Kansas solar panels: The complete guide in 2026

Data updated Jan 23, 2026

Written by: Emily Walker

Interested in going solar? You'll need to install a 11.84 kW solar panel system to cover the average electric bill in Kansas, which will cost you about $33,518.

Cost for an average system in Kansas


Cash price$33,518

25-year savingsPayback periodElectricity offset
$17,73317 Years84%
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Going solar in Kansas

With its great plains and hot summers, Kansas is an easy fit for solar. But Kansas hasn't implemented many state-specific solar incentives––so it's been one of the slowest states to roll out solar energy. 

We can't click our heels three times to populate the Sunflower State with solar panels, but we can explain why solar can be a good investment for Kansans. For starters, it has a great solar buyback program that helps you save on electric bills over time. 

Here's what you should know about going solar in Kansas.

Cost

How much do solar panels cost in Kansas?

Solar panels will save you a lot of money over time, but the upfront costs aren't cheap. The average Kansas homeowner needs a 11.84 kW solar panel system to cover their electricity needs, which comes out to $33,518 before incentives. Prices range from $28,490 to $38,546, but Kansas also has some great local incentives. 

While this may sound high, it will pay off in Kansas. That's why over 2,600 Kansas homeowners have used EnergySage to receive and compare quotes for solar installations. You can expect to earn back your initial solar investment through electricity savings in about 17.31 years, while most systems last at least 25 years. You'll often see this number referenced as your solar payback period.

There are a few ways to finance your solar panel system so you don't have to provide all that money upfront. 

  • Cash purchase: You'll own the system and pay for it up front. This provides the best long-term savings. 

  • Solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA): A third-party company owns your system and either leases you the solar panels (solar lease) or allows you to purchase the electricity they generate (PPA). These typically deliver immediate savings and can make a lot of sense if you’re looking to keep your capital flexible. Just make sure to choose an offering with low annual escalators to ensure it will continue to provide long-term savings. 

  • Solar loan: This allows you to retain ownership of your system while owing little to no money upfront. Solar loans aren't all created equal. If you have access to subsidized clean energy loans through local incentive programs, that's usually your best bet. A home equity loan or a personal loan are often your next best options—private solar loans typically come with higher interest rates or upfront fees.

Solar panels on a house

Incentives

What are the best solar rebates and incentives in Kansas?

Incentives help bring solar's price tag down considerably in Kansas. Here are the major ones to know about:

IncentiveAverage savings in KansasDescription

Kansas solar property tax exemption

The average property tax in Kansas is 1.33%

If you installed solar power after Dec. 2016, you’re exempt from your increased property taxes for 10 years.

Is net metering available in Kansas?

If you live in a state with a net metering program, you can earn credits for the excess generation your solar panel system produces and delivers back to the grid. It’s essentially a solar buyback program that makes it so you owe little to nothing on your electric bills.

Kansas’ two investor-owned utilities (IOUs), Evergy (formerly Westar and KCP&L) and Empire District Electric Company, must provide their customers with net metering options.

While municipal or cooperative electric utilities in the state are not obligated to provide net metering, they must offer a "parallel generation" (aka net billing). Under this program, the utility does not store your energy credits (measured in kWh) but compensates you with bill credits (in dollars) for the solar power you supply to the grid.

As far as net billing programs go, the terms are pretty good: For every kWh you export, they’ll pay you 1.5 times the avoided cost rate (what your utility pays for electricity). Some even elect to just offer the standard net metering policy.

A house with rooftop solar panels connected to the grid

Equipment

Equipment quality

Solar panels continue to get more efficient, meaning they produce more power per square foot. In 2025, the most popular solar panels can produce about 450 watts of electricity in full sunlight—you’ll want panels with at least that much power output to get the most out of your installation. 

It’s also important to choose a solar inverter setup that works for your roof’s layout. 

And if you plan to install a solar battery, pick one that can easily integrate with that inverter. 

While premium equipment can result in sticker shock, it typically saves you more money in the in the long run: The highest-quality panels degrade at a slower rate and maintain more of their power output for longer, and the best warranty terms often guarantee up to 40 years of coverage in case you need repairs or replacements.

See our list of the best solar panels

Companies

Who are the best solar installers in Kansas?

We pre-screen all of the solar companies on EnergySage to ensure they'll provide you with a high-quality installation. We then rate them based on their results, reputation, and responsiveness. Here are the highest-rated EnergySage installers in Kansas:

resources

Top solar resources for Kansas

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