In Kansas, a 7-kW system for an average home costs about $18,656 after incentives in 2026, saves about $1,604 in the first year and pays back in 10.3 years.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Solar, 7.04 kW × $2.65/W | $18,656 |
| Federal credit (0%) | $0 |
| Net cost | $18,656 |
| Scenario | Net cost | Year-1 savings | Payback | 25-yr net |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State averages (above) | $18,656 | $1,604 | 10.3 yr | $36,447 |
| Rates rise 5.6%/yr (2020–25 pace) | $18,656 | $1,604 | 9.3 yr | $58,730 |
| Rates stay flat | $18,656 | $1,604 | 11.9 yr | $19,413 |
| Survey price $3.6/W (LBNL) | $25,344 | $1,604 | 13.4 yr | $29,759 |
| Add 13.5-kWh battery | $34,762 | $1,604 | 17.4 yr | $20,341 |
| Exports cut to 50% of retail | $13,992 | $849 | 14 yr | $14,946 |
Verdict: at average Kansas numbers, solar is a solid investment in 2026 — payback takes 10.3 years, leaving you $36,447 ahead after 25 years. The main reasons: strong sun (the 10th-best yield of 51); 1:1 net metering, which credits every exported kWh at the full retail price. Pay cash if you can: Berkeley Lab found loan-financed systems priced about $1.50/W above cash installs in 2025, which can add years to the payback.
Net metering and exports in Kansas: Evergy net metering credited near retail ('monthly system average cost'); optional net billing at 1.5x avoided cost.
Battery: a 13.5-kWh battery at the Kansas average of $1,193/kWh adds $16,106 and saves almost nothing extra under 1:1 net metering — buy it for backup, not payback; payback becomes 17.4 years.
EnergySage's Kansas page lists a 15.5-year payback. Its method is not fully published; ours uses EIA's Jan–Aug 2026 price, 1:1 net metering, 3%/yr rate growth and 0.5%/yr panel aging, with no federal credit.
The full method, material data and tips are on the main solar payback calculator page.