The best solar installers in Kansas
A geographically balanced top 5 — two Kansas City metro (KS side) installers, one each in Lawrence and Wichita, plus one Topeka-area option — so homeowners across eastern and central Kansas have a local-to-them option in the top picks. For additional alternatives, see the Honorable mentions below.
Cromwell Solar Local
Why listed: Lawrence-headquartered, founded 2007 — among the longest-tenured Kansas-owned solar installers. Residential and commercial PV plus battery storage across the KC-metro (KS side), Lawrence, Topeka, and into western Missouri. EnergySage-listed with strong public review trail.
Good Energy Solutions Local
Why listed: Locally-owned KS installer founded in 2007 with NABCEP-certified installers on staff. Strong third-party verification stack (EnergySage and SolarReviews profiles), residential and commercial coverage, in-house electricians. The strongest second-quote alternative to Cromwell on the eastern-KS / KC-metro side.
Shinnova Home & Solar Local
Why listed: Kansas City metro home-improvement and solar contractor with offices on both the KS and MO sides of the metro — useful when coordinating solar with roofing, siding, or windows. The strongest Overland Park / Olathe / Lenexa-side top-5 option for homeowners who want a contractor inside the JoCo footprint.
Photon Brothers Local
Why listed: Colorado-headquartered installer with a Lenexa, KS office serving the KC metro. EnergySage Premier-tier with NABCEP-certified installers. Strong recent SolarReviews trail; in-house crews on the KC side rather than subcontracted. Good third quote alongside the two Lawrence-based installers.
Barkley Solar Local
Why listed: Wichita-headquartered residential and commercial solar installer — provides the south-central Kansas option in the top 5 so Wichita-area homeowners aren't forced to take bids only from KC-metro contractors. Strong local reviews; serves Sedgwick County and surrounding south-central KS.
National installers National
Sunrun, Tesla Energy, and Palmetto Solar are the major national installers still actively taking new Kansas residential contracts as of 2026. Palmetto Solar currently holds EnergySage's Elite+ tier — the platform's highest installer rating. National installers typically have larger sales footprints but also higher financing markup and more variable local service quality than the state-based installers above.
Avoid — recently bankrupt or exited: Sunnova (Chapter 11 June 2025), the original SunPower (Chapter 11 August 2024 — the current "SunPower Inc." is rebranded Complete Solaria, a separate company), ADT Solar (exited residential solar January 2024 — warranty service only), Trinity Solar (East Coast only, doesn't serve most states), and Freedom Forever (Chapter 11 April 2026). If a salesperson contacts you under any of these brand names, ask which legal entity is actually signing the contract and warranty.
For the complete list of national installers with state coverage maps, financing terms, and ratings:
Honorable mentions
Additional installers worth getting a quote from — Kansas-based alternatives and EnergySage-screened regional installers that serve Kansas from neighboring states.
Other Kansas-based installers
King Solar Local
Why listed: Yoder-headquartered Kansas solar installer operating since 1982 — one of the longest-tenured KS-owned solar contractors. EnergySage-listed. Additional south-central KS option alongside Barkley Solar for Wichita-metro and Hutchinson-area homeowners.
Regional installers serving Kansas
Worth a quote if you're in border counties (close to MO, OK, or NE) where regional installers have crews working nearby, but expect longer drive times for service calls than a fully Kansas-based installer.
SEK Solar Regional
Why listed: EnergySage Approved-tier installer based in southeast Kansas. 15+ years of solar industry experience on the founding team, multilingual (English/German/Spanish). Tesla, EG4, Solis, Growatt equipment. 2-year workmanship + roof-leakage warranty. Strong fit for Chanute, Pittsburg, and Fort Scott homeowners and the southeast-KS rural footprint.
StraightUp Solar Regional
Why listed: St. Louis-headquartered B Corp residential and commercial installer with strong EnergySage and SolarReviews profiles. Useful KC-metro option for homeowners who want a third quote from a B Corp-certified operator with a long Missouri track record.
Kansas does not have a statewide solar contractor license — verify your installer's local jurisdiction electrical license and ask for proof of general liability and workers comp insurance before signing.
