9 Best Solar Companies in Kansas

The Main Types of Residential Solar Systems

Today's solar options can accommodate a variety of roof shapes, budgets and energy needs. Many of the contractors on our list use all three of the basic types of solar panels, and they'll help you make the right decision during the estimate process.

Monocrystalline

In the warm summers of Kansas, you'll get the best results from monocrystalline panels. Each black-hued cell has only one silicon crystal, meaning you can generate more energy with a small array. Since they have more parts, they come at a higher-than-average starting price point. However, they also have the highest lifespan and better ROI possibilities than the other options.

Polycrystalline

You can recognize polycrystalline panels by their navy blue color. Each cell in these panels contains a composite of multiple silicon fragments, which translates to less manufacturing waste and a lower upfront price point.

However, they're less space-efficient than monocrystalline panels, so you'll need more space on your roof for a high-capacity array.

Thin-film

Thin-film arrays are a great choice for value in more "partly sunny" areas of Kansas. They maintain efficiency as temperatures fluctuate and work with many different roof shapes. Thin-film solar panels use a variety of metal alloys instead of silicon crystals. Some homeowners pick them for their light weight or greater compatibility with unique roof shapes. Others go with them for their superior heat resistance and low-light performance.

Despite that thin-film systems have the lowest cost per panel, they usually have a total cost on par with polycrystalline systems due to their large space requirements.

Solar Purchase Options

Where the first solar panels were substantial investments, today's technology can fit any home, environment, and budget. Depending on the contractor you choose, you may be able to any or all of the following purchase options available to you:

• Solar leases: If you choose a solar lease, you could pay as little as $0 down, then a variable amount per month based on how much energy the panels produce. Many leases, but not all, will automatically cover required maintenance to maximize efficiency. A lessee could also receive compensation for months when their panels don't meet a predicted efficiency benchmark. Although leases may have an attractive price tag, a lessee can't make use of rebates, tax incentives, or other state programs since the installer retains ownership of the panels.
• Power purchase agreements (PPAs): With a PPA, instead of paying the cost of the panels upfront, you'll pay your contractor an agreed amount for the power you generate. Each payment will often be less than what you would pay your utility for the same amount of power. However, PPAs are long-term commitments, with some lasting 25 years. You could be subject to extra fees if you move out of your home or get out of the contract.
• Solar loans: Most homeowners decide to take out a solar loan, whether through their contractor's financing partners or a local bank. It's usually easier to repay a loan than to complete a PPA. Further, because you're purchasing rather than leasing, you can take full advantage of incentives and special offers from your utility or local government. A credit check may be required, but some specialty solar lenders may have better options for people with a less-than-ideal credit history.

Your final bill will factor in the cost of the panels, your contractor's labor, subcontracted roofing, electrical, and plumbing work, and application fees if you're connecting your panels to the grid through your utility. Different financing options are usually all-inclusive.

Residential Solar Incentives and Cost Support

Those who purchase and install residential solar panels could be entitled to financial incentives or other benefits from their local government or power company, such as:

• Rebates: Contractors and governments often work with utility companies and equipment manufacturers, offering rebates to promote people to transition to solar. If your contractor thinks you qualify for a rebate, it will help you fill out the application. If approved, you could get the money directly or as a credit on your installation or power bills.
• Tax credits: The IRS provides a 30% tax credit on the value of your new solar equipment, so you should include Form 5695 with your federal returns for the year. Your state, county, or city could also provide similar income or property tax credits, or even exempt solar equipment for a period of time after installation.
• Net metering: Net metering is an initiative that some utilities and counties use to add renewable energy capacity and fortify their grid. If your solar array generates more energy than you actually use, you can send the excess generation to the grid in exchange for bill credits.
• Net billing: Some utilities and states are retiring net metering for net billing schemes. Fundamentally speaking, both programs function the same way. However, with net billing, you sell the energy to your utility company instead of receiving credits for your excess solar generation. Compensation will usually be at a wholesale or avoided-cost rate, which is below the retail rate.

Solar Energy By the Numbers in Kansas

Here's a brief look at the state of solar energy in Kansas.

• A five-kilowatt solar installation in Kansas has an average payback period of 8.5 years. However, a system at that capacity would also save you $1,128.19 on your energy bill.
• In Kansas, the average new home solar array is rated for up to 9.3 kW and costs $22,268.
• Without solar, the average family spends about $1,564 each year on their electricity bill.
• Solar energy has enabled the creation of 887 jobs in Kansas, with more added as companies grow and technology continues to improve.
• Kansas generates 18 MW of residential solar energy, powering 2,913 homes and counting.

Useful Resources

Check out these sources to go in-depth on solar policies, incentives, and viability in Kansas:

• PVWatts: PVWatts is a handy online tool that lets you virtually experiment with different solar arrangements on your home. You can get high-quality predictions of how much energy your panels could yield and decide which positions would give you the greatest ROI.
• Best solar companies by city: If you're looking for tailored solar company recommendations in your area, Today's Homeowner has just what you need. We can recommend you the best companies in cities like WICHITA,KS, OVERLAND PARK,KS, KANSAS CITY,KS, OLATHE,KS and TOPEKA,KS.
• DSIRE: DSIRE has a wealth of information on the most up-to-date local and statewide solar incentives. Search by your location, utility company, and the type of solar system you're looking to install.