Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Riley, Kansas. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A locally-owned and operated Kansas company known for its personalized service and deep expertise in both residential and agricultural solar applications. They handle the entire process from consultation and design to installation and maintenance, with a strong focus on customer education.
A regional installer based in Topeka that has expanded to serve much of eastern Kansas. They are praised for their transparent pricing, knowledge of state and federal incentives, and offering a variety of financing options to make solar accessible.
One of the largest and most established solar companies in the Kansas City region, serving a wide area including northeast Kansas. They leverage their scale to offer competitive pricing, strong manufacturer partnerships, and comprehensive warranties. Their expertise covers a wide range of system types and complexities.
** The home solar market in Riley, Kansas, is characteristic of a rural/small-town environment. There are no solar installers physically headquartered within the city limits of Riley itself. Therefore, the market is served by reputable regional companies from nearby hubs like Manhattan, Topeka, and the Kansas City metro area. This creates a moderately competitive environment where residents have access to qualified professionals, but must typically look beyond their immediate city for service. The average quality of providers serving Riley is high, as the companies that expand into these areas are typically well-established and have the resources to manage projects across a wider geographic region. Competition, while not dense, is robust enough to keep pricing competitive with state and regional averages. Typical pricing for a residential system in Kansas ranges from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before applying the 30% federal tax credit. For an average-sized 6 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of approximately **$15,000 to $21,000**. Kansas's net metering policies and abundant sunlight make solar a financially viable and attractive option for homeowners in Riley.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Riley regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Riley, Kansas.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Riley County, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, you can apply the 30% federal tax credit, and Kansas offers a state property tax exemption for the added value of the solar system. While there is no statewide rebate, Evergy (your local utility) offers net metering, which significantly impacts long-term savings by crediting you for excess power sent to the grid.
Riley's climate is excellent for solar production. Panels operate efficiently in cooler temperatures, so they perform very well during our sunny, crisp winters. While summer heat can slightly reduce panel efficiency, the long, sunny days of the Kansas summer more than compensate, leading to peak energy production from May through September. Snow in winter is typically light and melts quickly, minimizing production loss.
Prioritize installers who are locally licensed, insured, and have specific experience with Evergy's interconnection process and local building codes in cities like Manhattan or Riley. Ask for references from recent installations in the area and verify they are certified by a reputable organization like NABCEP. A trustworthy local provider will also handle all necessary permits with Riley County and the City of Manhattan if applicable.
In Riley, the entire process typically takes 2 to 4 months. This timeline includes system design, securing permits from your local municipality and Riley County, Evergy's interconnection agreement review, and the physical installation which takes 1-3 days. The final step, receiving "Permission to Operate" from Evergy, can add a few weeks after installation is complete and inspected.
Yes, Evergy offers net metering for Riley customers. Your system will remain connected to the grid. During sunny days, excess energy you produce is sent to the grid, earning you a credit on your bill. At night and on cloudy days, you seamlessly draw power from the grid, using those credits. This ensures you have reliable power 24/7 while maximizing the value of every kilowatt-hour your panels generate.