Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy comes with multiple benefits. Let's look at a few of them.
- Better energy independence: Solar panel systems can keep your home running through blackouts and emergencies, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery storage.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power lowers your dependence on conventional, less environmentally-friendly sources.
- Reduced energy costs: Producing some or all of your own electricity will cut power costs long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that allow you to sell your extra energy back to the grid, generating additional credits toward your energy bill.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Kansas City Homeowners?
Kansas' public agencies and power companies offer numerous solar incentives to help offset your solar system costs. Here's a breakdown of relevant solar programs where you live.
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Website: in.govIncentive Amount:
Solar energy systems used for heating or cooling: out-of-pocket expenditures by the owner for the components and labor
Wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, solar thermal, solar PV, and other solar energy systems: the assessed value of the system
Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit
Website: ecowatch.comIncentive Amount:
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.
How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Kansas City
The more thorough your provider search is, the better your solar system will ultimately perform. Here are some crucial criteria to consider while searching for a solar installer.
Licensing and Training
In Kansas, the state government doesn't issue solar contracting licenses, though some cities issue and require their own licenses for projects within their borders. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private accreditations. Two of the most recognized are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, granted by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.
Cost of Solar Panels in Kansas City
Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels cost more than other options, but they generate the most power and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.
You can also add electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can increase your solar system's efficiency. Not every solar provider includes these extras, so look for a provider that sells them if it's a priority for you.
You can plan to spend about $16,700 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Kansas City. Use the table in this section to get an idea of how much Kansas City solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,160 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $905 |
| Thin-Film | $529 |
| Solar Battery | $742 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,783 |
Financing Solar Energy in Kansas City
There are many ways to pay for a solar energy system, and the right one will minimize your overhead. A few of the most common options include leases, cash payments, loans, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). We suggest making a cash payment or securing a solar loan for the best return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also have full ownership of your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to cut your total costs. Solar loans are another solid option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in monthly installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement lets you pay a fluctuating rate based on only the energy you use. We generally advise against these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in certain circumstances. Look for installers that offer multiple payment plans to find the right fit for your financial needs.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Kansas City.
A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new home solar systems purchased through 2032. Additional incentives may be available through city and state governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.
| Solar System Capacity | Estimated Payback period |
|---|---|
| 1 kW | 1.7 years |
| 2 kW | 3.4 years |
| 5 kW | 8.5 years |
| 10 kW | 16.9 years |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Kansas City
How much money could I save by going solar in Kansas City?
How common is solar energy in Kansas City?
Should I anticipate a boost in my property value after installing solar panels?
What if I live in a rainy or dark
What's a Kansas City solar panel's average lifespan?
What size should my new Kansas City solar system be?
How are a solar lease and PPA different?
If you choose a lease, you'll make set monthly payments.
With both leases and PPAs, you don't own your panels and lose eligibility for most incentives. Further, you'll have to "buy out" or transfer the contract if you sell your home during the term.
How are traditional solar loans and PPAs different?
You might consider a PPA if you don’t want to be responsible for maintenance and don’t want to invest in a system, but keep in mind you won’t be paying toward ownership or be able to access any solar financial incentives. Many solar experts don’t recommend PPAs. Our guide covers other financing options above.
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