Find out if solar panels are right for your home in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma and solar, while maybe not moving as fast as other states, every step towards a greener future makes a difference.
The state ranks 45th in solar for the nation, but while slower than others they are making significant strides. Ambitious projects like the 250 MW Skeleton Creek Solar slated to come online in 2023. As of 2022, Oklahoma boasts an installed solar capacity of 112 MW, with the potential to provide a staggering 44.1% of the state's electricity needs through rooftop solar panels alone.
Another challenge they face are low electricity costs. With lower costs, customers don’t see the same significant savings like other states. But, despite its low electricity costs, the state is gradually embracing the sun's power. Now, more than ever, solar is an intriguing option for those considering renewable energy solutions.
The average price for a home solar panel system in Oklahoma is $15,720 for a 6kW system or about $2.62 per watt. Systems will vary depending on the solar installation company the types of solar panels you choose and the size of your system. When shopping for solar panels you should consider getting multiple quotes from various installers.
| Average Cost 6 kW System | Average Cost 10 kW System | Estimated Tax Credit (10 kW System) | Average Cost/Watt | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S.Average | $18,771 | $31,285 | $9,385.50 | $3.13 |
| Oklahoma | $29,580 | $49,300 | $14,790 | $4.93 |
| U.S.Average | $18,771 | $31,285 | $9,385.50 | $3.13 |
| Most Costly State(Michigan) | $22,680 | $37,800 | $11,340 | $3.78 |
| Least Costly State(Arizona) | $14,640 | $24,400 | $7,320 | $2.44 |
For most, the ideal solar system size is the sweet spot between price and capacity. The goal is to generate enough electricity to cover your home's demand while keeping overall costs low as possible.
I.E. Get the best bang for your buck.
| System Size | System Cost | Cost After Federal Tax Credit |
|---|---|---|
| 5 kW | $24,650 | $8,785 |
| 6 kW | $29,580 | $10,542 |
| 7 kW | $34,510 | $12,299 |
| 8 kW | $39,440 | $14,056 |
| 10 kW | $49,300 | $17,570 |
Remember, the decision to go solar is a personal one and depends on your specific circumstances and goals. While solar energy offers many benefits, it's important to consider both sides of the coin before making a decision.
In Oklahoma, the unique climate and state policies play a significant role in shaping the advantages and challenges of solar viability.
Our goal is to present the most common pros and cons and let you make your own choice.
In Oklahoma, deciding whether to invest in solar energy is not a straightforward 'yes' or 'no' question.
While the state's solar capacity is growing and the costs of solar installations have decreased significantly over the past decade, it's crucial to consider individual circumstances before making a decision.
While in general, solar can be a viable option for generating your own power, Oklahoma doesn’t have all the best solar support.
The effectiveness and financial viability of the individual home can vary greatly depending on specific factors such as the location of your property, its energy consumption patterns, and the local climate.
Budgeting is another critical aspect to consider. While federal incentives like the Solar Investment Tax Credit can significantly reduce upfront costs, Oklahoma's limited state-specific incentives mean that the financial burden might be higher compared to states with more robust solar programs.
Additionally, Oklahoma's relatively low electricity rates could extend the payback period of your solar investment. Every home and situation is unique, and what might be a financially sound decision for one household could be less advantageous for another. It's important to weigh the pros and cons carefully, considering both the environmental benefits and the financial implications.
Consulting with a solar energy expert or a financial advisor can provide personalized insights, helping to ensure that your decision to go solar is based on a comprehensive understanding of both your energy needs and financial situation.
If you are on the fence you can use this tool to get an accurate cost breakdown for your home based on your historical energy usage.
There are several ways you can purchase and/or finance your solar panel installation in Oklahoma. Your goals and financial situation will dictate which option is best for you.
The most straightforward option. You pay upfront for the entire cost of the rooftop solar system. No interest, and fewer headaches, but many people are hesitant about spending several tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket.
The most common method for buying solar systems. Like many other types of large purchases, you can finance your solar system through a bank or solar loan provider.
This sounds great, and many other solar loan salespeople will leverage the low payment to justify the costs. You will likely hear something like "You pay $250 a month on your electric bill, with a solar loan you will pay $200 and have free electricity."
Do your due diligence before you sign on the dotted line. There are many horror stories of variable loan terms, ballooning interest rates, and harsh missed payment penalties.
Leasing solar panels generally involves less money out of pocket upfront. But, it's important to note - you do not own your solar energy system. You essentially renting the solar system. A solar provider will install the equipment and charge you a fixed monthly fee.
Most solar lease contracts last for a couple of decades, during which time the provider will keep an eye on the system's hardware and performance. At the end of your lease, you can choose to:
Solar leases can be complicated. Not all are bad, but in many cases the lease terms in not in favor of the buyer. Before you decide on a solar lease make sure to read your contract thoroughly. If you don't understand something, ask an expert.
A power purchase agreement (PPA) is a financial agreement where a solar company will design and install a solar system on your home or business with little or no cost upfront. Instead of paying a monthly fee like a lease, the agreement includes a fixed price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity generated.
For example, you agree to pay $0.12 per kWh of electricity generated for the next 20 years. The solar company will install and maintain your system and sell the power back to you that you use. They may also collect payment for any additional energy they put back into the grid.
Just like a lease, you do not own the panels. When the contract is up, they will either be removed or your contract may have other terms for you to buy or renew your power purchase agreement.
Power purchase agreements can be complicated. Before you sign make sure you review the contract and if possible have an expert in power purchase agreements review the details.
In Oklahoma, while the primary incentive for solar panel installation is the 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit, there may be other opportunities to reduce the cost of your solar system. It's important to note that Oklahoma's solar incentives are somewhat limited compared to other states. However, there could still be local incentives available that are not as widely publicized. These incentives can vary depending on your specific location within the state, and they might be offered by your city, utility company, or other local organizations.
