Solar Guide
Solar in Topeka
Topeka homeowners are discovering solar energy as a smart way to reduce electricity costs and gain energy independence. With Kansas electricity prices increasing 11% from 2020 to 2024, many residents are exploring home solar panels as a long-term solution.
This guide covers everything you need to know about solar installation in Topeka, from costs and incentives to choosing the right system for your home.
Key Takeaways
- Kansas offers excellent solar incentives including a 30% federal tax credit and 10-year property tax exemption.
- Topeka’s solar conditions are favorable with average systems producing 14,488 kWh annually and saving $4,234 yearly.
- Solar payback periods average 9.8 years with 25-year savings reaching $52,053 for typical Topeka homes.
Solar Cost Calculator
Our calculator uses real installation data from Topeka neighborhoods like Highland Park, Oakland, and Potwin to show accurate solar costs. Get personalized estimates based on actual local projects, not generic numbers.
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Topeka Electricity Prices
Understanding Topeka’s electricity costs helps homeowners make informed decisions about their energy future and potential savings opportunities.
Kansas electricity rates have risen from 13.0¢ per kWh in 2021 to 14.2¢ per kWh in 2024, representing a 9.2% increase over three years.
Solar panels allow Topeka homeowners to generate their own electricity, reducing dependence on the grid and protecting against future rate increases.
Over 25 years, solar systems can provide predictable energy costs while traditional electricity rates continue climbing, offering long-term financial stability.
Price of Energy: Kansas vs National Average
Topeka Area Utility Providers
Topeka residents receive electricity primarily from Evergy, which charged 13.1¢ per kWh in 2023. This rate sits below both Kansas’ 13.4¢ average and the national average of 16.0¢ per kWh.
Evergy’s competitive rates reflect Kansas’ diverse energy mix, including wind power and natural gas. The state’s abundant wind resources help keep electricity costs lower than many regions.
Even with below-average rates, solar can provide long-term savings and energy independence. Fixed solar costs protect against future utility rate increases while reducing monthly electricity bills.
Topeka Utilities Electricity Rates
Kansas Solar Incentives
Topeka homeowners can significantly reduce solar installation costs through various solar incentives in Kansas and federal programs available today.
Kansas offers a 10-year property tax exemption, meaning your property taxes won’t increase from your solar system’s added value. Evergy provides net metering for residential systems up to 15 kW AC.
These incentives can change over time, so research current programs thoroughly and consider acting while benefits remain available.
$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 other clean energy technologies. Under Kansas Statute 79-201 Eleventh, homeowners who install qualifying renewable energy equipment on their property can receive a complete exemption from property taxes on the added value of that equipment for up to 10 years.
This exemption covers wind, solar, photovoltaic, biomass, hydropower, geothermal, and landfill gas systems. For solar installations completed after December 31, 2016, the exemption period is exactly 10 years from the date the system is installed. This means that while your solar system may increase your home’s overall value, you won’t pay additional property taxes on that increased value during the exemption period. There are no income requirements or application deadlines, but you’ll need to work with your local county appraiser to ensure the exemption is properly applied to your property tax assessment.
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 tied to the RECA rider rate). This credit rate is significantly lower than the retail rate you pay for electricity from the grid. For customers on time-of-use (TOU) rate plans, the netting of your consumption and solar exports can only happen within each specific time period, and any net excess energy is credited at the same low rate.
There is no annual true-up period with this program – credits are settled monthly rather than carried forward. This means you won’t accumulate credits over time that could offset future bills. Homeowners should understand that while this program allows you to receive some compensation for excess solar generation, the credit rate is much lower than typical retail electricity rates, which affects the overall economics of your solar investment.
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 QuoteTopeka Solar Irradiance
Solar panel production varies throughout the year based on daylight hours, weather patterns, and sun intensity. Understanding how seasons affect your solar system helps set realistic expectations for your investment.
Topeka’s continental climate brings hot summers and cold winters, affecting solar output seasonally. Despite variable weather, proper system design maximizes year-round energy production effectively.
Solar Production in Topeka by Month
What Can Your Solar System Power?
Summer Production (July)
In July, your 10 kW system could power:
- 3.6 average 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 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 Topeka
We’ve mapped every solar installation across America to bring you this interactive view of Topeka’s solar adoption. Click any hexagon to discover how many neighbors in that area have embraced clean energy and joined the solar revolution!
Leasing Solar Panels
In Topeka, Palmetto offers solar leasing options to make clean energy accessible without the upfront investment. For residents served by Evergy Kansas Central and Evergy Metro, solar leases are available through our program.
With a solar lease, you pay a fixed monthly amount (like $150) instead of purchasing the system outright. This eliminates maintenance responsibilities, system monitoring, and repair costs – Palmetto handles everything. You start saving on electricity immediately without needing cash or financing.
Solar leasing provides predictable energy costs and immediate savings compared to traditional utility bills. Learn more about buying versus leasing solar or explore our LightReach program for flexible solar options in Kansas.
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 Topeka. With Kansas offering a 30% federal tax credit, 10-year property tax exemption, and Evergy’s net metering program, homeowners can achieve significant savings.
Average Topeka systems produce 14,488 kWh annually, saving $4,234 yearly with a 9.8-year payback period. Over 25 years, typical savings reach $52,053, making solar a smart long-term investment for most homes.
Yes, Topeka has net metering through Evergy utilities. Evergy Kansas Central and Evergy Metro serve most Topeka residents and offer monthly net metering for residential solar systems up to 15 kW AC.
However, excess energy credits are paid at the utility’s monthly system average cost (typically 2-4 cents per kWh), which is significantly lower than retail electricity rates. This means you receive less compensation for surplus solar power compared to full retail rate net metering programs.
Yes, solar panels increase home value in Topeka, KS. A Zillow study shows solar panels increase home value by 4.1% on average nationwide. For a typical Topeka home valued at $150,000, this represents approximately $6,150 in added value.
Additionally, Kansas offers a 10-year property tax exemption for solar installations, meaning your property taxes won’t increase from the solar system’s added value during this period, providing additional financial protection for homeowners.
Solar costs in Topeka range from $12,786 to $19,445 after the 30% federal tax credit, depending on your home size and energy needs. Small homes (up to 2,000 sq ft) typically need 5.85 kW systems, while larger homes (over 3,000 sq ft) require 9.36 kW systems.
Kansas offers additional savings through a 10-year property tax exemption on solar installations. With Evergy’s net metering and average electricity rates of 14.2¢/kWh, most Topeka homeowners see payback periods of 9.7-10.1 years.
Yes, solar is financially worth it in Topeka. With Kansas electricity rates at 14.2¢/kWh and rising, solar systems typically pay for themselves in 9.8 years through monthly savings averaging $119.
After the payback period, homeowners enjoy 15+ years of essentially free electricity. Over 25 years, typical Topeka homes save $52,053, making solar a strong long-term investment despite the upfront cost.
We believe we’re the best solar company for Topeka homeowners, bringing national expertise with local focus. Our proven track record includes serving 20,000+ customers nationwide with an 85% approval rating.
We offer industry-leading financing options and work with trusted local installation partners to ensure quality service. Our comprehensive approach handles everything from design to permits, making solar simple for Kansas families.