Best 3 Solar Companies in Wichita, KS

Wichita homeowners are increasingly using solar panels to produce their electricity and heat their water. While switching to solar energy comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $1,100 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional company can help you select the best panels to maximize your savings. Discover Wichita's top-rated solar companies and learn key decision-making tips on this page.

Ranking Methodology

We reviewed dozens of Wichita solar installers, using the following criteria to choose the finest:

• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should tap into their years of experience address your questions on how to care for your system and improve its performance.
• Professional licenses and credentials: Each installer on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Wichita community for over 15 years.
• Panel brands and quality: The best solar companies keep up with new technology, offering equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar installers should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each company responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer satisfaction.
• Customer feedback and reviews: Most Wichita solar contractors have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio reflects a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy provides multiple advantages. Let's look at a few of them.

• Lowered energy bills: You can skip the premium cost of grid-tied power by generating some electricity at home. Plus, many states provide net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back for credits on your bill.
• Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with energy storage systems work through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on the power grid for your safety and well-being.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Utilizing solar is a surefire way to minimize your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Wichita Homeowners?

Kansas' public agencies and power companies offer numerous solar incentives to help offset your solar system costs. Here's a breakdown of eligible solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Wichita

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and cost-efficient solar system. Here are some key items to bear in mind while shopping for a solar company.

Licensing and Training

In Kansas, the state government doesn't issue solar contracting licenses, though some counties issue and require their own licenses for projects within their borders. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private credentials. Two of the most respected are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, granted by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.

Cost of Solar Panels in Wichita

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels offer the best energy production but cost more than other options and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.

You can also add electric car (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can enhance your solar system's efficiency. Not every solar contractor offers these optional components, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's essential for you.

Generally speaking, it will cost about $16,700 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Wichita. This table lists more specific pricing information for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Wichita

There are various ways to pay for a solar energy system, and the right one will help you decrease overhead. A few of the most common options include leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), cash payments, and loans. We suggest paying with cash or securing a solar loan for the highest return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to cut your total costs. Solar loans are another good option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally advise against these options since you will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in particular circumstances. Look for providers that offer several payment plans to find the right fit for your budget.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Wichita.

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar power systems until the year 2032. Local and state governments and utility companies might also offer discounts, rebates, and unique financing solutions that could save you more.

Sources

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
• U.S. Department of Energy