Best Solar Panel Installation Companies in Kansas
While net metering isn't available everywhere in Kansas, going solar can still be a viable way to cut your power bills.
The companies providing quotes may differ from those described in our independent reviews.
Solar panels let you use the power of the sun to energize your home in the Sunflower State.
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.
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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
The companies below come from CNET's list of best national solar companies.
Palmetto Solar
Best overall
Read full reviewSolar panels are typically low maintenance equipment, but they're also unfamiliar. If you want to reap the benefits of solar but will have a bit more peace of mind if someone else is making sure it's working, Palmetto might be a good fit for you. Just remember to add the cost of Palmetto's monitoring service in to your payback period calculations.
- Equipment 9.3 / 10
- Warranty 6 / 10
- Service 10 / 10
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EnergyPal
Most flexible
Read full reviewEnergyPal is more than just a middleman. It'll handle your solar installation from beginning to end while also allowing you to benefit from its proprietary engine and competitive bidding process. The company offers a range of hardware for panels, batteries and inverters, has plentiful financing options and offers responsive customer service support.
- Equipment 8.7 / 10
- Warranty 6.5 / 10
- Service 7 / 10
Show more details
Tesla Solar
Most affordable
Read full reviewTesla's solar branch seems to be the least loved of Elon Musk's ventures. Even Tesla's Solar Roof seems to get more love.
If price is the thing you won't budge on, consider Tesla. By all accounts, Tesla installs quality panels and makes the closest thing there is to a household name in solar storage: the Powerwall.
Where you might miss out is customer service. Discussion online seems to suggest Tesla's service is a bit of a gamble.
- Equipment 7.3 / 10
- Warranty 6.5 / 10
- Service 8 / 10
Show more details
Local solar panel companies in Kansas
National companies can offer the stability of a long-term track record, but local companies may have less overhead. Here are a few of those operating in Kansas. These local companies haven't been reviewed by CNET.
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.
How to decide which solar installer in Kansas is right for you
Kansas has 24 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. Some companies in Kansas say they're connected with the state's utilities, but none of the utilities have preferred contractors, according to Dorothy Barnett, executive director of the Climate + Energy Project, a Kansas clean energy advocacy group. "That's a red flag," she said. She recommends buyers work with local Kansas companies and get at least two bids.
Cost of solar panels in Kansas
Here's a look at the average cash price for a typical solar panel system in Kansas before factoring in tax credits and incentives, according to data from FindEnergy.com. Your system might cost more if you get a solar battery.
Average cost of solar panels in Kansas
| Typical system size (kW) | Price per watt | Total installed cost | Cost after 30% federal tax credit | |
| Kansas | 5 | $3.72 | $18,600 | $13,020 |
| National average | 5 | $3.58 | $17,900 | $12,530 |
The following map provides data for the average total cash price, cost per watt and system size for a typical solar panel system in your state, according to FindEnergy.com. These prices don't account for rebates from tax credits or state incentives. Certain states don't have any FindEnergy solar data and are grayed out on the map.
Kansas solar panel incentives and rebates
If you're in an area served by a major utility, you're likely able to connect a solar system to the grid pretty easily. It can be more difficult if you're served by a municipal power company or rural electric cooperative, Barnett said. Those utilities aren't covered by the state's net metering law, which sets standards for how power companies connect small solar systems to the grid.
"If you live in a more rural part of the state, it's possible you won't be able to net meter a system currently," Barnett told CNET. "Or if you are allowed to net meter a system, you might be charged an additional grid access charge or a ridiculously high application fee to apply for an interconnection."
The biggest opportunity for Kansans to get help with solar panels is a federal program, the residential clean energy credit, which provides a tax credit of up to 30% of the cost of a solar system. The credit, recently expanded and extended in the Inflation Reduction Act passed in 2022, has no limit on how much you can claim. One potential hitch: You'll likely have to wait until after you file your taxes the next year to get the money.
Here's a look at the incentives available to you.
Kansas solar incentives
| Program | Description |
|---|---|
| Residential clean energy credit | This federal tax credit covers up to 30% of the cost of your solar installation. The exact amount it covers depends on how much you pay in federal tax that year. |
| Rural Energy for America Program | This program of the US Department of Agriculture offers guaranteed loans and grants to farmers and rural businesses that are interested in solar or other energy efficiency projects. |
| Property tax exemption | Kansas law provides a property tax exemption for 10 years for property used to generate renewable energy. |
How solar-friendly is your state?
CNET recently ranked states based on their residential solar policies: the laws and regulations affecting consumer-level solar panel installation and adoption. These policies play a major role in determining how accessible and affordable a solar panel system is to the average resident.
Each state was evaluated through a methodology and scored based on eight categories. The final score was converted to a letter grade.
Here's how your state scored on CNET's solar policy test.
Kansas
Grade: F
Incentives available:
- State-governed net metering at fraction of retail rate
- Solar panel systems fully exempt from property taxes for 10 years
Strongest scoring categories:
Kansas homeowners who install solar panel systems have a full exemption from property taxes, but only for the first 10 years post-installation. There's also fractional net metering that'll let solar panel system owners exchange their excess electricity, though not for 1:1 credit at the retail rate.
Categories to improve:
Kansas offers no sales tax exemption on solar panel systems, no state solar tax credit, no low-income programs and no community solar programs.
How to pay for solar panels in Kansas
As with any major purchase, you need to think about where the money for the panels will come from. Despite the federal tax credit, you'll have to cover most of the price of the installation. And the money from the tax credit won't be yours until after you've filed your taxes for the year the panels are installed.
Here are some ways to pay for solar panels:
Cash: This is the simplest approach, but it works only if you happen to have tens of thousands of dollars sitting around in a bank account. If you don't have that yet, but you want solar panels in the future, consider saving money in a high-yield savings account. Interest rates are high right now, and this can help you save faster.
Solar loan: Your solar installer likely has a relationship with a bank or other financial institution to offer a loan designed for solar panels. This can be a great deal, but you'll want to get multiple offers to ensure the rates and terms are the best.
