Kansas is a midwestern state that stretches over 400 miles from east to west. It has substantial fossil fuel resources and has an abundance of renewable energy resources such as solar, wind, and biomass. Industrial and manufacturing are the highest energy-consuming sectors of Kansas state.
Kansas is one of the top 10 sunniest states in the USA and it receives more than 200 days of full or partial sunlight. On average, the western part of the state receives up to six peak-sun hours per day. The solar potential of Kansas can be estimated from the fact that the state of California receives the same amount of sunlight and Los Angeles is considered one of the most viable cities for producing solar power.
However, despite the abundance of sunshine and availability of land, Kansas is not taking the full potential of its solar generation capacity. The state has installed only a handful of utility-scale projects which feed into the grid and have a generation capacity of 1MW or more.
As per estimates, 80% of buildings in Kansas are viable for solar generation. If the true potential is reaped, 11.9 MWh AC of annual electric generation can be achieved. This will offset 8.3 Million metric tons of Carbon dioxide.
Currently, IKEA has one of the largest photovoltaic systems installed in its premises located in the city of Merriam. The system has a generation capacity of 730 kW.
Tax Exemptions in Kansas
Federal Solar Tax Credit
- Federal Solar Tax Credit up to 26% of the cost of solar installation can be claimed on federal income taxes.
Property Tax Exemption
- If the installation of solar system increases the value of a property by around $18,000 or less, no additional property tax will be applied on the premises where the solar system is installed.
Unlike multiple other states, no tax rebates exist for solar power in Kansas. The reason being a weak Renewable Portfolio Standard which is voluntary in nature.
Following figures present the state of solar in Kansas in a single glance:
- Solar Installed (MW): 94.4
- National Ranking: 44th (36th in 2020)
- Percentage of State’s Electricity from Solar: 0.22%
- Solar Jobs: 862
- Solar Companies in State: 45 (7 Manufacturers, 20
- Installers/Developers, 18 Others)
- Total Solar Investment in State: 154 million
- Prices have fallen 11% over the last 5 years
- Growth Projection and Ranking: 627 MW over the next 5 years (ranks 39th)
- Number Of Installations: 1,792
Need For Solar Panel Disposal Solution
Reduction in prices and the introduction of solar-friendly tax exemptions are motivating more and more businesses to opt for solar power in Kansas. However, the rapid proliferation of photovoltaic technology also raises the alarming question about the decommissioning and disposal of end-of-life solar panels. Most experts agree that recycling old solar panels is the most cost-effective and eco-friendly waste disposal option for solar waste.
If you are looking for decommissioning or large-scale solar panel recycling solutions in Kansas, contact We Recycle Solar. We provide recycling solutions for solar panels, batteries, and other equipment. Our processes are safe, efficient, and compliant with all federal and state laws.
Looking for decommissioning or large-scale Kansas solar panel recycling solutions?
Unless otherwise noted, all data from SEIA/GTM Research U.S. Solar Market Insight