The 5 Best Solar Companies in Kansas to Save You Money

Key Points

• Kansas ranks 45th in the US for solar energy production, but is working to improve its solar infrastructure.
• Blue Raven Solar offers affordable solar panel installation and financing options, making solar energy more accessible.
• Astrawatt Solar provides a 25-year warranty on machinery and craftsmanship, and offers a variety of equipment brands to help keep costs down.

If you’re looking to install solar in Kansas, first let’s just mention that Kansas ranked as the 45th state in the US when it comes to solar energy production. But, the state is trying to catch up and do better. With that being said, it can be affordable and easy to install a solar system if you live in the state. Here are the best solar companies in Kansas that you can work with.

Blue Raven Solar

Blue Raven Solar is a reasonably priced national solar company that specializes solely in the installation of solar panels in Kansas and other states.

By maintaining pricing below the industry average and providing its BluePower Plus+ financing option, Blue Raven keeps solar energy accessible and affordable. Plus, with its low-interest rates, 18 months of interest-free financing, and minimal down payment requirements, its credit program is among the easiest to access.

Blue Raven doesn’t sell add-ons and only offers a limited number of panel brand alternatives. However, they do feature warranty coverage with 25 years for equipment and 10 years for craftsmanship, which is fairly standard for the industry.

Astrawatt Solar

Astrawatt is a highly rated company that has won multiple awards and certifications, including those from the NABCEP, Tesla, and Kansas City Business Journal.

The company doesn’t offer a warranty for the manufacturing of panels, but it does cover both the machinery and the craftsmanship for 25 years. The company’s prices are about average, but they also offer quite a few brands of equipment to help you keep your costs down. These brands include Tesla and Generac, just to name a few. This company doesn’t accept leases or PPAs. But you can pay for your solar system in cash or via a solar loan. And, unlike some other companies in Kansas, Astrawatt can give you a free estimate online just from your utility bills and a few photos.

Barrett Solar

Serving the Kansas City region, including certain areas of Kansas, Barrett Solar is a newer company that opened in early 2019. However, the company has numerous client endorsements as well as raving reviews from previous clients, so you can easily confirm the caliber of their work.

The company’s technicians are all fully licensed and insured, and they also offer solar repairs and maintenance along with installs. So you could use the company for years even after your system is installed, keeping the headaches away when trying to get help. They also offer a 10-year workmanship warranty and 25-year performance and product warranties.

Further, the company has many certifications. Some of these include the NABCEP certification, Generac certification, Enphase Silver certification, Silfab Preferred Installer certification, and LG Premier Installer certification.

ADT Solar

ADT now sells solar energy solutions in addition to home security systems. Additionally, many of their products, including some of the well-known brands that many other solar businesses install, come with 25-year warranties and a price-match guarantee. And if that isn’t enough, the company provides better workmanship and weatherization warranties than its rivals.

ADT Solar offers two different battery solutions, the Tesla Powerwall, and Enphase’s IQ. In addition, they also offer panels from Qcells, Silfab, and Canadian Solar. Enphase microinverters, which function with over 97% efficiency, are used exclusively.

ADT employs in-house installation staff that have received training from the business to set up your system. ADT does not provide power purchase agreements or leases, but it does offer solar loans. However, you can always save a few bucks with their price-match guarantee.

SunPower Solar

With nearly 40 years of experience and locations all throughout the country, SunPower is a well-known name in the solar industry. And, they have an A+ rating on the BBB, pretty solid.

First, the business offers a warranty and high-quality equipment. They offer a 25-year warranty on the machinery, power output, and workmanship of your system. The workmanship warranty is also more than twice as long as the industry standard.

To keep solar equipment accessible and inexpensive, SunPower also accepts all typical payment methods, including cash, loans, leases, and PPAs. This is a fantastic method to lower the entrance barrier for solar, which is crucial in a state like Kansas that is only now beginning to embrace solar.

How to Save Money When Hiring a Solar Company in Kansas

Now that you know about the best solar companies in Kansas, let’s talk about how you can save money on your system!