Home equity: You don't have to use a loan from your solar company. Financial institutions offer home equity loans and lines of credit (or HELOCs) that are commonly used for home improvement projects. These loans can be used for basically any purpose, and they may be a good fit for your solar project. Shop around and make sure you're getting the best deal.
Personal loan: You can also borrow the money through a personal loan. The main difference between a personal loan and a home equity loan is that a personal loan is typically unsecured. That means your house isn't at risk. The downside is they tend to have shorter terms and higher interest rates than home equity products.
Installation factors to keep in mind
Solar panels can put a big dent in your power bill and help you make a difference in moving away from fossil fuels, but they aren't right for everyone. Going solar when it doesn't make sense can turn that promise into a nightmare. Here are some things to consider before taking the plunge.
- Location, location, location: If you live in a wide-open area where your home feels the sun all day, solar panels might be great. If your rooftop is surrounded on all sides by big trees, the panels might not get enough light to be worth it. Also consider the angle of your home -- panels in the US tend to do best on south-facing slopes.
- Your roof: Solar panels are a long-term commitment for your roof. Make sure it's ready for it. If you're looking at replacing your shingles in the next few years, or if you have damage that'll need repair soon, that might take precedence over installing solar panels.
- HOA and neighborhood regulations: Check with your homeowners association and local government to see if there are any requirements you must meet before you can install panels.
- Insurance coverage: Your homeowners insurance will likely cover the solar panels, but you should call ahead of time to check and make sure.
- If you rent: You may not be able to get solar panels installed on your home if you don't own it. There are other options, including community solar, in which you pay for panels at a separate site and receive a share of the energy that facility produces. Community solar "has not taken off" yet in Kansas because of regulations, Barnett said, but there are a few options.
How we evaluate solar companies
Our methodology
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.
Kansas solar FAQs
Do you have to pay an extra fee on your utility bill if you have solar panels?
The Kansas Supreme Court in 2020 struck down an additional fee charged by a utility company for customers who produced their own energy. The court said the practice was price discrimination, and that utilities can't charge those who produce their own energy more than they charge other customers.
Does Kansas have net metering?
It depends on your utility. The state's net metering law requires the two major investor-owned utilities -- Evergy and Empire District -- to offer net metering until net-metered systems equal 1% of their peak demand. Electric cooperatives and municipal electric providers aren't required to offer net metering, although many do.
Are all solar panels the same?
Not quite. Some are more efficient than others. Here are our picks for the best solar panels. Want a different look? You can also get solar shingles or a solar roof, which look more like traditional shingles.
Tesla Solar Roof</a>&nbsp;comes with a 25-year product warranty and a performance warranty at 95% capacity after five years and 85% after 25 years. However, the Solar Roof has a much higher price tag than many competitors' offerings.&nbsp;</p><p>Meanwhile, Tesla solar panels are more affordable than the Solar Roof, and the quality remains high. Its solar panels are warranted at 85% capacity after 25 years and have an efficiency range between 19.3% to 20.6%. However, it's worth noting that some Tesla customers have reported issues with customer service. Read our&nbsp;<a href=https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/kansas-solar-panels/"https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/tesla-solar-panels-review-cheaper-than-other-national-players/">full review of Tesla Solar</a>&nbsp;for more details.</p>" hed="Tesla Solar" superlative="Most affordable" imagegroup="{}" linktext="Read full review" linkurl="https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/tesla-solar-panels-review-cheaper-than-other-national-players/" offer="{"id":"1b0d6bf8-9444-4b68-a752-4bce4b3a4d6e","slug":"tesla-solar","label":"Tesla Solar","edition":["US","ES"],"imageId":"","imgWidth":null,"imgHeight":null,"objectType":"content_product","typeLabel":"Tech Product","imgUrl":null,"icon":"type-icon ct-cmg-tech-product ct-small"}" techobjectinfo="{"uuid":"1b0d6bf8-9444-4b68-a752-4bce4b3a4d6e","name":"Tesla Solar","slug":"tesla-solar","productType":"PRODUCT","updateType":"PRISM","mod":1699021213251,"displayDate":"Fri Nov 03 2023 10:20:13 GMT-0400 (Eastern Daylight Time)"}" merchantoffers="[{"useMonetization":true,"monetizedUrl":"","offerMerchant":"Tesla","offerPrice":"","monetizationStatus":"error","rawUrl":"https://www.tesla.com/solarpanels","url":"https://www.tesla.com/solarpanels"}]" usepricing="true" data-key="cnetlisticle__b0b84334-b540-40c8-b93c-c0f2093f7d03" position="NaN" api="{"_id":{"$oid":"671ffa0637bd9527a1c68bd5"},"newParentVersionId":"20c84b20-1576-44c0-a97e-d0b478a34079","uuid":"b0b84334-b540-40c8-b93c-c0f2093f7d03","description":"<p>Tesla became a big player in the solar market in 2016 when it purchased SolarCity, significantly increasing Tesla's installation capacity. Between the solar panel branch of Tesla and the Tesla Solar Roof, Tesla is one of the most recognizable brands in the industry.</p><p>The price tag, efficiency rating and warranty terms will differ depending on the solar system you buy from Tesla. The&nbsp;<a href=https://www.cnet.com/"https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/tesla-solar-roof-is-the-sleekest-solar-option-your-best-one//">Tesla Solar Roof</a>&nbsp;comes with a 25-year product warranty and a performance warranty at 95% capacity after five years and 85% after 25 years. However, the Solar Roof has a much higher price tag than many competitors' offerings.