Kansas
Solar in Kansas
Kansas homeowners are turning to solar panel installation as electricity prices have increased 11% from 2020 to 2024, with residential rates now at 14.22 cents per kWh. The Sunflower State’s abundant sunshine makes solar energy an ideal solution for reducing monthly utility bills and achieving energy independence.
As the nation’s leading solar installation company, Palmetto provides this comprehensive guide to help you understand everything about solar panels for your home in Kansas, from installation basics to financing options and local incentives.
Key Takeaways
- Kansas electricity rates increased 11% since 2020, making solar an ideal solution for long-term energy savings.
- Federal tax credits reduce solar costs by 30%, while Kansas offers property tax exemptions for systems.
- Average Kansas solar system saves $55,000 over 25 years with typical payback periods of 9.5 years.
Solar Cost in Kansas
Our Kansas solar cost calculator uses real installation data from Palmetto customers across Wichita, Overland Park, Kansas City, Topeka, and Olathe. Get personalized pricing based on actual local installations, not industry estimates.
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Savings
Kansas Electricity Prices
Understanding Kansas electricity costs helps homeowners make informed decisions about their energy future and potential savings.
Kansas electricity rates have risen from 13.0 cents per kWh in 2021 to 14.2 cents in 2024, representing a 9% increase over three years.
Solar panels generate electricity at a fixed cost, protecting homeowners from future utility rate increases while reducing monthly energy bills significantly.
Over 25 years, solar systems provide predictable energy costs, offering Kansas families long-term protection against rising electricity rates and energy independence.
Price of Energy: Kansas vs National Average
Kansas Area Utility Providers
Kansas residents served by Evergy pay approximately 13.0 cents per kWh based on 2023 data, below both state and national averages.
Evergy’s rates remain competitive due to Kansas’ diverse energy mix including wind, natural gas, and coal generation sources throughout the state.
With electricity costs below national averages, Kansas homeowners can maximize solar savings by offsetting these utility expenses with clean energy production.
Kansas Utilities Electricity Rates
Kansas Solar Incentives
Kansas residents can significantly reduce solar installation costs through various solar incentives in Kansas at federal and state levels.
The state offers property tax exemptions that protect homeowners from increased assessments for ten years after installing solar panels on their homes.
Evergy customers benefit from net metering programs that provide full retail credit for excess solar energy produced by residential systems.
$6,984
Average savings in Kansas solar rebates
| Incentive | Type | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Clean Energy Credit | Federal tax credit | A federal tax credit worth 30% the cost of a solar panel system in the year it’s installed | Learn More |
| Property Tax Exemption | State tax exemption | For 10-years after purchasing your solar panels, your property tax appraisal will not go up from the added value of solar panels. | Learn More |
The Residential Clean Energy Credit lets people claim a tax credit worth 30% the cost of a solar panel system in the year it’s installed. The credit can only be used against taxes you owe or have already paid that year, but any excess credit can be rolled over to future years.
The credit is broadly available, though there are a few restrictions — you must own the panels and they must be on a house you live in — so be sure to consult a tax professional about your situation.
Kansas offers a property tax exemption for renewable energy systems, including solar panels and equipment installed on your home. Under Kansas Statute 79-201 Eleventh, solar photovoltaic systems and other renewable energy technologies are completely exempt from property taxes, meaning you won’t pay additional property taxes on the added value these systems bring to your home.
This exemption provides significant long-term savings by ensuring your property tax bill doesn’t increase when you install solar panels, even though solar systems typically add substantial value to your property. For new solar installations completed after December 31, 2016, the exemption lasts for 10 years from the date of installation. There are no income requirements or application deadlines – the exemption automatically applies to qualifying renewable energy equipment once it’s installed and operational on your property.
Evergy Net Metering is a billing arrangement available to solar customers served by Evergy Kansas Central and Evergy Metro utilities. This program allows homeowners with solar panels to send excess electricity they generate back to the grid and receive credits on their monthly electric bill. When your solar system produces more power than your home uses during the day, that extra energy flows back to the utility grid.
The financial benefit works on a monthly settlement basis, meaning any excess energy you generate is credited at the utility’s monthly system average cost of energy, which typically ranges from 2-4 cents per kilowatt-hour (this may be based on the RECA rider rate). For customers on time-of-use (TOU) rate plans, the netting of your energy consumption and solar production can only happen within the same time period – if you generate more than you use during any specific time period, those excess kilowatt-hours are credited at the lower monthly system average rate rather than the higher retail rate. There is no annual true-up period, so credits are settled monthly and don’t carry forward to future billing cycles.
