Summary of Kansas solar incentives 2021
Kansas has not had a strong history in supporting home solar power, or even renewable energy more broadly. In 2015, the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) law was repealed, and a voluntary “goal” for renewable adoption was put into place. In 2019, the state’s largest utility company, Evergy, got the Corporation Commission to approve monthly fees added to the bills of homeowners with solar panels.
That ruling was subsequently overturned by the Kansas Supreme Court, but even without the additional fees, adding solar panels to a home in Kansas is not the great financial decision it is in many other states.
That doesn’t mean Kansas is without incentives for solar. Specifically, the state offers both solar net metering and a property tax exemption for the value a solar installation adds to your home.
On this page, you can:
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Learn what solar incentives are available to Kansas homeowners
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See what Kansas solar incentives you qualify for based on your utility company and city
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Find out how much these incentives and/or Kansas solar tax credits will reduce your cost to go solar and add batteries
Federal solar investment tax credit
The federal solar investment tax credit will have the biggest impact on the cost you will face to go solar in Kansas
This perk is commonly known as the ITC, short for “Investment Tax Credit”. If you install your photovoltaic system in 2020, the federal tax credit is 26% of the cost of your solar panel system. This is 26% off the entire cost of the system including equipment, labor and permitting.
Example: If your solar energy system costs $20,000, your federal solar tax credit would be $20,000 x 26% = $5,200.
The federal tax credit falls to 22% at the end of 2022.
Net energy metering in Kansas
With net metering in some states, you get full retail rate credit for the amount of electricity you send back into the grid with your solar panels.
Net Metering requires your utility to monitor how much energy your solar power system produces and how much energy you actually consume, and make sure you get credit for the surplus.
Current Kansas net metering law says that solar production will be recorded throughout the month, and if the customer generates more kilowatt-hours (kWh) than they use, they’ll be paid for the excess energy at the utility’s “system average cost” (wholesale rate) — about 2.1 cents per kWh, compared to 11.3 cents/kWh retail.
That means you get paid much lower than retail if your panels generate more than you need during a whole month. Folks in Kansas have a reason to choose smaller solar panel installations that won’t produce more than their usage during the sunniest month of the year, or they risk earning less money for the kilowatt-hours above and beyond that number.
That’s Kansas net metering as it stands, and there aren’t any major plans afoot to shake it up. There’s no guarantee that will go on indefinitely, though. Kansas has had a bit of a bumpy history with net metering.
As we mentioned above, in 2019, Evergy (formerly Westar and KCP&L), the largest investor-owned utility in Kansas, got approval from the Kansas Corporation Commission to levy additional monthly fees on solar owners. Thankfully, that approval was stuck down by the state Supreme Court in early 2020.
The Court was pretty clear in its decision that Evergy’s attempt to charge solar owners more than other customers was “price discrimination” that Kansas law “clearly prohibits.”
Kansas solar rebates
Solar rebates in Kansas? Ha, no. There is one current solar incentive worth mentioning, though...
Property tax exemption
Fortunately the Kansas legislature has passed a solar property tax exemption. While this won’t save you any money upfront, it will save you thousands over the long haul.
Installing a solar power system adds thousands of dollars in value to your home. With the property tax exemption in place, you won’t have to pay a single extra penny in property taxes for that home value increase. That saves you thousands over the three-decade life of your solar power system!
Cost of solar panels in your part of Kansas after all applicable solar incentives
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Prices based on a 9.4kW system, after 26% federal tax credit
Solar prices near you
Payback period
8.5-10.3 years
Net profit (savings less system cost)
$33,643-$41,119
Average size system installed in KS in 2021
9.4kW
Solar panel cost calculator
Best 10 solar companies in Kansas
15 solar companies in Kansas provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.66 36 Reviews
Latest review
Paulette Harp, over 1 month
King Solar has an excellent crew with an excellent product. All the paperwork and fuss of having a system set up with the local utility was handled on their side. The system was in place in a morning's work, and all inspection clearances were also handled by King Solar. I signed paperwork and stood outside watching the system go up on my roof and cheering all the while. I can monitor the system's functioning online, as can the folks at King Solar; any trouble-shooting will be a quick affair in regard to communication. As we move into summer, I will begin to really reap the rewards and am very pleased with this upwardly mobile company.