&nbsp;</p><p>Meanwhile, Tesla solar panels are more affordable than the Solar Roof, and the quality remains high. Its solar panels are warranted at 85% capacity after 25 years and have an efficiency range between 19.3% to 20.6%. However, it's worth noting that some Tesla customers have reported issues with customer service. Read our&nbsp;<a href=https://www.cnet.com/"https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/tesla-solar-panels-review-cheaper-than-other-national-players//">full review of Tesla Solar</a>&nbsp;for more details.</p>","dislike":"","hed":"Tesla Solar","imageCaptionOverride":"","imageCreditOverride":"","imageGroup":{},"isLive":true,"like":"","merchantOffers":[{"useMonetization":true,"monetizedUrl":"","offerMerchant":"Tesla","offerPrice":"","monetizationStatus":"error","rawUrl":"https://www.tesla.com/solarpanels","url":"https://www.tesla.com/solarpanels"}],"metadata":{"parentId":"146dbb2c-54c0-4ce0-8a66-de42c9ec3a06","parentContentType":"content_article","slug":"kansas-solar-panels","dateUpdated":{"date":"2024-10-28 22:29:26.037048","timezone_type":3,"timezone":"UTC"},"timestamp":1730154566000,"lastUpdatedBy":"trbennett@redventures.com","edition":"us"},"shortcodeType":"listicle","siteId":1,"subhed":"Most affordable","supplementalText":"Read full review","supplementalUrl":"https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/tesla-solar-panels-review-cheaper-than-other-national-players/","techObjectInfo":{"uuid":"1b0d6bf8-9444-4b68-a752-4bce4b3a4d6e","slug":"tesla-solar","name":"Tesla Solar","productType":"PRODUCT","updateType":"PRISM","mod":1730148871472},"techProdUuid":"1b0d6bf8-9444-4b68-a752-4bce4b3a4d6e","usePricing":true,"techProd":{"id":"1b0d6bf8-9444-4b68-a752-4bce4b3a4d6e","assetId":null,"attributes":[{"val":["CNETTeslaEnergy"],"valSlug":["cnetteslaenergy"],"name":"Manufacturer SKU","id":100007,"slug":"manufacturersku"},{"val":["https://www.cnet.com/a/img/hub/2023/08/22/94024831-b94f-4d15-9c19-9607e2913c65/04-tesla-solar.png"],"valSlug":["https-www-cnet-com"],"name":"Listicle Image URL","id":5082661,"slug":"listicle-image-url"},{"val":["https://www.cnet.com/a/img/hub/2023/08/23/79a9f9a2-b3f9-4624-abc7-eb3ff7aad4a1/tesla.png"],"valSlug":["https-www-cnet-com"],"name":"Precap Image URL","id":5082660,"slug":"precap-image-url"},{"val":["Tesla's solar branch seems to be the least loved of Elon Musk's ventures. 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Here are a few of those operating in Kansas. These local companies haven't been reviewed by CNET.</p><shortcode shortcode="cnetlisticle" id="b26718c3-c808-490a-9496-7f33bd0088c6" edition="us" description="<p>Lawrence-based&nbsp;<a href=https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/kansas-solar-panels/"http://www.cromwellsolar.com/">Cromwell Solar</a>&nbsp;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.&nbsp;</p>" hed="Cromwell Solar" imagegroup="{}" merchantoffers="[{"useMonetization":true,"monetizedUrl":"","offerMerchant":"Cromwell Solar","offerPrice":"","monetizationStatus":"error","rawUrl":"http://www.cromwellsolar.com/","url":"http://www.cromwellsolar.com/"}]" usepricing="true" data-key="cnetlisticle__b26718c3-c808-490a-9496-7f33bd0088c6" position="NaN" api="{"_id":{"$oid":"671ffa0737bd9527a1c68be3"},"newParentVersionId":"20c84b20-1576-44c0-a97e-d0b478a34079","uuid":"b26718c3-c808-490a-9496-7f33bd0088c6","description":"<p>Lawrence-based&nbsp;<a href=https://www.cnet.com/"http://www.cromwellsolar.com//">Cromwell Solar</a>&nbsp;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.&nbsp;</p>","dislike":"","hed":"Cromwell Solar","imageCaptionOverride":"","imageCreditOverride":"","imageGroup":{},"isLive":true,"like":"","merchantOffers":[{"useMonetization":true,"monetizedUrl":"","offerMerchant":"Cromwell Solar","offerPrice":"","monetizationStatus":"error","rawUrl":"http://www.cromwellsolar.com/","url":"http://www.cromwellsolar.com/"}],"metadata":{"parentId":"146dbb2c-54c0-4ce0-8a66-de42c9ec3a06","parentContentType":"content_article","slug":"kansas-solar-panels","dateUpdated":{"date":"2024-10-28 22:29:26.115281","timezone_type":3,"timezone":"UTC"},"timestamp":1730154566000,"lastUpdatedBy":"trbennett@redventures.com","edition":"us"},"shortcodeType":"listicle","siteId":1,"subhed":"","supplementalText":"","supplementalUrl":"","techProdUuid":"","usePricing":true,"techObjectInfo":null}"> </shortcode><shortcode shortcode="cnetlisticle" id="77f91c68-ac19-4b82-8a52-30ea55296252" edition="us" description="<p>Also based in Lawrence,&nbsp;<a href=https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/kansas-solar-panels/"https://goodenergysolutions.com/">Good Energy Solutions</a>&nbsp;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.</p>" hed="Good Energy Solutions" imagegroup="{}" merchantoffers="[{"useMonetization":true,"monetizedUrl":"","offerMerchant":"Good Energy Solutions","offerPrice":"","monetizationStatus":"error","rawUrl":"https://goodenergysolutions.com/","url":"https://goodenergysolutions.com/"}]" usepricing="true" data-key="cnetlisticle__77f91c68-ac19-4b82-8a52-30ea55296252" position="NaN" api="{"_id":{"$oid":"671ffa0737bd9527a1c68bf1"},"newParentVersionId":"20c84b20-1576-44c0-a97e-d0b478a34079","uuid":"77f91c68-ac19-4b82-8a52-30ea55296252","description":"<p>Also based in Lawrence,&nbsp;<a href=https://www.cnet.com/"https://goodenergysolutions.com//">Good Energy Solutions</a>&nbsp;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.</p>","dislike":"","hed":"Good Energy Solutions","imageCaptionOverride":"","imageCreditOverride":"","imageGroup":{},"isLive":true,"like":"","merchantOffers":[{"useMonetization":true,"monetizedUrl":"","offerMerchant":"Good Energy Solutions","offerPrice":"","monetizationStatus":"error","rawUrl":"https://goodenergysolutions.com/","url":"https://goodenergysolutions.com/"}],"metadata":{"parentId":"146dbb2c-54c0-4ce0-8a66-de42c9ec3a06","parentContentType":"content_article","slug":"kansas-solar-panels","dateUpdated":{"date":"2024-10-28 22:29:26.200655","timezone_type":3,"timezone":"UTC"},"timestamp":1730154566000,"lastUpdatedBy":"trbennett@redventures.com","edition":"us"},"shortcodeType":"listicle","siteId":1,"subhed":"","supplementalText":"","supplementalUrl":"","techProdUuid":"","usePricing":true,"techObjectInfo":null}"> </shortcode><shortcode shortcode="cnetlisticle" id="9ba439a8-9f9c-4df2-a9d2-e1604c1d40be" edition="us" description="<p><a href=https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/kansas-solar-panels/"https://www.kingsolar.net/">King Solar</a>&nbsp;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.