The Sooner State welcomes clean energy

The state of solar in Oklahoma

With an average of 234 sunny days each year, Oklahoma exceeds the national average of 205 sunny days.^*Bestplaces.net, Climate in Oklahoma (accessed July 14, 2021) https://www.bestplaces.net/climate/state/oklahoma With its abundance of sunshine, 92% of the state's buildings are solar viable, putting Oklahoma in an excellent position to embrace solar energy.^*Google, Project Sunroof data explorer (November 2018).

Oklahoma's excess sunshine and the benefits of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels make clean energy systems an ideal energy solution for the region's residents.

How much solar energy does Oklahoma produce?

Oklahoma is one of the country's most reluctant states to take full advantage of all that solar energy has to offer. It's ranked 45th in the country for solar power, with 79.8 MW of capacity from solar panels across the state.^*SEIA. “Oklahoma Solar” (accessed July 15, 2021). https://www.seia.org/state-solar-policy/oklahoma-solar

What are the advantages of going solar in Oklahoma?

It makes sense to invest in solar panels for homes in Oklahoma because of how much sunshine the region gets. However, the shift to solar will also help to improve the environment.

Though the state has a long-standing reputation for its oil production, fossil fuels contribute to pollution and emit high levels of greenhouse gases. Solar panels produce no pollution and generate years of clean, renewable energy.

Aside from environmental benefits, solar energy in Oklahoma delivers significant financial advantages. The state's current electric rates sit at 37th place in the nation, making them relatively low.^*Dasolar.com, Oklahoma - Energy Tax Credit, Solar Rebates and Incentives (Accessed July 14, 2021) https://www.dasolar.com/energytaxcredit-rebates-grants/oklahoma Despite the lower electric rates and high up-front installation costs, solar systems will immediately result in utility bill savings for solar panel owners.

With solar panel costs declining over the last few years, solar systems are more accessible, and most come with a 20- or 25-year warranty. For a 5 kW solar system, long-term savings can exceed $16,000, with tax credits and reduced utility expenses.^*SolarNation. “Solar Power in Oklahoma” (Accessed July 15, 2021). https://www.solar-nation.org/oklahoma

Adding solar panels will also increase your home's value by an average of 4.1%, according to a 2019 nationwide Zillow study.^*Zillow. “Homes With Solar Panels Sell for 4.1% More” (Apr. 16, 2019). https://www.zillow.com/research/solar-panels-house-sell-more-23798/

How much does solar cost in Oklahoma?

The cost of a home solar system can vary, even in the same state, due to a range of factors. These include:

• Roof size

• Condition and location of the building

• Quality of solar panels and equipment

• Solar provider

• Local weather

To help you understand the price of going solar in your area, we've analyzed SunPower price quotes as well as quotes gathered by third-party sources for thousands of homeowners across the country.

In Oklahoma, we found that the average investment to own a 5 kW solar system is $2.75, or in other words, $2.75 per watt. And that's before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.

Because Oklahoma's government is moving more slowly toward solar power than some others, the state does not offer any rebates, property tax exemptions, or income tax credits for solar system installations at the time of this writing.

However, Oklahoma residents can still save on solar system installation costs through the federal solar investment tax credit.^*Tax credits and incentives are subject to change. Visit dsireusa.org for detailed solar policy information. It provides new solar system owners with a 30% tax credit for installation costs, permitting, and equipment.

Oklahoma also offers net metering, a program that allows solar system owners to transfer their energy surplus back to the community grid in exchange for credit on future utility bills.^*The availability of net metering varies by location and is subject to change. Visit dsireusa.org for detailed solar policy information.

What's the best way to go solar in Oklahoma?

Not all solar PV systems will be a good fit for your property. Your budget, household energy needs, roof size, and location will help you determine the quality and number of solar panels you'll need to meet your clean energy goals.

You'll also need to work with a reputable, licensed, and experienced solar provider to provide you with pertinent information about clean energy solutions and a design for your custom solar system. Be sure to arrange for a consultation and design to meet your budget, property, and energy needs before signing a contract.

Not only will your chosen installer affect the quality of the installation, but their equipment quality can increase or decrease your system's output. If you install premium quality solar systems from reputable brands, they should stand the test of time.

You should also asses if and how a solar system will boost your property value and complement its aesthetics. A reputable solar energy company should also help you access every available solar incentive and rebate to help you reduce installation costs.

If you’re ready to get started, we’re happy to help. Simply request a free consultation with SunPower below and we'll follow up with a quick call to schedule a time. You can also call us directly at (800) 786-7693.