Solar power in Topeka, Kansas
Westar Energy offers its Topeka customers net metering.
Topeka residents can also take advantage of the federal solar tax credit. The tax credit covers 26% of total system costs in 2020 (this falls to 22% in 2021) and is applied to your federal income taxes. In some cases, you may be able to wipe out your entire tax bill for a year!
The combination of the federal tax credit and Westar Energy’s net metering program can provide you with great savings when you switch to solar in Kansas!
Net Metering Broken Down
Westar will pay its solar customers for any excess electricity their solar system generates at the full retail rate of electricity. However, Westar has made it clear that they are trying to move away from crediting excess generation at the full retail rate. So, the best time to go solar in Topeka is now, while this great net metering policy is still around.
The average cost of installing residential solar panels in Topeka,
Kansas in 2024 is
$2.67 per watt. The average system size
in the US is 6 kilowatts, which means the average price of a solar system
in Topeka, KS
is $13,350.
(after claiming 26% tax credit and other rebates)
The 26% federal solar tax credit explained
If you have a federal income tax liability, 26% of the cost of your solar system can be claimed as a deduction to your taxes. This incentive is claimed when you do your taxes. In order to receive the tax credit quicker it's best to do your taxes as soon as possible after installation.
What if my tax liability is less than 26% of my systems costThere is the option to claim this incentive over several years if your tax liability is less than 26% of the system cost.
How much will solar panels on my home save me?
The answer to this question depends on your electricity usage. Generally speaking the greater your power usage the greater the potential savings from installing solar.
The average monthly usage in Kansas is only 940kWh per month however, you are most likely using a lot more than this since this average includes condos and small apartments.
The Topeka solar panel savings calculator below will convert your monthly power spend into power usage (in kWh's) and then work out exactly how many solar panels you need to offset your usage, how much they will cost based on the prices of local solar companies and the amount you will save. Our Kansas solar savings calculator can do this because it contains a database of the electric rates charged by Kaw Valley Electric Coop Inc, Westar Energy Inc
How much can solar panels save you in Topeka
What does the cost of a real solar system look like?
Facts about installing a 6.21kW solar system in Topeka, KS
This system would offset 100% of your energy usage if your typical monthly bill is $125, however your situation may vary so try our Topeka solar calculator to get a result tailored to you.
$12,178
Net cost of system
7 Years
Average payback time
8,241 kWh
Annual power production
6¢/kWh
Levelized cost of solar energy
32¢/kWh
If you don't get solar
Cash flow graph based on cash purchase of this 6.21kW system
Life-time savings on this system over the next 25 years
$49,145
(Prices shown after repayments of capital)
Average total cost of solar panel installation in Topeka
| System Size |
Cash purchase After 26% solar tax credit |
Financed purchase After 26% solar tax credit |
|---|---|---|
| 3kw | $6,371 | $6,881 |
| 4kw | $8,288 | $8,951 |
| 5kw | $10,101 | $10,909 |
| 6kw | $11,855 | $12,803 |
| 7kw | $13,468 | $14,545 |
| 8kw | $14,978 | $16,176 |
| 9kw | $16,450 | $17,766 |
| 10kw | $17,760 | $19,181 |
Find out what system size you need for your home
Going solar in Kansas
Check out all of the ways energy providers of Kansas can help you be more energy efficient and save money.
The following programs are available:
| Incentive Name | Eligibility | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | Federal | Personal Tax Credit |
| Net Metering | State | Net Metering |
| Renewable Energy Property Tax Exemption | State | Property Tax Incentive |
Find your local rebates and incentives
Please keep in mind that the best source of up-to-date information on incentives are the solar installers who specialize in your area.