</p>" hed="King Solar" imagegroup="{}" merchantoffers="[{"useMonetization":true,"monetizedUrl":"","offerMerchant":"King Solar","offerPrice":"","monetizationStatus":"error","rawUrl":"https://www.kingsolar.net/","url":"https://www.kingsolar.net/"}]" usepricing="true" data-key="cnetlisticle__9ba439a8-9f9c-4df2-a9d2-e1604c1d40be" position="NaN" api="{"_id":{"$oid":"671ffa0737bd9527a1c68c04"},"newParentVersionId":"20c84b20-1576-44c0-a97e-d0b478a34079","uuid":"9ba439a8-9f9c-4df2-a9d2-e1604c1d40be","description":"<p><a href=https://www.cnet.com/"https://www.kingsolar.net//">King Solar</a>&nbsp;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.</p>","dislike":"","hed":"King Solar","imageCaptionOverride":"","imageCreditOverride":"","imageGroup":{},"isLive":true,"like":"","merchantOffers":[{"useMonetization":true,"monetizedUrl":"","offerMerchant":"King Solar","offerPrice":"","monetizationStatus":"error","rawUrl":"https://www.kingsolar.net/","url":"https://www.kingsolar.net/"}],"metadata":{"parentId":"146dbb2c-54c0-4ce0-8a66-de42c9ec3a06","parentContentType":"content_article","slug":"kansas-solar-panels","dateUpdated":{"date":"2024-10-28 22:29:26.270064","timezone_type":3,"timezone":"UTC"},"timestamp":1730154566000,"lastUpdatedBy":"trbennett@redventures.com","edition":"us"},"shortcodeType":"listicle","siteId":1,"subhed":"","supplementalText":"","supplementalUrl":"","techProdUuid":"","usePricing":true,"techObjectInfo":null}"> </shortcode><h2>How to decide which solar installer in Kansas is right for you</h2><p>Kansas has 24 installers and developers, according to <a href=https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/kansas-solar-panels/"https://www.seia.org/state-solar-policy/kansas-solar" rel="nofollow">data</a> 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.</p><p>Keep an eye out for potentially <a href=https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/kansas-solar-panels/"https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/solar-panel-scams-7-red-flags-to-avoid/" rel="follow">deceptive advertising and scams</a>. Some companies in Kansas say they're connected with the state's utilities, but none of the utilities have preferred contractors, according to <a href=https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/kansas-solar-panels/"https://climateandenergy.org/who-we-are-main/leadership/bios/" rel="nofollow">Dorothy Barnett</a>, executive director of the Climate + Energy Project, a Kansas clean energy advocacy group. "That's a red flag," she said. She recommends buyers work with local Kansas companies and get at least two bids.</p><h2>Cost of solar panels in Kansas</h2><p>Here's a look at the <a href=https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/kansas-solar-panels/"https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/solar-panel-cost/" rel="follow">average cash price</a> for a typical solar panel system in Kansas before factoring in tax credits and incentives, according to data from FindEnergy.com. Your system might cost more if you get a <a href=https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/kansas-solar-panels/"https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/best-solar-batteries/" rel="follow">solar battery</a>.</p><shortcode shortcode="chart" type="GeekboxChart" chart="{"chart":[["<br>","Typical system size (kW)","Price per watt","Total installed cost","Cost after 30% federal tax credit"],["Kansas","5","$3.72","$18,600","$13,020"],["National average","5","$3.58","$17,900","$12,530"]],"chartName":"Average cost of solar panels in Kansas","headingRows":""}" edition="us"> </shortcode><p>The following map provides data for the average total cash price, cost per watt and system size for a typical solar panel system in your state, according to FindEnergy.com. These prices don't account for rebates from tax credits or state incentives. Certain states don't have any FindEnergy solar data and are grayed out on the map.</p><shortcode shortcode="codesnippet" code=https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/kansas-solar-panels/"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" encoding="base64" edition="us"> </shortcode><h2>Kansas solar panel incentives and rebates<br/></h2><p>If you're in an area served by a major utility, you're likely able to <a href=https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/kansas-solar-panels/"https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/net-metering-how-you-can-get-paid-for-solar-power-you-generate/" rel="follow">connect a solar system</a> to the grid pretty easily. It can be more difficult if you're served by a municipal power company or rural electric cooperative, Barnett said. Those utilities aren't covered by the state's <a href=https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/kansas-solar-panels/"https://kcc.ks.gov/electric/net-metering-in-kansas" rel="nofollow">net metering law</a>, which sets standards for how power companies connect small solar systems to the grid.</p><p>"If you live in a more rural part of the state, it's possible you won't be able to net meter a system currently," Barnett told CNET. "Or if you are allowed to net meter a system, you might be charged an additional grid access charge or a ridiculously high application fee to apply for an interconnection."</p><p>The biggest opportunity for Kansans to get help with solar panels is a federal program, the residential clean energy credit, which provides a tax credit of up to 30% of the cost of a solar system. The credit, recently expanded and extended in the <a href=https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/kansas-solar-panels/"https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/save-on-your-next-home-energy-upgrade-with-these-incentives/" rel="follow">Inflation Reduction Act</a> passed in 2022, has no limit on how much you can claim. One potential hitch: You'll likely have to wait until after you <shortcode shortcode="link" label="Best Tax Software for 2023: There's Still a Few Weeks Left to File Before Tax Day" asset-type="article" uuid="4db3ac26-f504-4b03-89bb-45b9a4405a09" slug="best-tax-software" link-text="file your taxes" href=https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/kansas-solar-panels/"https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/taxes/best-tax-software/" edition="us" data-key="link_bulk_key" api="{"id":"4db3ac26-f504-4b03-89bb-45b9a4405a09","slug":"best-tax-software","contentType":null,"edition":"us","topic":{"slug":"taxes"},"metaData":{"typeTitle":"Money WordPress","hubTopicPathString":"Finanzas personales^Taxes","reviewType":null},"section":"how_to"}"> </shortcode> the next year to get the money.