The Best Solar Companies in Kansas – Who Should You Trust to Design & Install Your New Solar Energy System?

Hey there Kansas resident – if you find your monthly electricity bills almost as intense as the summer heat here, you likely dream of slashng those costs. Well going solar and harnessing all this free sunlight might be your ticket! As recent data shows, installations have grown over 600% in Kansas the past 5 years as prices drop and financing options improve.

So solar is definitely heating up here (pun intended). But with dozens of equipment packages and installer options now available to choose from, the process can get overwhelming quickly.

That‘s why I‘ve put together this comprehensive guide assessing the top solar companies in Kansas you should consider for your home. I‘ll overview:

• The 5 best solar installers in KS worth evaluating
• Money saving tips to shave $1000s off your project cost
• Key factors to weigh when deciding who to trust for the job
• If you‘ll actually SAVE money over time by going solar

By the end, you‘ll have all the solar knowledge needed to flip on your own energy production with confidence. Ok, let‘s shine some light on the details!

How Does Solar Energy Work in Kansas Exactly?

I won‘t bore you with a physics lesson, but at a high level solar uses photovoltaic cells (PV) that directly convert sunlight into usable electricity through the photovoltaic effect. Arranged together on panels mounted on your roof or ground, they essentially absorb photons from the sun then release electrons, generating a DC electric current.

This DC power feeds into an inverter converting it into the AC power used to run home appliances, outlets, electric vehicles, etc just like your normal utility electricity.

And thanks to Kansas averaging over 200 sunny days annually in most cities, our solar potential is immense!

Even better, you don’t need more than a 5 x 5 foot open section on a south/west-facing roof or ground spot to effectively start harnessing enough free energy from the sun to majorly slash your electric bills.

The Key Solar Energy Companies In Kansas I Recommend Evaluating

Ok, let‘s cover the top solar providers in KS I suggest considering for your home installation:

Blue Raven Solar

Blue Raven is one of the most reputable solar installers operating in Kansas. As a local company based in Utah with offices across the U.S, they offer very competitive pricing and outstanding financing plans that can minimize upfront costs substantially.

I like that Blue Raven focuses 100% on solar energy, so they are true subject matter experts. This shows through in their 5 star Google ratings and endorsements from leading industry groups like the EnergySage Solar Marketplace.

Some Pros I see with Blue Raven Solar:

• Exceptional pricing & financing options
• Use proven, high-efficiency equipment from trusted brands like Longi, QCells and Enphase microinverters
• Maintain local operations and internal (not subcontracted) install teams across Kansas
• Stand behind their work with 25-year system/10-year labor warranties

Potential Cons to Weigh:

• As a newer company, they have limited local brand recognition in the state currently
• Restricted flexibility around equipment options compared to alternatives

Overall I rank Blue Raven as a top option for Kansas residents based on affordability combined with demonstrations of quality I’ve observed from past customers.

Astrawatt Solar

Another leading local player based in Olathe KS, Astrawatt is a true veteran solar provider in the Midwest market. Founded originally in 2009 as Astra Energy, their rebranding as Astrawatt aligns with an expanded state focus and diversified product mix integrating storage battery solutions as well.

Earning distinctions like the Kansas City Small Business Award multiple years and the elite Tesla Powerwall certification, Astwatt‘s experience and expertise is proven.

Some Key Pros for Astrawatt Solar:

• Have installed over 1,500 residential and commercial Kansas solar systems
• Obtain premium equipment from leading brands like REC, Silfab and Enphase
• Astrawatt University training program produces knowledgeable, certified install teams
• Tesla Powerwall certified with proven battery storage integration skills

Potential Cons I See:

• Higher pricing compared to some competitors
• More limited financing options without a dedicated solar loan program

If you prioritize elite equipment brands and appreciation industry veteran experience earned over 10+ years exclusively focused on solar in Kansas, Astrawatt will impress. Their expertise and A+ rating with the BBB confirms a commitment to long term quality.

Barrett Solar

Launched recently in 2019 by the Barrett Family in Overland Park, Barrett Solar is a newer solar provider in Kansas focused on delivering outstanding customer service matched with premium system performance.

Their 20+ years in various home improvement businesses means Barrett leverages existing professional networks to facilitate seamless solar installations. This shows in their perfect 5.0 rating on Google powered by happy customer reviews.

Some Noteworthy Pros I See With Barrett Solar:

• Strong industry certifications including Generac Grid Services and NABCEP credentials
• Willingness to go the extra mile ensuring complete customer satisfaction
• Unwavering commitment to solar industry best practices and production optimization

Potential Limitations to Consider:

• As a newer solar company, they have limited performance history
• Currently focused on serving the greater Kansas City region

For homeowners in Barrett‘s service area seeking personalized support from solar experts driven by customer-first values, this company delivers. Their authentic passion for renewable energy shines through.

ADT Solar

Known for home security systems, ADT entered the solar space five years ago, leveraging their national scale and localized service capabilities. This expands options for Kansas residents seeking the resources of a large provider combined with accessible local teams.

Some Notable ADT Solar Pros:

• Benefit from multi-billion dollar parent company financial resources
• Serve over 8 million customers with installations nationwide
• Offer proprietary monitoring providing system production visibility
• Pledge price match guarantees to beat competitors

Potential ADT Cons I See:

• Can seem overly corporate and sales focused
• Use authorized dealers/subcontractors rather than own employees for installs

With 140+ years of home service experience in security systems, ADT makes for an intriguing solar provider choice because of their maturity and financial capability to weather this still emerging industry. Their solar monitoring offering is unique relative to other national players.

