The City of Fountains embraces solar energy

The state of solar in Kansas City

Kansas City receives an abundance of sunshine, with an average of 215 sunny days a year,^*Best Places. Climate in Kansas City, Missouri. July 2021. and ranks 27th in the U.S. for total installed solar capacity based on data from the Environment America Research & Policy Center. The city is committed to relying on 100% renewable electricity by 2022 and has implemented solar-friendly policies to help reach that goal.

How much solar energy does Kansas City produce?

Kansas City is a top solar producer in the North Central region, with a total installed solar capacity of 19.48 MW or 39.59 Watts per person. The area is also a hotspot for upcoming solar development with a 500 MW solar farm—one of the largest in the country^*Energy News Network. Solar-storage project would be ‘game-changer’ for Kansas City region. September 2020.—planned just outside the city and a 5 MW community solar array in the works.^*Renewable Energy World. Kansas City utility’s community solar project a slow starter with customers. March 2020.

What are the advantages of going solar in Kansas City?

Carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere have risen 46% since the 1700s, leading to increased surface temperatures and severe weather. Here in Missouri, that could severely impact our economic center—farming. It's projected that heavy rains and rising temperatures could make corn and soybean farming impossible by 2050 and reduce agricultural production to levels not seen since the 1980s.^*St. Louis Public Radio. Climate change to bring Missouri heavier rains, hotter days, and major costs. November 2018.

As a sustainable energy source, solar power can be an effective way to reduce your carbon footprint. If every solar viable rooftop in Kansas City had a solar system, it would offset 2.2 million metric tons of carbon dioxide—the equivalent of taking 467,000 cars off the road for a year.^*Google, Project Sunroof data explorer (November 2018).

Electricity cost savings are another advantage of going solar. A 5 kW solar system could offer savings upwards of $24,000 over 20 years of use and may pay for itself in as little as 11 years.^*EnergySage. Solar Panels in Kansas City, MO. July 2021.

How much does solar cost in Kansas City?

The cost of a home solar system can vary, even in the same city, due to a range of factors. These include:

• Household energy needs

• Solar panel quality

• Roof type, slope, and age

• Structural issues of the building

To help you understand the price of going solar in your area, we've analyzed SunPower price quotes, as well as quotes gathered by third-party sources for thousands of homeowners across the country.^*Local Solar Installers 2020/2021, Solar Reviews 2021, Energy Sage 2021, Wood Mackenzie 2020, National Renewable Energy Laboratory 2020 In Kansas City, we found that the average cost of owning a 5 kW solar system ranges from $13,950 to $16,150, or in other words, from $2.79 to $3.23 per watt. And that's before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.

The cost of solar in Missouri has dropped 43% in the last five years.^*Solar Energy Industries Association. Missouri Solar. Q1 2021. State, local, and federal rebates and incentives like tax credits can drive prices down further, making solar power a viable option for many residential and commercial properties in the area.

For example, the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) may allow you to claim 26% of your solar equipment and installation costs on your federal income taxes if you purchase rather than lease your system.^*Tax credits and incentives are subject to change. Visit dsireusa.org for detailed solar policy information. Evergy, the electricity utility provider in Kansas City, also offers a 25 cent per watt rebate on new solar systems, thanks to Senate Bill 564.

What’s the best way to go solar in Kansas City?

Every solar power installation is different. You’ll need to consider the quality of the panels, their effect on your property’s curb appeal, and the system's ability to endure weather conditions.

Working with an experienced installer is the best way to simplify the process of switching to solar power. You should be provided a custom solar system design, cost and savings estimate, and an overview of any incentives or tax credits available to you.

If you’re ready to get started, request a consultation, and we’ll follow up with a quick call to schedule a time. You can also call us directly at 1-385-489-5552.