</p><p>Here's a look at the incentives available to you.</p><shortcode shortcode="chart" type="GeekboxChart" chart="{"chart":[["Program","Description"],["Residential clean energy credit","This federal tax credit covers up to 30% of the cost of your solar installation. The exact amount it covers depends on how much you pay in federal tax that year."],["<a href=https://www.cnet.com/"https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/energy-programs/rural-energy-america-program-renewable-energy-systems-energy-efficiency-improvement-guaranteed-loans/">Rural Energy for America Program</a>","This program of the US Department of Agriculture offers guaranteed loans and grants to farmers and rural businesses that are interested in solar or other energy efficiency projects."],["<a href=https://www.cnet.com/"http://kslegislature.org/li_2016/b2015_16/measures/documents/summary_sb_91_2015.pdf/">Property tax exemption</a>","Kansas law provides a property tax exemption for 10 years for property used to generate renewable energy."]],"chartName":"Kansas solar incentives","headingRows":""}" edition="us"> </shortcode><h2>How solar-friendly is your state?</h2><shortcode shortcode="codesnippet" code=https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/kansas-solar-panels/"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" encoding="base64" edition="us"> </shortcode><p>CNET recently <a href=https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/kansas-solar-panels/"https://www.cnet.com/news/how-solar-friendly-is-your-state-we-scored-them-all/" rel="follow">ranked states</a> based on their residential solar policies: the laws and regulations affecting consumer-level solar panel installation and adoption. These policies play a major role in determining how accessible and affordable a solar panel system is to the average resident. </p><p>Each state was evaluated through a <a href=https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/kansas-solar-panels/"https://www.cnet.com/news/how-we-found-the-best-and-worst-us-states-for-solar-accessibility/" rel="follow">methodology</a> and scored based on eight categories. The final score was converted to a letter grade. </p><p>Here's how your state scored on CNET's solar policy test.</p><h3>Kansas</h3><p><strong>Grade: F</strong></p><p><strong>Incentives available:</strong></p><ul><li>State-governed net metering at fraction of retail rate</li><li>Solar panel systems fully exempt from property taxes for 10 years</li></ul><p><strong>Strongest scoring categories:</strong></p><p><a href=https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/kansas-solar-panels/"https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/kansas-solar-panels/" rel="follow">Kansas</a> homeowners who install solar panel systems have a full exemption from property taxes, but only for the first 10 years post-installation. There's also fractional net metering that'll let solar panel system owners exchange their excess electricity, though not for 1:1 credit at the retail rate.</p><p><strong>Categories to improve:</strong></p><p>Kansas offers no sales tax exemption on solar panel systems, no state solar tax credit, no low-income programs and no community solar programs.</p><h2>How to pay for solar panels in Kansas</h2><p>As with any major purchase, you need to think about where the money for the panels will come from. Despite the federal tax credit, you'll have to cover most of the price of the installation. And the money from the tax credit won't be yours until after you've filed your taxes for the year the panels are installed.</p><p>Here are some ways to pay for solar panels:</p><p><strong>Cash:</strong> This is the simplest approach, but it works only if you happen to have tens of thousands of dollars sitting around in a bank account. If you don't have that yet, but you want solar panels in the future, consider saving money in a <a href=https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/kansas-solar-panels/"https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/banking/best-high-yield-savings-accounts/" rel="follow">high-yield savings account</a>. Interest rates are high right now, and this can help you save faster.</p><p><strong>Solar loan:</strong> Your solar installer likely has a relationship with a bank or other financial institution to offer a loan designed for solar panels. This can be a great deal, but you'll want to get multiple offers to ensure the rates and terms are the best.</p><p><strong>Home equity:</strong> You don't have to use a loan from your solar company. Financial institutions offer <shortcode shortcode="link" label="Home Equity Loan Rates for April 2023" asset-type="article" uuid="aba7ffbc-fa5e-464c-ac2d-fd4a7963816d" slug="home-equity-loan-rates" link-text="home equity loans" href=https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/kansas-solar-panels/"https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/mortgages/home-equity-loan-rates/" edition="us" data-key="link_bulk_key" api="{"id":"aba7ffbc-fa5e-464c-ac2d-fd4a7963816d","slug":"home-equity-loan-rates","contentType":null,"edition":"us","topic":{"slug":"home-equity"},"metaData":{"typeTitle":"Money WordPress","hubTopicPathString":"Home Equity","reviewType":null},"section":"how_to"}"> </shortcode> and <a href=https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/kansas-solar-panels/"https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/mortgages/heloc-rates/" rel="follow">lines of credit</a> (or HELOCs) that are commonly used for home improvement projects. These loans can be used for basically any purpose, and they may be a good fit for your solar project. Shop around and make sure you're getting the best deal.