SunPower Solar

And finally, SunPower solar is one of the most prestigious panel equipment manufacturers globally. Over 40 years perfecting solar technology gives them major credibility.

By handling their own end-to-end system design plus installation in most regions, SunPower delivers turnkey proprietary solutions unmatched for efficiency and resilience.

Some Standout SunPower Solar Pros:

• Harness vertically integrated expertise from industry pioneers
• Utilize patented interdigitated back contact solar cell technology improving panel productivity over 25 years
• SunPower offers the solar equipment warranty coverage over the longest duration I‘ve seen

Potential SunPower Cons:

• Premium product comes at a cost – their solutions are pricier
• Limited flexibility to use alternative panel brands

For homeowners who value solar technology innovation and performance over all else, SunPower is tough to beat. There is inherent value partnering with an established, pedigreed company leading cutting-edge advancements in solar.

[Summary: Top Kansas Solar Companies At A Glance]

Ok, so those represent five manifestations of solar excellence operational in Kansas today that I recommend prioritizing in your selection process. You really can‘t go wrong partnering with any of them.

Now let‘s get you even more prepared to make the solar choice that best fits your home…

Creative Tips For Saving Money on Your Kansas Solar Installation

While the leading Kansas solar companies try to maintain fair and competitive pricing, projects still require major upfront investment.

Through my research, I‘ve compiled some of the smartest ways savvy homeowners have found to trim expenses off their total solar system costs:

Leverage Federal and KS State Solar Tax Credits

Don‘t leave free money on the table! Be sure to claim all the incentives you qualify for. I break some of the main ones down here.

Ask Solar Installers About Additional Discounts

Can‘t hurt to inquire directly if your chosen solar provider can offer any other reductions. Paying system costs fully in cash rather than financing over time especially leaves room for further bargains.

Compare Electricity Supply Rates

In areas where net metering isn‘t available with your utility allowing sales of excess solar energy back to the grid, offsetting overall household usage still saves big. Occasionally switching electricity providers first can secure even lower rates, multiplying savings.

Optimize System Sizing

Your installer will right-size a system to match your specific home energy needs. But don‘t overbuild capacity expecting increased future consumption without reason. Oversizing simply costs more upfront while providing minimal extra return.

Prioritize Panel Efficiency

Pay attention to solar module efficiency ratings and temperature coefficients provided by your installer. Higher numbers translate directly to improved productivity and solar savings over decades of operation.

I dive deeper into more solar money saving tips here. The key is working with the right provider ready to help you maximize value.

Which brings us to…

Key Factors to Weigh Selecting Your Kansas Solar Installer

While this guide has armed you with my top recommendations among solar companies in KS, deciding on the best partner for YOUR unique home system requires assessing a few additional factors:

Expertise & Licensing – Validate solar credentials for installation teams to give you confidence in their skills. NABCEP certification is ideal.

Equipment & Warranties – Understand panel grades, inverter models, racking components used. Top providers stand firmly behind their system workmanship for 10-25 years.

Reviews – Ask neighbors about recent experiences. Check Solar reviews on Google and the Better Business Bureau.

Pricing & Financing Terms – Comparing bids apples-to-apples is crucial. And financing vastly impacts affordability.

Responsiveness – How fast does the provider address inquiries or issues? Stellar communication eases the process.

Also defining your TOP priorities helps filter options. Would you rather work with:

• The solar company offering latest high-tech equipment vs basic sufficient panels?
• An intensely local small team or the resources of a major national player?
• A provider prioritizing price above all else or premium products?

Properly weighing factors like these ensures you select your IDEAL partner in Kansas for a smooth solar experience with lasting, reliable energy and cost savings.

Will Solar Panels ACTUALLY Save Kansas Residents Money Over Time?

Alright, let‘s address the million dollar question – will going solar genuinely pay off financially in Kansas?

Spoiler Alert: My Verdict is a Resounding YES!

Here is why I firmly make this conclusion looking at the data:

Federal Tax Credits & Accelerated Depreciation

The 26% Federal Solar Tax Credit combined with bonus solar asset depreciation helps recovering your initial install costs quickly – typically under 7 years.

Utility Savings

While net metering reimbursement for excess solar power you supply varies across Kansas, simply offsetting household electrical usage slashes bills majorly. Fixed pricing insulation from volatile utility rates saves huge over decades.

Property Value Boost

Multiple studies confirm home sale prices increase for solar-equipped houses, amplified further by Kansas‘ 10-year property tax exemption.

When weighing total lifetime costs against compounding utility savings, convenience, environmental benefits and resale advantages, solar absolutely pencils for most Kansas homes.

The sooner you tap your own free, renewable power supply, the more you benefit.

Let Kansas Sunshine Start Fueling Your Household & Finances!

I hope this guide has shined a light on fantastic solar solutions for powering your home while saving bundles long term.

The companies I‘ve profiled combine innovation, experience, proven performance and genuine commitment to customer satisfaction.

I‘m confident you really can‘t make a bad choice partnering with any of these Kansas solar experts.

But please reach out if any questions I haven‘t addressed bubble up! I always enjoy discussing the latest on optimizing renewable energy whether for your house or my own.

Here‘s hoping you get to flip on your new lower-cost solar power solution soon!

Jake
Solar Fanatic & Kansas Resident
[email protected]