Tax Incentives and Rebates

First, don’t be afraid to take advantage of all the tax incentives, rebates, and discounts you can get from the state of Kansas and the federal government. These rebates and credits are there for a reason! We list all the rebates and incentives you can qualify for below.

Ask for a Discount

Along with the rebates and incentives you can get from the state, it’s always worth asking the company you’re working with for a discount. This may be easier to do if you’re paying in cash. But you may be able to lower your loan interest rate or save some money if you can’t pay cash and have a decent credit score.

What to Consider Before Hiring a Solar Company in Kansas

Before you hire a solar company, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

Expertise

The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) allows you to see the state-specific requirements for solar licensing. Some states have specific licenses for solar installers, while others permit the installation of solar panels by contractors who only need an electrician’s or general contractor’s license. Some states don’t even require a license at all.

Ask the business for their license number if one is needed. Additionally, be cautious of any possible infractions in the company’s history. And don’t be afraid to ask the corporation to explain the violation if you have questions about it.

Also, you’ll want to know if the solar installer is NABCEP board certified in addition to the required licensing. Although it is an optional industry accreditation, possessing it adds to a business’ credibility and expertise.

Warranties

A solar system is made up of numerous unique parts, all of which should have warranties. Additionally, it’s critical that the business you work with offers its own warranties wherever possible. First, the installer needs to offer a warranty on the system’s craftsmanship and parts, as well as pay for the labor and replacement of any defective ones. Then, the solar panels, inverter system, racking system, and batteries should all have warranties too. On average, you’re looking for at least a 5-year warranty, but many offer warranties of up to 25 years.

Reviews

The Better Business Bureau and Google Reviews are solid places to start when looking for internet reviews. It’s worthwhile to research the business online, but you should take those reviews with a grain of salt. Online reviews can be manipulated and are a less trustworthy predictor of quality. Avoid in particular “pay-to-play” websites, like Angies’ List and ConsumerAffairs.

Another way you can check the trustworthiness of a company is to ask around! Have friends, family, or neighbors recently installed a solar system? If so, talk to them about their experience and find out whether they recommend the company.

Cost

Of course, the cost can be a large concern for many homeowners, especially considering that the average cost of a solar system is around $24,000. However, cheaper doesn’t always mean better. Be sure to get an itemized list (including brands) to know what you’re paying for, why, and if you have any discounts, why they exist.

Are Solar Panels Worth It in Kansas?

While we’ve talked about the different solar companies you can work with, let’s talk about whether solar panels are worth it in Kansas. Based on the incentives you can receive, we do think they’re worth it. But here’s what you need to know.

The Federal Solar Tax Credit

The Residential Clean Energy Credit is a federal credit equal to 30% of the price of any new, eligible, clean energy property installed at your home between 2022 and 2033. Since the credit is nonrefundable, the amount you actually receive from it cannot be greater than the tax you still owe. However, if you have an excess of unused credits, you can carry them forward and utilize them to lower your tax liability in subsequent years. As long as you install qualified property, you are eligible to claim the annual credit every year until 2033, when it will start to taper down to between 26% and 22%.

Net Metering

Kansas offers net metering. This means you can sell the excess electricity generated by your solar system back to your utility company. However, keep in mind that this is not mandatory, and not all utility companies offer this.

Property Tax Exemption

Kansas also has a property tax exemption. For ten years following your purchase, this statute exempts renewable energy equipment from Kansas property taxes. To be eligible, you’ll need to submit an application during your installation.

HUD Incentive

Last but not least, certain homeowners may be able to take advantage of the HUD incentive. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers this program that enables borrowers to “have a higher mortgage amount” in order to pay for the cost and installation of new solar or wind energy systems. You should install the new solar or wind system at the time of home purchase or during a refinance to qualify.

The Best Solar Companies in Kansas to Save You Money Wrap Up

While Kansas may not seem like a state where you’d invest in solar, it can be worth it! Especially with the best solar companies in Kansas, you’re bound to save hundreds (if not thousands) on your energy use over the years.

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