A state so strongly associated with sunflowers should be in tune with the power of the sun.
But putting solar panels on your Kansas roof might not be easy depending on where you live. Meanwhile, renewable wind power is the biggest source of electricity in the Sunflower State.
Kansas is lacking in net metering policies, which hurts your ability to capitalize on the excess energy produced by your solar panels. The state also lacks incentives for residential solar systems, but there are still plenty of reasons to consider solar panels on your home. That includes a major federal tax credit, which could cover up to 30% of the installation cost of your rooftop solar system.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re thinking about going solar in Kansas — starting with the best solar installation companies operating within the state.
Best national solar companies in Kansas
Kansas has 19 installers and developers, according to data from the Solar Energy Industries Association. How do you decide among them? The best way is to get bids from multiple companies and see which offers the best price and services.
Keep an eye out for potentially deceptive advertising and scams. Barnett said some companies in Kansas say they’re connected with the state’s utilities, but none of the utilities have preferred contractors. “That’s a red flag,” she said. She recommends buyers work with local Kansas companies and get at least two bids.
The companies here come from CNET’s list of best national solar companies.
SunPower Solar
Best solar panels
If you’re looking for top-of-the-line solar panels, SunPower is your best choice. But don’t write it off if you’re looking for a less flashy installation that will get the job done. This year it started installing Qcells panels, which should make an installation from the longest-tenured company on our list available to more people.
Lawrence-based Cromwell Solar was founded in 1982 and uses only its own installers and master or journeyman electricians. The company installs solar at residential and commercial properties as well as farms. It also offers generators and battery backup systems, which you can get even if you don’t get a solar system.
Also based in Lawrence, Good Energy Solutions installs SunPower panels, which are known for their efficiency and strong warranties. The company, which has been around since 2007, also operates in Missouri. Good Energy Solutions says it uses no subcontractors and that it also offers repair and maintenance for solar systems.
King Solar is based in Haven, outside Wichita. It serves the southern and central parts of the state. The company receives favorable online reviews from customers, many of whom praise the customer service.
The companies we listed above as “the best” are curated from CNET’s best solar companies list. Companies making the best list are scored on the equipment, warranties and customer service they offer. Then, we make sure these recommendations are available in your state. You can read a full breakdown of how we review solar companies here.
Companies listed under the local installers were chosen in a less rigorous way. We chose them because they offered something unique or notable to customers in the state, they seemed well-regarded by internet reviewers or because they were one of the few installers we could find information on in the state.
Whether we’ve completed a full review on a company or not, it’s always a good idea to get multiple quotes from different installers before choosing a company.
