Kansas’s sunny climate and open plains make it an ideal spot for going solar. Plus, state incentives and rebates can significantly offset installation costs. Choosing the best solar company can be daunting, though, with so much industry jargon and options to consider. Our team has thoroughly researched the best solar companies across the U.S., focusing on products, pricing, and customer feedback, to find the best options for Kansas homeowners.
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Compare Solar Installation Companies in Kansas
| Company | Star Rating | BBB Rating | Warranties |
|---|---|---|---|
A+ | 25-year panels, 10-year workmanship | ||
A+ |
Kansas’s Top Solar Energy Companies
- Shine Solar: Best Local Installer
- Blue Raven Solar: Most Reputable
Our Top Picks for Solar Companies in Kansas
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Extensive 30-year performance warranty
- Home energy efficiency upgrades
- Rooftop panel and solar shingle options
Cons
- Less solar industry experience than other reviewed installers
- No NABCEP certification
- Only two financing options
Why We Chose Shine Solar
Shine Solar is an excellent option for residents looking for long-term warranties and regionally focused servicing. The company has rooftop panels and solar shingles, offering homeowners more solar project options. Shine Solar also provides home energy efficiency upgrades and free lifetime system monitoring.
Shine Solar backs each installation with a 25-year product and 12-year workmanship warranty. You’ll also receive a 30-year performance warranty, one of the longest protections in this review. The company has a buyback guarantee, offering 50% off panel costs when you upgrade your solar arrays.
Warranty and Financing
Warranty
Shine Solar offers a 25-year product warranty, a 12-year workmanship warranty, and a 30-year performance warranty. Additional protections include a five-year roof replacement guarantee and a panel buyback guarantee.
Financing Options
✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan
Reputation and Awards
Shine Solar has an A+ rating from the BBB and is accredited by the organization. While analyzing customer reviews, we learned that homeowners appreciated the timely installation process and knowledgeable staff but had issues with the company’s third-party lender options.
Blue Raven Solar
Blue Raven Solar has one of the best reputations for reliability and trustworthiness. It has won awards for its team and CEO, and customer reviews report great customer service and prompt installations. The company also stands out for its in-house financing, which includes 18 months of free solar energy.
Out of all solar brands in the market, 6.5% of our survey respondents chose Blue Raven.
How We Scored Blue Raven Solar
Blue Raven received 4.4 out of 5 stars according to our rating system. The company scored the most points for its customer service reputation and warranty coverage. It also earned points for providing all standard solar panel services but lost some due to its limited financing options and lack of roof leak coverage.
- Solar Equipment and Services (18 out of 25 points): Blue Raven offers solar panel and battery installation, active monitoring services, and energy audits. However, it doesn’t offer solar roofs, EV chargers, or additional roofing services.
- Warranty and Performance Guarantees (22 out of 25 points): The company offers top-of-the-line warranties, including a 25-year workmanship warranty. The company earned points fo providing a performance guarantee, but its guarantee is shorter than many other providers. However, it doesn’t provide any roof leak coverage.
- Brand Reputation and Professional Certifications (13 out of 15 points): Blue Raven has high customer review ratings on its BBB profile and other popular review sites. The company uses in-house installers but doesn’t ensure they’re NABCEP-certified, which made it lose some points in this category.
- Financing Options (12 out of 15 points): Blue Raven offers some of the best in-house financing of the companies this list, but it limits this financing to solar loans. You may want to consider a different provider, such as Sunrun, if you’re looking for a lease or PPA.
- Industry Experience (7 out of 10 points): Blue Raven has less experience than other providers, with only 10 years in the industry.
- State Availability (7 out of 10 points): The company limits its service area to 19 states.
Warranty and Financing
Warranty
A Blue Raven system has a 25-year product warranty, a 10-year workmanship warranty, and a two-year production guarantee.
Financing Options
✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan
State Availability
Available in: Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington
Reputation and Reviews
Blue Raven has won numerous awards from Comparably, a site known for its company culture and reputation reviews. It also ranked No. 20 on Glassdoor’s Best Place to Work in the USA in 2021.
Blue Raven is accredited by the BBB and currently holds an A+ rating. We noted that customers praised the knowledgeable staff and prompt installation but cited poor communication after completing projects. We analyzed several consumer reviews and found that some of these issues stem from the company’s financing department and third-party installers.
Note: In July 2024, SunPower notified dealers it would be halting all new shipments and project installations. The company also noted it would “no longer be supporting new Leases and PPA sales nor new project installations of these financing options.
What Are the Available Solar Incentives in Kansas?
Kansas’s state and federal governments have introduced various incentive programs to reduce the cost of solar panel installation. Some are more localized, such as net-metering programs, but others are accessible to all Kansas homeowners. Explore the different solar incentives in Kansas below.