</p><p><strong>Personal loan: </strong>You can also borrow the money through a <shortcode shortcode="link" label="Best Personal Loans for March 2023" asset-type="article" uuid="f349b2ea-32ff-42b0-98da-9c2c6c32bf72" slug="best-personal-loans" link-text="personal loan" href=https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/kansas-solar-panels/"https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/loans/best-personal-loans/" edition="us" data-key="link_bulk_key" api="{"id":"f349b2ea-32ff-42b0-98da-9c2c6c32bf72","slug":"best-personal-loans","contentType":null,"edition":"us","topic":{"slug":"loans"},"metaData":{"typeTitle":"Money WordPress","hubTopicPathString":"Loans","reviewType":null},"section":"how_to"}"> </shortcode>. The main difference between a personal loan and a home equity loan is that a personal loan is typically unsecured. That means your house isn't at risk. The downside is they tend to have shorter terms and higher interest rates than home equity products.</p><shortcode shortcode="commercepromo" id="419d215f-0e5d-4c9b-8847-4412b5c73737" edition="us" hed="Compare Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) Rates" imagegroup="{"alt":"Money and taxes","caption":"<p></p>","credits":"James Martin/CNET","imageData":{"id":"e2e43730-d9fa-4212-81e9-3d3f7abdd0cc","filename":"taxes-money-dollars-cash-fade-7242.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/hub/2024/02/27/e2e43730-d9fa-4212-81e9-3d3f7abdd0cc/taxes-money-dollars-cash-fade-7242.jpg","dateCreated":{"date":"2024-02-27 20:26:29","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false},"uuid":"e2e43730-d9fa-4212-81e9-3d3f7abdd0cc","imageFilename":"taxes-money-dollars-cash-fade-7242.jpg","imageDateCreated":"2024/02/27"}" overridecaption="<p></p>" overridecredit="James Martin/CNET" offerurl="https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/home-equity/heloc-rates/" offermerchant="CNET" techobjectinfo="{}" usemonetization="true" usepricing="true" data-key="commercepromo__419d215f-0e5d-4c9b-8847-4412b5c73737" position="NaN" url=https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/kansas-solar-panels/"https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/home-equity/heloc-rates/" api="{"_id":{"$oid":"671ffa0737bd9527a1c68c49"},"newParentVersionId":"20c84b20-1576-44c0-a97e-d0b478a34079","uuid":"419d215f-0e5d-4c9b-8847-4412b5c73737","hed":"Compare Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) Rates","imageCaptionOverride":"<p></p>","imageCreditOverride":"James Martin/CNET","imageGroup":{"alt":"Money and taxes","caption":"<p></p>","credits":"James Martin/CNET","imageData":{"id":"e2e43730-d9fa-4212-81e9-3d3f7abdd0cc","filename":"taxes-money-dollars-cash-fade-7242.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/hub/2024/02/27/e2e43730-d9fa-4212-81e9-3d3f7abdd0cc/taxes-money-dollars-cash-fade-7242.jpg","dateCreated":{"date":"2024-02-27 20:26:29","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false},"uuid":"e2e43730-d9fa-4212-81e9-3d3f7abdd0cc","imageFilename":"taxes-money-dollars-cash-fade-7242.jpg","imageDateCreated":"2024/02/27"},"isLive":true,"metadata":{"parentId":"146dbb2c-54c0-4ce0-8a66-de42c9ec3a06","parentContentType":"content_article","slug":"kansas-solar-panels","dateUpdated":{"date":"2024-10-28 22:29:26.328109","timezone_type":3,"timezone":"UTC"},"timestamp":1730154566000,"lastUpdatedBy":"trbennett@redventures.com","edition":"us"},"monetizedUrl":null,"offerMerchant":"CNET","offerPrice":"","offerUrl":"https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/home-equity/heloc-rates/","shortcodeType":"commercepromo","siteId":1,"techProd":{},"techProdUuid":"","useMonetization":true,"usePricing":true,"techObjectInfo":null,"url":"https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/home-equity/heloc-rates/"}"> </shortcode><h2>Installation factors to keep in mind<br/></h2><p>Solar panels can <a href=https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/kansas-solar-panels/"https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/do-solar-panels-save-money-yes-heres-how/" rel="follow">put a big dent in your power bill</a> and help you make a difference in moving away from fossil fuels, but they aren't right for everyone. Going solar when it doesn't make sense can turn that promise into a nightmare. Here are some things to consider before taking the plunge.</p><ul><li><strong>Location, location, location:</strong> If you live in a wide-open area where your home feels the sun all day, solar panels might be great. If your rooftop is surrounded on all sides by big trees, the panels might not get enough light to be worth it. Also consider the angle of your home -- panels in the US tend to <a href=https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/kansas-solar-panels/"https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/how-to-position-solar-panels-so-they-generate-the-most-energy/" rel="follow">do best on south-facing slopes</a>.</li><li><strong>Your roof:</strong> Solar panels are a long-term commitment for your roof. Make sure it's ready for it. If you're looking at replacing your shingles in the next few years, or if you have damage that'll need repair soon, that might take precedence over installing solar panels.</li><li><strong>HOA and neighborhood regulations: </strong>Check with your homeowners association and local government to see if there are any requirements you must meet before you can install panels.</li><li><strong>Insurance coverage:</strong> Your homeowners insurance will likely cover the solar panels, but you should call ahead of time to check and make sure.</li><li><strong>If you rent: </strong>You may not be able to get solar panels installed on your home if you don't own it. There are other options, including <a href=https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/kansas-solar-panels/"https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/community-solar-get-solar-power-for-your-home-without-rooftop-panels/" rel="follow">community solar</a>, in which you pay for panels at a separate site and receive a share of the energy that facility produces. Community solar "has not taken off" yet in Kansas because of regulations, Barnett said, but there are a few options.</li></ul><h2>How we evaluate solar companies</h2><shortcode shortcode="cnetlisticle" id="930a4d80-1c07-4122-b22d-c99e77018ab5" edition="us" description="<p>The companies we listed above as "the best" are curated from&nbsp;<a href=https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/kansas-solar-panels/"https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/best-solar-companies/#link=%7B%22linkText%22:%22CNET's%20best%20list%20for%20solar%20companies%22,%22target%22:%22%22,%22href%22:%22https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/best-solar-companies/%22,%22role%22:%22standard%22,%22absolute%22:%22%22%7D">CNET's best solar companies</a>&nbsp;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&nbsp;<a href=https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/kansas-solar-panels/"https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/how-we-review-solar-companies/#link=%7B%22linkText%22:%22how%20we%20review%20solar%20companies%22,%22target%22:%22%22,%22href%22:%22https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/how-we-review-solar-companies/%22,%22role%22:%22standard%22,%22absolute%22:%22%22%7D">how we review solar companies here</a>.