This table shows the available incentives in Oklahoma. Remember, just because an incentive isn't widely known or listed in a general overview doesn't mean it's not available. It's always a good idea to reach out directly to your local utility company or a solar energy consultant in your area to inquire about any additional incentives or rebates that could apply to your situation.
| Name | State | Category | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tax Credit for Manufacturers of Small Wind Turbines | OK | Financial Incentive | Industry Recruitment/Support |
| Net Metering | OK | Regulatory Policy | Net Metering |
| Solar and Wind Equipment Certification | OK | Regulatory Policy | Equipment Certification |
| Zero-Emission Facilities Production Tax Credit | OK | Financial Incentive | Corporate Tax Credit |
| Clean-Burning Motor Fuel or Electric Vehicle Personal Credit | OK | Financial Incentive | Personal Tax Credit |
| Low-Interest Alternative Fuels Loan Program | OK | Financial Incentive | Loan Program |
| Exemption + Fee for Alternative Fuel Vehicles | OK | Financial Incentive | Corporate Tax Exemption |
| Ethanol Producer Credit | OK | Financial Incentive | Corporate Tax Credit |
| Exemption + Fee for Alternative Fuel Vehicles | OK | Financial Incentive | Personal Tax Exemption |
| Energy Efficient Residential Construction Tax Credit (Personal) | OK | Financial Incentive | Personal Tax Credit |
There are hundreds of solar companies in Oklahoma. From solar installers to solar loan providers, and manufacturers. Each is a piece of the puzzle to help you get outfitted with solar panels.
To make things simple, EnergyBot works directly with 3 of the largest solar companies to give you a comprehensive view of the market.
The solar companies we partner with:
We believe comparing these three names in the solar industry will give you the info you need to decide if solar panels are right for you.
Just because solar is a popular discussion right now, doesn’t mean it makes sense for everyone. It is still a large and expensive decision. Installing solar has great financial and environmental benefits but it won’t feel beneficial if you run into issues. Along with studying a 20-year cost comparison for your home, read some more tips to keep in mind when mulling over your decision on your installer, system design, and financial plan.
Enel SpA, an Italian-based company, announced plans to invest over $1 billion in a solar cell and panel factory in Oklahoma.
Their aim, along with U.S. government's Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), is to boost the U.S. clean energy manufacturing sector and reduce reliance on imported panels.
The factory will be located in Inola, near Tulsa, Oklahoma. It is set to be one of the largest solar equipment production facilities in the U.S. and one of the first to produce silicon-based solar cells at scale.
The facility is expected to create 1,000 jobs by 2025. Initially, it will produce 3 gigawatts of solar products annually, with potential expansion to 6 GW and an additional 900 jobs.
This investment is significant in the context of the IRA, which offers a 10% bonus tax credit for facilities using domestically made cells. Enel's chose the 300-acre Oklahoma site for its access to necessary utilities and a capable workforce. The company aims to begin construction later this year.
We have helped thousands of customers find electricity plans for their home or business. And we are pretty darn good at it, with over 1,000 5-Star reviews we know how to help you stay powered up.
Now using the same one-of-kind technology and platform we are helping consumers in Oklahoma decide if solar is right for them. You will notice that sometimes our numbers make solar look less attractive. That's not by accident. We believe you should have full transparency during the solar purchasing process.
We aren't here to sell you something. We are here to help you make the best energy decision for your home or business.
The cost of solar panel installation in Oklahoma can vary significantly based on a number of factors, including the size and type of the system, the complexity of the installation, your solar installer, and the specific location. However, the average cost of solar panels in the U.S. was about $3.13 per watt, before any incentives or tax credits.
A typical residential solar system is usually around 8 kilowatts (8,000 watts), but varies based on energy use and the size of the house. The US average cost for a 6 kW system is $18,771 and the US average cost for a 10 kW system is $31,285, before incentives. The average price for a home solar panel system in Oklahoma is $15,720 for a 6kW system or about or about $2.62 per watt.
The number of solar panels you would need depends on a variety of factors such as:
To give you a rough estimate, let's say you live in a location that receives about 5 hours of peak sunlight per day, your solar panels have an efficiency of 20%, and each panel has a power rating of 300 watts. If your home uses about 10,400 kWh per year, you would divide this by 365 to get your daily energy use (about 28.5 kWh). You would then divide this by the hours of peak sunlight (5 hours), to get your required power output per hour (about 5.7 kW). If each solar panel produces 300 watts (or 0.3 kW), you would divide 5.7 kW by 0.3 to get the number of solar panels you need, which would be about 19 panels.
The installation process for solar panels can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the size of the system and the complexity of the installation.
Your installer should be able to give you an estimated timeline based on your specific project.
Solar panels generally require very little maintenance. However, it's a good idea to have them inspected every few years to ensure they are working properly and to clean off any debris or dirt that may have accumulated on the panels. Most solar panel installers offer maintenance services for an additional fee.
At the end of their lifespan, solar panels can be recycled. Many components of the panels, such as glass and metal, can be reclaimed and reused. Some companies specialize in solar panel recycling.
The average lifespan of a solar panel system is about 25-30 years. However, many systems continue to operate efficiently beyond this period, albeit at a slightly reduced capacity.
In Oklahoma, HOAs can set certain restrictions regarding the placement and aesthetics of solar panels, but they cannot completely prohibit their installation. It's advisable to check with your HOA for specific guidelines before proceeding with solar installation.
Oklahoma's climate, characterized by sunny days and relatively mild winters, is generally favorable for solar panel efficiency. However, occasional severe weather like hail or tornadoes can pose risks to solar installations.