Federal Solar Tax Credit
The 30% federal solar tax credit is a significant financial incentive. It allows you to subtract 30% of your solar installation costs from what you owe in federal taxes. For example, purchasing a $12,000 system would result in $3,600 in savings on your federal income taxes.
Net Metering in Kansas
Kansas mandates that most homeowners with solar systems are reimbursed for generating excess energy. Kansas has a well-established net metering program backed by the Kansas Corporation Commission. A net metering program allows you to send the excess energy your system generates back to the grid in exchange for credits on your electricity bill. The rate of these credits varies according to your contract, how much power your solar panels produce, and the rate your utility company offers.
Other Local Solar Rebates
While Kansas has no specific statewide rebate program, many residents can enjoy reduced out-of-pocket costs thanks to local utility rebates. Installing solar panels increases your home value, which typically means higher property taxes. However, Kansas’s property tax exemption prevents you from paying taxes on the higher value of your home. Make sure to check with your utility company for any rebate programs they may offer.
What Should You Look For in a Solar Company?
You’ll need to consider several factors to compare solar companies and find the right provider for your needs. Here are some of the main things to think about.
Solar Services
All solar providers install solar panels, but we recommend looking for companies that offer additional services, such as solar battery installation. This will allow you to build a more comprehensive, efficient solar energy system. We also suggest looking for installers that provide system monitoring. This allows your solar installation company to monitor your system for any issues or malfunctions and perform required repairs or panel maintenance. Some companies also provide services such as energy efficiency audits, pest abatement, and roofing.
Warranties
A 25-year equipment or manufacturer warranty is standard in the solar industry. Solar panels last an average of 25 years, so this warranty ensures coverage throughout their lifetime. You should find a company that offers a labor or workmanship warranty to cover the cost of any needed repairs or replacements due to installation errors. Some solar companies also include performance warranties that guarantee panel performance for a set time frame. These are a marker of quality service.
Payment Options
We recommend paying for solar panels up front in cash or by taking out a solar loan. This solar financing option provides the best return on investment (ROI), granting you system ownership and qualifying for federal and state solar incentives.
If a large up-front investment isn’t within your budget or your credit score is low, you can consider a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). However, these options have fewer financial advantages because your solar company remains the system owner, so you can’t qualify for incentives.
Customer Support
Solar panel systems require ongoing support after installation. We suggest looking for companies that offer various ways to contact customer support, such as via phone, email, or online. Installers that offer routine solar panel maintenance are also recommended. Providing educational resources, such as an online blog, is another marker of quality because it shows the company cares about keeping its customers informed.
How To Get a Solar Quote in Kansas
Securing a solar quote in Kansas is straightforward. Here’s how to get started:
- Contact the solar company: Fill out an online form or call the company. Be prepared to provide your address to ensure they’re available in your area.
- Assess your energy usage: Provide recent energy bills to help determine the best system size. Past energy statements can help account for seasonal shifts in energy use as Kansans crank up their air conditioners during the summer.
- Evaluate your roof: A representative will assess your roof’s condition using satellite imaging or an in-person visit. Make a note of any needed repairs, as this will help inform the project design.
- Review your quote: Review your solar quote, which includes financing options like purchase, lease, or loan. Review your quote carefully to understand what’s offered in terms of cost, available financing, and system warranty. Ask about local incentives, such as the Kansas solar tax credit.
Our Conclusion
We recommend Blue Raven Solar for Kansas homeowners. We like that the company offers 18 months of free solar and boasts an excellent reputation in the industry and among its customers. We recommend getting quotes from at least three providers to compare products, warranty options, and additional services before making a decision.
Other Kansas Home Service Resources
- Home Warranty Kansas
- Pet Insurance Kansas
- Moving Companies Kansas
FAQs About Solar Companies in Kansas
How do I get free solar panels in Kansas?
You cannot currently get free solar panels in Kansas. Be cautious if you are advertised free solar panels in the state.
Can you be off-grid in Kansas?
Yes, you can be off-grid in Kansas.
What is the break-even point for solar panels?
The break-even point for solar panels is the time it takes for your energy savings to outweigh how much you spent on your system. A typical payback period for residential solar is six to 10 years.
Our Rating Methodology
We are committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. After over a thousand hours of research on solar companies, interviews with experts, and common customer needs, we’ve created a detailed rating system for solar providers based on six factors:
- Solar equipment, installation, and services (25%)
- Warranty and performance guarantees (25%)
- Brand reputation and certifications (15%)
- Financing options (15%)
- Experience (10%)
- Availability (10%)
Total scores are divided by 20 for a final 5-point rating scale.