Read more
Latest review
Paulette Harp, over 1 month
King Solar has an excellent crew with an excellent product. All the paperwork and fuss of having a system set up with the local utility was handled on their side. The system was in place in a morning's work, and all inspection clearances were also handled by King Solar. I signed paperwork and stood outside watching the system go up on my roof and cheering all the while. I can monitor the system's functioning online, as can the folks at King Solar; any trouble-shooting will be a quick affair in regard to communication. As we move into summer, I will begin to really reap the rewards and am very pleased with this upwardly mobile company.
4.66 28 Reviews
Latest review
Jack Garven, over 1 month
Customer service and installation were excellent. From the very beginning when we sat down to design what we wanted on our house, to the installation that was done quick and professionally, to finally the thorough follow up we get, even to this day!
Read more
Latest review
Jack Garven, over 1 month
Customer service and installation were excellent. From the very beginning when we sat down to design what we wanted on our house, to the installation that was done quick and professionally, to finally the thorough follow up we get, even to this day!
4.51 24 Reviews
Latest review
Marty Z, 3 weeks ago
Tyler at RisingSun Solar was awesome. Very professional, knowledgeable and pricing was very favorable compared to other bids. During his presentation he explained solar and how the system would interface. He provided a timeline of what and when everything would happen, and this was updated upon our acceptance. Handling of HOA and Centerpoint approvals and certifications a Big plus. Project came in 2 weeks ahead of schedule. Communication during and after the project was very responsive and informative. Would definitely recommend RisingSun for any solar project
Read more
Latest review
Marty Z, 3 weeks ago
Tyler at RisingSun Solar was awesome. Very professional, knowledgeable and pricing was very favorable compared to other bids. During his presentation he explained solar and how the system would interface. He provided a timeline of what and when everything would happen, and this was updated upon our acceptance. Handling of HOA and Centerpoint approvals and certifications a Big plus. Project came in 2 weeks ahead of schedule. Communication during and after the project was very responsive and informative. Would definitely recommend RisingSun for any solar project
4.25 5 Reviews
Latest review
Anonymous, over 1 month
Very pleased with our solar panels!! We now have the lowest monthly electric bill that we have had for many years!! JSUNPV company really cares about finding the best set up of solar panel's for the customer, and wants you to be completely happy with them. Jason really believe's in saving energy and money for his customer's. It"s not just a sales pitch to sell a product and he is not high pressure because he believe's in what he does.
Read more
Latest review
Anonymous, over 1 month
Very pleased with our solar panels!! We now have the lowest monthly electric bill that we have had for many years!! JSUNPV company really cares about finding the best set up of solar panel's for the customer, and wants you to be completely happy with them. Jason really believe's in saving energy and money for his customer's. It"s not just a sales pitch to sell a product and he is not high pressure because he believe's in what he does.
4.25 5 Reviews
Latest review
Jenna Harbison, over 1 month
Go with Kaw Valley to get your solar panels, you won't be disappointed! They have great customer service, and make the entire process so easy. The installation was smooth and the panels are great quality! We are so happy with our purchase!
Read more
Latest review
Jenna Harbison, over 1 month
Go with Kaw Valley to get your solar panels, you won't be disappointed! They have great customer service, and make the entire process so easy. The installation was smooth and the panels are great quality! We are so happy with our purchase!
4.21 168 Reviews
Latest review
Harry B Henry , 1 week ago
My experience with Sunpro has been one lie and mistake, or ball drop after the other. That solar tax credit that they promised I would receice to pay the large portion of the finance was a flat out misrepresentation of the tax law. I will get the credit to the fine of a few hundred bucks a year, while my solar bill jumps over $800 monthly. Sunpro oversold us on panels to the tune of $89,000. That's correct! they was without a battery that was never installed. I didn't know this until after Hurricane Sally I was sitting in the dark wondering why my solar dies not work? The answer is too long and depressing to write in a review but it's safe to say, I was every disappointed. Sunpro, completely took advantage with slick talking reps, who I have not had contact with since they left with my signature. Be Careful with Sunpro and get an attorney to read anything you receive...