Kansas solar economics in 2026
| Metric | Kansas average |
|---|---|
| Average residential rate | $0.13–$0.15 / kWh |
| Typical 8 kW system cost (cash) | $22,000–$28,000 before incentives |
| Average $/W | $2.75–3.50 |
| Average annual production (kWh per kW) | ~1,400–1,550 kWh/kW/year |
| Net metering structure | Net metering at retail (limited; varies by utility) |
| Average cash payback | 12–16 years |
For full state-by-state cost comparison see solar cost by state.
Kansas solar incentives and rebates (2026)
Kansas stacks federal credit pathways (commercial Section 48E for businesses and third-party-owned residential), state-level credits/rebates where applicable, statutory tax exemptions, and utility-specific programs. Below is the 2026 picture with links to authoritative sources.
Federal credits (2026)
- Commercial Section 48E (Clean Electricity Investment Credit): Available to businesses, farms, and to third-party owners in lease/PPA structures (which can pass the benefit through as lower monthly payments). FEOC restrictions apply — see FEOC rules guide and FEOC compliant parts list. IRS — Clean Electricity Investment Credit.
- USDA REAP grants (agricultural / rural small business): Up to 50% of project cost, with low-interest loan guarantees on top. Quarterly application windows. "Before you build" rules — you must apply before construction starts. USDA — REAP Program.
- Federal 30C EV Charger Tax Credit: Up to 30% of eligible EV charging equipment + installation costs at qualifying locations. Expires for property placed in service after June 30, 2026. IRS — 30C Credit.
Kansas state-level incentives
- Property tax exemption: KS Statute §79-201 — property tax exemption for solar.
- Sales tax: KS does not specifically exempt residential solar.
Net metering & utility programs in Kansas
KS NEM varies by utility; many wound down to demand-charge structures for new solar customers. See also net metering explained.
- Evergy: NEM with demand charge for new solar customers (verify 2026) www.evergy.com
Kansas EV charger and EV-purchase incentives (2026)
- Federal 30C EV Charger Tax Credit: Up to 30% of eligible equipment + installation in qualifying low-income / non-urban census tracts. Expires June 30, 2026 for property placed in service after that date.
- Many Kansas utilities and cooperatives offer Level 2 EV charger rebates ($150–$800 typical) often tied to TOU enrollment or smart-charger requirements. Check directly with your specific utility.
Authoritative sources to verify before signing
- Kansas Corporation Commission: kcc.ks.gov
- DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency): programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=KS — searchable national database, kept current by NC State.
- Federal IRS guidance: irs.gov — Clean Electricity Investment Credit
What to verify before signing in Kansas
- Contractor license: Verify with your state contractor licensing authority before signing.
- NABCEP certification: Most reputable installers carry NABCEP-certified installers on staff. Ask which crew member holds the certification.
- Insurance: General liability + workers comp + roofer's insurance separate from electrical insurance.
- References from your county: Permitting and inspection requirements vary. Ask for 2–3 references from your specific county.
- Get at least three bids: Solar bids vary by 20–35% on the same scope of work. See how to compare solar bids.
Got bids from Kansas installers? Compare them properly.
Upload up to four solar proposals from any Kansas installer. The analyzer compares $/W, production estimates, equipment, and financing structure — and tells you which one to sign.
Analyze My Bids →Frequently asked questions about Kansas solar
Does solar make sense in Kansas?
Yes for most homeowners with a $150+ monthly electric bill, an unshaded roof, and 8+ years of expected ownership. Kansas's specific economics are summarized in the table above.
How much does a typical Kansas solar install cost in 2026?
$22,000–$28,000 for an 8 kW system before incentives. Effective net cost depends on your state and utility incentives.
Should I get more than three bids?
Yes — three is a minimum. Four or five is better. Solar bids vary by 20–35% on the same scope of work. See how to compare solar bids.
Are there other reputable Kansas solar installers besides these?
Many. The list above represents installers with strong public profiles in Kansas; reputable installers exist beyond it. Get bids from a mix and compare them objectively rather than relying on any one list.