Pay upfront or with a loan. | |
Shine Solar
| No reviews | Residential and commercial solar installer offering services in Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas. Offers a 25-year energy production guarantee and a 12-year workmanship guarantee. | |
Solera Energy
| No reviews | Solar installers specializing in residential, commercial, industrial and utility solar. Serves Arkansas, Kansas and Missouri. Equipment from Enphase Energy, Generac Power Systems, IronRidge, Silfab and Unirac. | |
The Solar Guys USA
| No reviews | Solar installations for homes, farms and businesses across parts of Iowa, Kansas and Missouri. Also offers solar carport installations. Utilizes products from Enphase Energy and REC Group. Free consultations. | |
Weddle & Sons Roofing
| No reviews | Roofing company offering certified Tesla Solar Roof installations. Performs installations in parts of Colorado, Kansas and Nebraska, as well as portions of Iowa, Missouri, Oklahoma and Wyoming on a case-by-case basis. | |
ION Solar
| 3.8
121 reviews
| Designs, builds and installs solar panels in 11 states. Financing options available with no upfront costs. All services provided by in-house experts. 24/7 usage monitoring available with its mobile app. | Learn More |
ADT Solar
| 1.0
83 reviews
| National solar installer specializing in grid-tied residential solar and electric vehicle charging. Offers 25-year warranties on workmanship, panels, microinverters and power production. | Read reviews |
A-Line Energy Solutions
| No reviews | Specializes in commercial and residential solar installations. Services available across the Greater Kansas City area. Performing solar energy system installations since 2004. Financing available to qualified buyers through loans. | |
Green Wind and Solar
| No reviews | Solar installer offering systems for homes and businesses. Also offers small solar for RVs and boats, as well as wind systems. Installs nationwide. Offers products from Enphase Energy, Kyocera, Schüco and Sharp. |



