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In 2023, Kansas ranked 45th for solar energy production in the United States. Despite excellent sunlight in certain areas, it’s a surprise that the Sunflower State has little interest in renewable technology. While the state might not offer much help, there are still ways to reduce the cost of solar panels in Kansas.
With few opportunities available, where do you start your search? We go into detail looking at the state’s physical incentive and government regulations. For everything you need to know about solar incentives in Kansas, read on.
How to Save Money on Solar Panels in Kansas: Overview
Up front, you might expect the Sunflower State to support renewable energy; with some of the best sunlight in the country, solar panels in Kansas make sense. However, even with the low price of equipment, the state offers few incentives. In fact, it seems that the state is redacting any previous movements it made in years past.
However, Jayhawkers still have opportunities to save money with solar. Through the federal solar tax credits and small benefits in state credits and government regulations, homeowners could afford an installation. Let’s review these opportunities below.
Solar Panels in Kansas: Federal Incentive
Fortunately, homeowners in the Sunflower State can still use the federal solar tax credit to earn money back on their solar panels. This program provides a 30% credit on federal taxes for any purchases made toward a new system. Considering a 6kW system, residents could lower installation costs by nearly $4,500.
In order to use the federal tax credit in Kansas, homeowners need to meet a few requirements. In addition to installing new equipment, they must purchase the system outright. Those who prefer to lease won’t see this money come back.
Additionally, the system needs to be installed by 2032. If not, homeowners will miss out on the 30% benefit, as it begins to drop off in the coming years. Unless it’s renewed, the program terminates in 2035.
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Kansas State Credits and Rebates
Generally, some of the best incentives to lower the price of solar come in the form of state credits or rebates. However, because of Kansas’ menial support, these opportunities don’t exist. Hopefully, the Sunflower State updates its standards so we can see more money heading in these directions.
Fortunately, Kansas still has net metering laws. This program requires utility companies to purchase excess solar energy produced by residential solar. However, homeowners shouldn’t install a system to net meter in Kansas; following the state’s renewable standard repeal, municipalities only have to pay wholesale solar energy rates as credits. This adds up to pennies for excess power.
Solar Panels in Kansas: Government Regulations
A lot of Kansas’s absence from solar energy support stems from its weak renewable portfolio standards (RPS). The Sunflower State used to have a decent goal, requiring up to 20% of its electricity to come from renewable sources. However, once it met its goals in 2015, Kansas changed its RPS from mandated to voluntary. This meant that utilities no longer had to support residential solar, as goals were being met by wind energy.
Furthermore, the Corporation Commission approved the Kansas utility company Evergy to charge customers a monthly fee for having a solar panel system. While the Supreme Court quickly overturned the ruling, it shows how little the state cares to support solar.
One saving grace exists for solar panels in Kansas. The Sunflower State provides a property tax exemption on any increased property value due to an array. While it doesn’t help lower the cost of an installation, it does save homeowners a considerable amount over the course of 20 to 25 years.
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Should Kansans Lease Solar?
States with weak RPS tend to reject solar leasing, as they prefer to keep renewable infrastructure within the control of municipalities. This is the case in Kansas; while it might be an affordable option for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint, leasing is not available. Perhaps if the general consensus for solar energy improves, we’ll see these regulations change.
Solar Panels in Kansas: Incentive Summary
| Benefit | Accessibility |
|---|---|
| Federal Tax Incentive | 30% credit |
| Kansas Tax Credits / Rebates | None / none |
| Net Metering | Monthly credit at wholesale rate |
| Renewable Portfolio Standard | 20% renewables by 2020, voluntary |
| Property Tax Exemption | Yes |
| Sales Tax Exemption | None |
| Performance Payment Program | None |
How to Save Money on Solar Panels in Kansas: Further Reading
It’s unfortunate that solar panels in Kansas receive few incentives for residents. However, homeowners in the Sunflower State can still save money with an array. For more on how Kansas promotes emerging technology, the articles below provide further information.
How to Save Money on Solar Panels in Colorado – Here’s how the Sunflower State could support solar energy using Colorado’s premier renewable energy standards as an example.
Owning an EV in Kansas: Charging Cost, Incentives, and More – Kansas has some unexpected opportunities for residents considering purchasing an electric vehicle.
Largest Tech Companies in Kansas – You might not expect to find these successful tech companies in the Sunflower State.
