Lack of knowledge and advocacy have hampered solar options for Kansans. Now, we have a great opportunity to change that. The Kansas Chapter Energy Committee is moving forward with these six actions to make solar more accessible in Kansas.
- Legalize and popularize Balcony/Plug & Play solar.
- Ease restrictions on Community Solar.
- Remove unreasonable HOA restrictions on rooftop solar.
- Encourage local governments to adopt SolarApp+ for instant solar permitting.
- Help small business claim 100% bonus depreciation for new solar investment.
- Continue support for utility-scale solar, wind and batteries.
Join the Sierra Club Kansas Chapter Energy Committee to help us achieve these solar goals.
1. Balcony / Plug & Play / Plug - In Solar
Several states have already modernized laws to allow households to offset power bills with these easy and affordable plug-in systems. We’re working on introducing legislation here in Kansas to do the same!
2. Community Solar
Community solar refers to a solar facility shared by community members who “subscribe” for energy credit, separate from their primary utility. Community solar programs could allow more people and businesses to participate in the benefits of affordable solar energy. We’re supporting legislation to support the development of community solar programs in Kansas.
3. Residential Solar Freedom Within HOAs
Kansans should have the right to produce their own power, but right now HOAs can block your ability to install a solar system. We’re re-introducing legislation that gives rights back to homeowners who want to install solar.
4. Instant Solar Permitting with SolarApp+
Less Paperwork. More Progress.
We’re working with the SolarApp+ Foundation to encourage local governments to adopt a platform that can cut weeks off the process for permitting residential rooftop solar.
SolarAPP+ is a system that streamlines the paperwork and allows residents to get their solar up a lot quicker. SolarAPP+ is managed by the SolarAPP Foundation, a non-profit whose goal is to achieve its mission — advancing the growth of clean energy technologies — not increase revenue. That’s why there is no cost to local governments to implement the platform.
Jurisdictions can easily integrate SolarAPP+ as a standalone product or with existing government software and inspection platforms, in under a week. Installers simply register and get verified with the online platform and submit, and secure, permits at their convenience.
Watch on Youtube (2min): Cities Chose SolarApp+
5. Local Business Investment in Solar With 100% Depreciation
New federal rules allow for businesses to deduct up to 100% of a solar project’s costs from their taxable income in the first year. Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law on July 4, 2025, capital investments, including assets with a recovery period of 20 years or less, such as machinery, equipment, computers, software, office furniture, SOLAR PANELS, and others that are put in service after January 19, 2025 can be deducted from the business's taxable income in FULL the first year, rather than depreciated over time.
We’re spreading the word about this great opportunity for businesses to reduce their long-term energy costs!
6. Continued Support for Utility-Scale Solar Projects
Increasing utility-scale solar is an opportunity for Kansas to become more energy independent and produce affordable, clean energy. We support these installations by lending our voice and expertise at the local level.
View / Print the informational pamplet about the Sierra Club Kansas Chapter's Solar Access Initiative HERE.