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p>" hed="Our methodology" imagegroup="{}" merchantoffers="[]" usepricing="true" data-key="cnetlisticle__930a4d80-1c07-4122-b22d-c99e77018ab5" position="NaN" api="{"_id":{"$oid":"671ffa0737bd9527a1c68c09"},"newParentVersionId":"20c84b20-1576-44c0-a97e-d0b478a34079","uuid":"930a4d80-1c07-4122-b22d-c99e77018ab5","description":"<p>The companies we listed above as \"the best\" are curated from&nbsp;<a href=https://www.cnet.com/"https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/best-solar-companies/#link=%7B%22linkText%22:%22CNET's%20best%20list%20for%20solar%20companies%22,%22target%22:%22%22,%22href%22:%22https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/best-solar-companies/%22,%22role%22:%22standard%22,%22absolute%22:%22%22%7D\">CNET's best solar companies</a>&nbsp;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&nbsp;<a href=https://www.cnet.com/"https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/how-we-review-solar-companies/#link=%7B%22linkText%22:%22how%20we%20review%20solar%20companies%22,%22target%22:%22%22,%22href%22:%22https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/how-we-review-solar-companies/%22,%22role%22:%22standard%22,%22absolute%22:%22%22%7D\">how we review solar companies here</a>.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p>","dislike":"","hed":"Our methodology","imageCaptionOverride":"","imageCreditOverride":"","imageGroup":{},"isLive":true,"like":"","merchantOffers":[],"metadata":{"parentId":"146dbb2c-54c0-4ce0-8a66-de42c9ec3a06","parentContentType":"content_article","slug":"kansas-solar-panels","dateUpdated":{"date":"2024-10-28 22:29:26.277354","timezone_type":3,"timezone":"UTC"},"timestamp":1730154566000,"lastUpdatedBy":"trbennett@redventures.com","edition":"us"},"shortcodeType":"listicle","siteId":1,"subhed":"","supplementalText":"","supplementalUrl":"","techObjectInfo":null,"techProdUuid":"","usePricing":true}"> </shortcode><shortcode shortcode="codesnippet" code=https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/kansas-solar-panels/"PGgyIGNsYXNzPeKAnGxpc3RpY2xlX2dyb3VwX2hlZOKAnT5LYW5zYXMgc29sYXIgRkFRczwvaDI+" encoding="base64" edition="us"> </shortcode><shortcode shortcode="cnetlisticle" id="43d114b1-3160-4501-a1c2-32289fb35e1b" edition="us" description="<p>The <a href=https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/kansas-solar-panels/"https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/local/2020/04/03/kansas-supreme-court-balks-at-price-discrimination-against-home-solar-producers/1409430007/">Kansas Supreme Court in 2020 struck down</a> an additional fee charged by a utility company for customers who produced their own energy. The court said the practice was price discrimination, and that utilities can't charge those who produce their own energy more than they charge other customers.</p>" hed="Do you have to pay an extra fee on your utility bill if you have solar panels?" imagegroup="{}" merchantoffers="[]" usepricing="true" data-key="cnetlisticle__43d114b1-3160-4501-a1c2-32289fb35e1b" position="NaN" api="{"_id":{"$oid":"671ffa0737bd9527a1c68c12"},"newParentVersionId":"20c84b20-1576-44c0-a97e-d0b478a34079","uuid":"43d114b1-3160-4501-a1c2-32289fb35e1b","description":"<p>The <a href=https://www.cnet.com/"https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/local/2020/04/03/kansas-supreme-court-balks-at-price-discrimination-against-home-solar-producers/1409430007//">Kansas Supreme Court in 2020 struck down</a> an additional fee charged by a utility company for customers who produced their own energy. The court said the practice was price discrimination, and that utilities can't charge those who produce their own energy more than they charge other customers.</p>","dislike":"","hed":"Do you have to pay an extra fee on your utility bill if you have solar panels?","imageCaptionOverride":"","imageCreditOverride":"","imageGroup":{},"isLive":true,"like":"","merchantOffers":[],"metadata":{"parentId":"146dbb2c-54c0-4ce0-8a66-de42c9ec3a06","parentContentType":"content_article","slug":"kansas-solar-panels","dateUpdated":{"date":"2024-10-28 22:29:26.283483","timezone_type":3,"timezone":"UTC"},"timestamp":1730154566000,"lastUpdatedBy":"trbennett@redventures.com","edition":"us"},"shortcodeType":"listicle","siteId":1,"subhed":"","supplementalText":"","supplementalUrl":"","techObjectInfo":null,"techProdUuid":"","usePricing":true}"> </shortcode><shortcode shortcode="cnetlisticle" id="d6db2aa1-7530-423e-a6f8-ee1771e9eff1" edition="us" description="<p>It depends on your utility. The state's <a href=https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/kansas-solar-panels/"https://kcc.ks.gov/electric/net-metering-in-kansas">net metering law</a> requires the two major investor-owned utilities -- Evergy and Empire District -- to offer net metering until net-metered systems equal 1% of their peak demand. Electric cooperatives and municipal electric providers aren't required to offer net metering, although many do.&nbsp;</p>" hed="Does Kansas have net metering?" imagegroup="{}" merchantoffers="[]" usepricing="true" data-key="cnetlisticle__d6db2aa1-7530-423e-a6f8-ee1771e9eff1" position="NaN" api="{"_id":{"$oid":"671ffa0737bd9527a1c68c1d"},"newParentVersionId":"20c84b20-1576-44c0-a97e-d0b478a34079","uuid":"d6db2aa1-7530-423e-a6f8-ee1771e9eff1","description":"<p>It depends on your utility. The state's <a href=https://www.cnet.com/"https://kcc.ks.gov/electric/net-metering-in-kansas/">net metering law</a> requires the two major investor-owned utilities -- Evergy and Empire District -- to offer net metering until net-metered systems equal 1% of their peak demand. Electric cooperatives and municipal electric providers aren't required to offer net metering, although many do.