Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Manhattan, Kansas. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A locally owned and operated solar installer dedicated specifically to the Manhattan community. They are known for personalized service, deep knowledge of local permitting and utility (Westar Energy/ Evergy) interconnection processes, and high-quality craftsmanship. Their focus is on making solar simple and accessible for local homeowners.
A leading regional solar provider based in Lawrence, KS, that serves the entire northeastern Kansas region, including Manhattan. They have a strong reputation for professionalism, excellent customer service, and comprehensive service offerings from design to maintenance. They are a SunPower Master Dealer, offering some of the most efficient panels on the market.
A well-established and highly-reviewed solar installer from the Kansas City metro that extends its services to communities in eastern Kansas, including Manhattan. They are known for their expertise and offer a wide range of products and financing options. They provide robust warranties and strong manufacturer partnerships.
** The home solar market in Manhattan, Kansas, is moderately competitive and of high average quality. Homeowners have access to a few dedicated local installers and several established regional companies. The local presence ensures personalized service, while the regional providers bring extensive experience and often direct partnerships with top-tier manufacturers like SunPower and LG (though LG has exited the panel market, their products may still be available). **Competition Level:** Moderate. The presence of a reputable local company (Manhattan Solar) and strong regional players (Good Energy Solutions, KC Solar) creates a healthy competitive environment that benefits consumers through quality service and competitive pricing. **Typical Pricing:** The average cost for a residential solar system in Kansas ranges from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives. For a typical 6 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of approximately **$15,000 to $21,000**. The final cost is highly dependent on system size, equipment quality, and roof complexity. **Key Market Factors:** * **Incentives:** Kansas homeowners benefit from the strong 30% federal solar tax credit. There is no state-wide solar rebate, but local utility Evergy offers net metering, allowing customers to receive bill credit for excess energy sent to the grid. * **Energy Costs:** With relatively low electricity rates compared to the national average, the payback period in Kansas can be longer than in high-cost states, but solar remains a strong investment for long-term energy savings and independence. * **Expertise:** The top providers in the area are well-versed in navigating Evergy's interconnection agreement process and local Manhattan building codes, which is a critical factor for a smooth installation.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Manhattan regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Manhattan, Kansas.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Manhattan, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, you can claim a 30% federal tax credit, and Kansas offers a state property tax exemption for the added home value from solar. Additionally, Evergy (the local utility) offers a net metering program, allowing you to earn bill credits for excess energy sent back to the grid, significantly improving payback time.
Manhattan's climate is excellent for solar production. While panels are slightly less efficient in extreme summer heat, the long, sunny summer days yield the highest output. Snow in winter can temporarily reduce production, but panels are installed at an angle to help shed snow, and the cold temperatures actually improve panel efficiency. The system is designed to produce more than you need in summer to build credits that offset lower winter production under net metering.
Installing solar in Manhattan requires a building permit from the City of Manhattan's Building Development Division. Your chosen installer will typically manage this process. The most critical local step is coordinating with Evergy for interconnection approval to connect your system to the grid, which is required for net metering. There are no restrictive homeowners association (HOA) solar bans in Kansas, as state law protects your right to install solar.
Prioritize local or regional installers with extensive experience in Manhattan and Riley County, as they understand local permitting, utility requirements, and installation best practices for our weather. Always verify they are properly licensed and insured in Kansas. Get multiple detailed quotes, compare equipment warranties (often 25 years for panels), and ask for references from recent local installations to assess their work quality and customer service.
South-facing roofs with minimal shading from trees or other structures are ideal, but east and west-facing roofs are also viable in Manhattan. A reputable local installer will conduct a site assessment to evaluate your roof's condition, angle, and structural integrity. If your roof is within 10-15 years of needing replacement, it is highly recommended to replace it before installing solar to avoid the costly removal and reinstallation of the system later.