Solar Panels in Oklahoma: Costs, Incentives and Installers – CNET

Oklahoma ranks among the top 10 states for peak sunlight, ahead of sunny California, making Oklahoma a great place for solar power generation. 

There’s a solar market in the state, just not a very big one. There aren’t any state solar incentives, and there aren’t many installers either. Electricity prices in Oklahoma are lower than in other solar-friendly states too. And while the renewable energy climate in Oklahoma hasn’t always been favorable, it is getting better. 

“Oklahoma was kind of like that last frontier for solar,” J.W. Peters, acting president of the Oklahoma Solar Association, told CNET. “A big part of our gross product is oil and gas. And so you’ve got a lot of people that are very loyal to oil and gas.” 

Best national solar panel companies in Oklahoma

Local solar panel companies in Oklahoma

How to determine which solar company in Oklahoma is best for me

Finding the right solar installer for the job can be a little overwhelming. But if you know what to look for, you can narrow down your options a bit. We asked Ben Delman, a communications director with Solar United Neighbors, and Peters, of the Oklahoma Solar Association, for some tips on how to find a reputable solar installer.

Your installer should have experience working with the type of roof that you have, and the type of system you want installed, Delman said. Homeowners should also look for installers that are certified by NABCEP and have the proper licensing to work. Doing some quick reading of online reviews from multiple sources, like Google and Yelp, can help you get a better understanding of a solar company’s reputation. Delman said he would look for solar companies that have at least 20 to 30 reviews. If you know anyone who has solar panels on their home, you can ask them for recommendations as well.

Make sure that your installer is located and licensed to work in Oklahoma specifically. If your installer is out-of-state, you might not be able to use your solar system after it’s installed. This has been a big issue in Oklahoma, according to Peters. 

“We kind of call them orphaned customers. They signed up to buy a solar generation system from another state company. They were installed. They collected those funds. But then these customers have been abandoned and they don’t have permission to operate their systems,” Peters said. “Most of these customers have a loan with a third-party finance company, but don’t have permission to operate their system and therefore aren’t able to fully utilize the benefits of the system”.

Aside from licensing and reviews, there are a few other things a reputable solar installer should have:

• Good word-of-mouth references
• Clear explanations of the project and working deadlines  
• Definitions of technical terms and is able to explain them in an easy-to-understand manner
• Transparency about pricing and how financing works
• Knowledge about the local permit requirements and the process for system interconnection with the local utility company
• Understanding of homeowners association restrictions and how to help you navigate that process
• Encourages customers to get multiple quotes
• An accurate understanding of tax credits and incentives 

Your installer should be able to answer any questions you may have, even the difficult ones. And don’t hesitate to ask for clarification on any project and pricing details. Delman and Peters also stress the importance of shopping around for multiple quotes before settling on an installer. To get the best price possible, try to get at least three quotes.

Oklahoma solar panel incentives and rebates

Homeowners in Oklahoma looking to install solar panels can benefit from the federal tax credit and net metering, which is the process of selling your excess solar energy to your utility. The federal solar tax credit is a 30% tax credit from the federal government for solar systems purchased from the beginning of 2022 through 2032. 

And while Oklahoma does have net metering programs, net metering isn’t available in all utility territories. And net metering rates tend to differ by utility.

“The two large publicly traded utilities are OG&E and PSO, which by far have the most customers in the state. Both of those do have net metering and it’s a one-to-one retail net metering, but there is no rollover from month to month,” Peters said. “They will credit you at the avoided cost if you overproduced and roll that credit to the next month, but net metering in Oklahoma is essentially set on a month-to-month basis.”  

Solar panels can increase your home’s value and therefore, property taxes. Unlike many other states, Oklahoma does not offer a property tax protection or sales tax exemption.

Oklahoma solar incentives

Program	Description
Net metering	This allows you to sell your excess solar energy to the power grid. Net metering is not available in every utility territory.
Federal solar tax credit	This is a tax credit that allows you to claim 30% of the total cost of your solar panel system back on your federal taxes.

How to pay for solar panels in Oklahoma 

The following are payment options to consider when purchasing a solar system. Each payment method comes with benefits and drawbacks. Take time to evaluate which option is best for your budget. 

• Cash: No interest, but you must pay the total cost upfront. Cash is the most beneficial option for homeowners who want the quickest return on investment.
• Solar loans: Most solar companies will over financing via a solar loan. You can pay over time but you may accrue interest.
• Solar lease: You don’t own the solar system. Instead, you pay for the use of company-owned solar equipment. Most solar leases are made in monthly payments. You also won’t be eligible for certain incentives. 
• Power purchase agreement: You don’t own the system, instead paying per kilowatt-hour for the energy you use from it. It comes with little or no upfront costs or maintenance, do not qualify for tax incentives
• Home equity: You don’t have to use a loan from your solar company. Financial institutions offer home equity loans and lines of credit (or HELOCs) that are commonly used for home improvement projects. These loans can be used for basically any purpose, and they may be a good fit for your solar project. Shop around and make sure you’re getting the best deal.

Installation factors to keep in mind

There are many factors to consider when investing in solar energy. Take time to investigate the following about solar installation and ownership before deciding. Among other differences, some solar panels are more efficient than others.

Factor	Details
Insurance	Contact your home insurance agency. Find out if solar panels need to be added to your policy and how they will affect your coverage.
HOA rules	Check your HOA or other neighborhood association rules regarding solar panels. They may have specific requirements for placement.
Location	Solar panels are most efficient with direct sunlight. While solar panels can generate electricity in shaded areas, constant shading is not favorable.
Rent or own	Renters are often prohibited from making many changes to the property but can inquire with the landlord about installing solar. Renters may be eligible for community solar subscriptions, such as Arcadia, to power their homes with solar energy.
Roof condition	Your roof may need repair before solar panel installation. Solar installers should inspect if maintenance is required during a roof examination or consultation.

Oklahoma solar power FAQs