Read more
Latest review
Harry B Henry , 1 week ago
My experience with Sunpro has been one lie and mistake, or ball drop after the other. That solar tax credit that they promised I would receice to pay the large portion of the finance was a flat out misrepresentation of the tax law. I will get the credit to the fine of a few hundred bucks a year, while my solar bill jumps over $800 monthly. Sunpro oversold us on panels to the tune of $89,000. That's correct! they was without a battery that was never installed. I didn't know this until after Hurricane Sally I was sitting in the dark wondering why my solar dies not work? The answer is too long and depressing to write in a review but it's safe to say, I was every disappointed. Sunpro, completely took advantage with slick talking reps, who I have not had contact with since they left with my signature. Be Careful with Sunpro and get an attorney to read anything you receive...
4.17 4 Reviews
Latest review
Body shop, over 1 month
I chose Solar Energy and had 2500kw system installed by them they are local and every dependable. I have had my system since 2013 and have had no problems what so ever. I have consulted with them several time with questions about my system and they always are very informant. I would highly recommend Solar Energy for you Solar needs.
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Latest review
Body shop, over 1 month
I chose Solar Energy and had 2500kw system installed by them they are local and every dependable. I have had my system since 2013 and have had no problems what so ever. I have consulted with them several time with questions about my system and they always are very informant. I would highly recommend Solar Energy for you Solar needs.
4.14 6 Reviews
Latest review
Jones, 2 days ago
Knew one of the salesmen. Went into the 1st sales meeting with alot of questions and he was able to answer them all and sold us on his company
Read more
Latest review
Jones, 2 days ago
Knew one of the salesmen. Went into the 1st sales meeting with alot of questions and he was able to answer them all and sold us on his company
4.04 7 Reviews
Latest review
Brandon, 4 weeks ago
Had Shinnova install my panels about two years ago. Very professional from sale to install (have not needed them since do to a quality product being installed). Glad I used them.
Read more
Latest review
Brandon, 4 weeks ago
Had Shinnova install my panels about two years ago. Very professional from sale to install (have not needed them since do to a quality product being installed). Glad I used them.
3.97 28 Reviews
Latest review
Chen Wong, 1 week ago
It's been 5 months (and counting) since we signed our solar agreement with Zenernet. They did not come over to do the preliminary inspection and after that, kept making mistake after mistake. Their team has been over at our house over 8 times now (and counting) with many problems still to be fixed. The inspectors even came before Zenernet returned to fixed all their problems and found out even more issues with the solar system that they installed. When we tried to reach out to them, they were extremely slow in their responses, extremely. It took 2 months for them to return one email. Then they left our home with 3 unsightly holes (one of them was extremely large!). How can a professional business come and drill a bunch of holes in our house, not do anything about it, and not respond to our emails and calls to do something proactive about this? We are still waiting for the last microinverter and all the fixes that they have to do, but we don't even know when this is going to be finished. All this to say, even though they may seem prompt and provide the best quote upfront, DON'T BE DECEIVED! They are extremely negligent and unresponsive!
Read more
Latest review
Chen Wong, 1 week ago
It's been 5 months (and counting) since we signed our solar agreement with Zenernet. They did not come over to do the preliminary inspection and after that, kept making mistake after mistake. Their team has been over at our house over 8 times now (and counting) with many problems still to be fixed. The inspectors even came before Zenernet returned to fixed all their problems and found out even more issues with the solar system that they installed. When we tried to reach out to them, they were extremely slow in their responses, extremely. It took 2 months for them to return one email. Then they left our home with 3 unsightly holes (one of them was extremely large!). How can a professional business come and drill a bunch of holes in our house, not do anything about it, and not respond to our emails and calls to do something proactive about this? We are still waiting for the last microinverter and all the fixes that they have to do, but we don't even know when this is going to be finished. All this to say, even though they may seem prompt and provide the best quote upfront, DON'T BE DECEIVED! They are extremely negligent and unresponsive!
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