&nbsp;</p>","dislike":"","hed":"Does Kansas have net metering?","imageCaptionOverride":"","imageCreditOverride":"","imageGroup":{},"isLive":true,"like":"","merchantOffers":[],"metadata":{"parentId":"146dbb2c-54c0-4ce0-8a66-de42c9ec3a06","parentContentType":"content_article","slug":"kansas-solar-panels","dateUpdated":{"date":"2024-10-28 22:29:26.289938","timezone_type":3,"timezone":"UTC"},"timestamp":1730154566000,"lastUpdatedBy":"trbennett@redventures.com","edition":"us"},"shortcodeType":"listicle","siteId":1,"subhed":"","supplementalText":"","supplementalUrl":"","techObjectInfo":null,"techProdUuid":"","usePricing":true}"> </shortcode><shortcode shortcode="cnetlisticle" id="a48e2b8f-0c41-469a-92d5-53cf7d474e3f" edition="us" description="<p>Not quite. Some are <a href=https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/kansas-solar-panels/"https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/most-efficient-solar-panels/">more efficient than others</a>. Here are our picks for the <a href=https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/kansas-solar-panels/"https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/best-solar-panels/">best solar panels</a>. Want a different look? You can also get solar shingles or a solar roof, which look more like traditional shingles.&nbsp;</p>" hed="Are all solar panels the same?" imagegroup="{}" merchantoffers="[]" usepricing="true" data-key="cnetlisticle__a48e2b8f-0c41-469a-92d5-53cf7d474e3f" position="NaN" api="{"_id":{"$oid":"671ffa0737bd9527a1c68c24"},"newParentVersionId":"20c84b20-1576-44c0-a97e-d0b478a34079","uuid":"a48e2b8f-0c41-469a-92d5-53cf7d474e3f","description":"<p>Not quite. Some are <a href=https://www.cnet.com/"https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/most-efficient-solar-panels//">more efficient than others</a>. Here are our picks for the <a href=https://www.cnet.com/"https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/best-solar-panels//">best solar panels</a>. Want a different look? You can also get solar shingles or a solar roof, which look more like traditional shingles.&nbsp;</p>","dislike":"","hed":"Are all solar panels the same?","imageCaptionOverride":"","imageCreditOverride":"","imageGroup":{},"isLive":true,"like":"","merchantOffers":[],"metadata":{"parentId":"146dbb2c-54c0-4ce0-8a66-de42c9ec3a06","parentContentType":"content_article","slug":"kansas-solar-panels","dateUpdated":{"date":"2024-10-28 22:29:26.295863","timezone_type":3,"timezone":"UTC"},"timestamp":1730154566000,"lastUpdatedBy":"trbennett@redventures.com","edition":"us"},"shortcodeType":"listicle","siteId":1,"subhed":"","supplementalText":"","supplementalUrl":"","techObjectInfo":null,"techProdUuid":"","usePricing":true}"> </shortcode>" class="c-energyAuthorInfo sm:u-col-2 md:u-col-6 lg:u-col-6 lg:u-col-start-2 g-border-thin-light-top"> 
Jon Reed Senior Editor
Jon Reed is a senior editor overseeing coverage for CNET's home, energy and utilities category. Jon has over a decade of experience of writing and reporting as a statehouse reporter in Columbus, Ohio, a crime reporter in Birmingham, Alabama, and as an mortgage and housing market editor for TIME's former personal finance brand, NextAdvisor.
Jon now leads coverage and strategy on CNET's Energy category and aims to help readers take charge of their home's energy usage and costs. Jon has first-hand experience testing home energy products such as portable power stations, home battery solutions and smart thermostats. Jon has showcased his expertise live on TV for news networks and his written work is often cited in major publications such as This Week in CleanTech, NASDAQ and MorningBrew's newsletter.
When not asking people questions about energy, he can usually be found half asleep trying to read a long history book while surrounded by multiple cats.
You can reach Jon at joreed@cnet.com
Expertise Energy, Solar Power, Renewable Energy, Climate Issues, Virtual Power Plants, Grid Infrastructure, Electric Vehicles, Plug-in Hybrids, Energy-Savings Tips, Smart Thermostats, Portable Power Stations, Home Battery Solutions, EV Charging Infrastructure, Home
Jon Reed is a senior editor overseeing coverage for CNET's home, energy and utilities category. Jon has over a decade of experience of writing and reporting as a statehouse reporter in Columbus, Ohio, a crime reporter in Birmingham, Alabama, and as an mortgage and housing market editor for TIME's former personal finance brand, NextAdvisor.
Jon now leads coverage and strategy on CNET's Energy category and aims to help readers take charge of their home's energy usage and costs. Jon has first-hand experience testing home energy products such as portable power stations, home battery solutions and smart thermostats. Jon has showcased his expertise live on TV for news networks and his written work is often cited in major publications such as This Week in CleanTech, NASDAQ and MorningBrew's newsletter.
When not asking people questions about energy, he can usually be found half asleep trying to read a long history book while surrounded by multiple cats.
You can reach Jon at joreed@cnet.com
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Jon Reed Senior Editor
Jon Reed is a senior editor overseeing coverage for CNET's home, energy and utilities category. Jon has over a decade of experience of writing and reporting as a statehouse reporter in Columbus, Ohio, a crime reporter in Birmingham, Alabama, and as an mortgage and housing market editor for TIME's former personal finance brand, NextAdvisor.
Jon now leads coverage and strategy on CNET's Energy category and aims to help readers take charge of their home's energy usage and costs. Jon has first-hand experience testing home energy products such as portable power stations, home battery solutions and smart thermostats. Jon has showcased his expertise live on TV for news networks and his written work is often cited in major publications such as This Week in CleanTech, NASDAQ and MorningBrew's newsletter.
When not asking people questions about energy, he can usually be found half asleep trying to read a long history book while surrounded by multiple cats.
You can reach Jon at joreed@cnet.com
Expertise Energy, Solar Power, Renewable Energy, Climate Issues, Virtual Power Plants, Grid Infrastructure, Electric Vehicles, Plug-in Hybrids, Energy-Savings Tips, Smart Thermostats, Portable Power Stations, Home Battery Solutions, EV Charging Infrastructure, Home
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