Kansas solar development gains momentum
Some solar industry leaders say Kansas is on the verge of a major shift as developers increasingly look to the state for utility-scale solar projects, despite Kansas historically lagging behind most states in installed solar capacity.
Kansas ranks among the sunniest states in the nation, yet sits just 41st nationally for solar installations. For years, the state’s renewable energy growth has been dominated by wind power, which expanded rapidly across the Plains thanks to consistently strong wind resources.
That dynamic, developers say, is beginning to change.
Wind saturation opens door for solar projects
According to industry executives, many of the most desirable sites for wind farms across Kansas have already been developed. As a result, renewable energy companies are increasingly turning their attention to solar farms, which require different land characteristics and can coexist more easily with agriculture.
Nick Cohen, chief executive officer of Doral Renewables, said Kansas is entering a new phase of renewable energy development.
“This is a turning point,” Cohen said. “You’re going to see more and more solar in places like Kansas.”
Cohen noted that just a few years ago, renewable investment in the state would have focused almost entirely on wind.
“As recently as five years ago, it would have been wind,” he said.
Decatur County project signals broader shift
Doral Renewables recently announced a power purchase agreement for its Lambs Draw Solar project, planned for rural Decatur County near the Nebraska border. While details on the size and timeline of the project were not disclosed, the agreement represents one of a growing number of solar developments moving forward in regions traditionally dominated by wind generation.
Industry observers say Kansas’ flat terrain, strong transmission corridors, and agricultural land base make it attractive for large-scale solar, especially as utilities seek to diversify renewable portfolios and meet long-term electricity demand.
The shift mirrors trends in other Plains states where solar is emerging as a complement to wind, rather than a replacement.
Solar growth still faces hurdles
Despite the optimism, Kansas solar development still faces challenges, including permitting, local zoning debates, and grid interconnection capacity. Even so, developers argue the fundamentals now favor expansion.
As Canary Media reported, industry leaders believe the state is positioned for a rapid increase in solar investment as economics, land availability, and energy demand align.
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