Ready to start saving with solar?
Speak with a Palmetto solar expert to find out exactly how much you can save with Kansas incentives.
Get a Free QuoteKansas Solar Irradiance
Solar panel production varies throughout the year based on daylight hours, weather patterns, and sun intensity. Kansas experiences variable weather patterns and seasonal sun angles that impact solar production throughout the year. However, proper system design maximizes energy generation potential.
What Can the Average Kansas Solar System Power?
Summer Production (July)
In July, your 10 kW system could power:
- 3.6 average Kansas homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Run central AC for 18 hours AND power all other appliances
- or Fully charge 5.4 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Winter Production (December)
In December, your 10 kW system could power:
- 2 average Kansas homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Keep your home heating system running for 15 hours
- or Fully charge 3 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Annual Production
Over a year, your 10 kW system could:
- Offset 10 tons of carbon dioxide emissions
- or Equal the environmental benefit of planting 175 trees
- or Save approximately $4,234 in electricity costs
Want to know exactly how much solar can power your home?
Get a personalized solar analysis based on your actual home, energy usage, and roof characteristics.
Get My Custom EstimateSolar Installations in Kansas
We’ve mapped every solar installation across America to show you something exciting: your Kansas neighbors are embracing clean energy! Explore this interactive map to discover which communities near you have made the switch to solar power.
Leasing Solar Panels
Kansas homeowners have access to solar leasing options through Palmetto’s LightReach program, available in areas served by Evergy Kansas Central and Evergy Metro. With a solar lease, you pay a fixed monthly amount instead of purchasing the system outright, making solar accessible without large upfront costs.
Unlike traditional ownership where you handle maintenance and repairs, LightReach includes everything from installation to ongoing maintenance at no additional cost. This comprehensive approach eliminates the complexity of system ownership while providing immediate energy savings and long-term rate protection.
The program offers peace of mind with Palmetto’s 90% production guarantee and comprehensive protection coverage. Comparing solar leasing versus buying helps Kansas families choose the financing option that best fits their budget and energy goals.
Go solar without the investment
With LightReach, there are no investment costs to recoup, loan payments to manage, or maintenance needs to take on. As soon as your panels are active, your solar savings are too!
Learn MoreFrequently Asked Questions
Yes, solar makes excellent sense in Kansas. With electricity rates increasing 11% since 2020 and abundant sunshine, Kansas homeowners can save approximately $55,000 over 25 years.
The federal 30% tax credit combined with Kansas property tax exemptions make solar systems highly affordable with typical payback periods of 9.5 years.
Yes, Kansas has net metering through Evergy Kansas Central and Evergy Metro utilities. However, it operates differently than traditional net metering programs in other states.
Kansas customers receive credits for excess solar energy at the monthly system average cost of energy (typically 2-4 cents per kWh) rather than full retail rates. Credits are settled monthly with no annual true-up period.
Yes, solar panels increase home value in Kansas. According to a Zillow study, solar panels increase home value by 4.1% on average across the United States.
In Kansas, where the median home value is approximately $180,000, this translates to an estimated $7,380 increase in property value. Kansas property tax exemptions protect homeowners from additional taxes on this added value for ten years.
Solar installation costs in Kansas average $16,296 for a typical 7.70 kW system after the 30% federal tax credit. Before incentives, systems cost approximately $23,280, or about $3.02 per watt.
Kansas property tax exemptions protect homeowners from increased assessments for ten years. Most Kansas families see monthly savings of $125 with systems paying for themselves in 9.5 years through reduced electricity bills.
Solar is financially worth it in Kansas with average systems saving $55,000 over 25 years and typical payback periods of 9.5 years. Rising electricity rates make solar protection increasingly valuable.
The 30% federal tax credit and Kansas property tax exemptions reduce upfront costs significantly. Most Kansas homeowners see immediate monthly savings of $125, making solar a smart long-term investment.
We’re Palmetto Solar, and we believe we offer the best solar experience in Kansas. As a national company with local focus, we’ve served over 20,000 customers across 31 states with an 85%+ approval rating.
We provide some of the industry’s best financing options and work with an excellent install network to ensure quality service. Our comprehensive approach makes solar accessible and reliable for Kansas families.