Are solar panels worth it in Oklahoma? From potential savings to your personal buffer against rising electricity costs, solar could be a great investment in the state of Oklahoma. In this blog, we’ll be covering all the reasons you should be considering a home solar installation, including the many solar incentives available and the environmental benefits solar panels can bring.

Is solar worth it in Oklahoma?

The truth is, the Sooner State is a little late on the solar boom. With enough solar installations to power nearly 12,000 homes, it’s not an exaggeration to say there’s room for expansion. That means there’s an amazing opportunity for trendsetting homeowners who want to pave the way for solar energy in Oklahoma.

According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, Oklahoma has invested $189 million in solar.(1) The biggest installations are the Covington Solar Farm and the Choctaw Nation Solar Farm. Oklahoma is expected to expand its solar energy generation by 2,877 megawatts (MW) over the next five years.

Oklahoma is on the cusp of its solar boom. Unfortunately, its renewable energy portfolio standard expired in 2022. Typically, this standard is used to incentivize residents and business owners to generate their electricity from renewable energy sources. It also sets goals and requires utility companies to reach them. Now’s the time to rally your local government officials  to renew and reap the benefits of solar.

Still wondering if solar is worth it for your Oklahoma residence? We think that every installation matters. Keep on reading to decide for yourself.

View of Oklahoma city

Benefits of solar panels in Oklahoma

Choosing to add solar panels to your home can be a big decision, especially when you might have the only set on the block. That’s why it’s important to understand the benefits of solar panels, so you can feel confident in your solar energy system and spread the good news.

Or, you can let us do the heavy lifting. We offer free solar consultations, where we’ll give you a custom estimate for your solar needs and assess how perfect your home could be for an installation. This is a spectacular time for you, and even a few of your neighbors, to get all of your questions answered. For now, let’s go over a few key perks of going solar:

  • An abundance of sunshine
  • Rising electricity bills
  • Solar incentives
  • Lower carbon footprint

Let’s do a deep dive into why we think solar panels are worth it in Oklahoma.

Oklahoma City neighborhood with solar panels 

1. An abundance of sunshine

Oklahoma has so much potential for solar energy generation, and it all starts with sunshine. On average, the residents of Oklahoma experience 253 sunny days in Oklahoma. (2) That’s more than half a year! Solar panels need sunshine to generate electricity. They capture photons, tiny particles that travel in sunlight, and convert them to usable electricity for your home. Plentiful sunshine is a perk for Oklahoma, but the best way to measure your home’s capacity for generation is to get a free solar consultation.

One of our knowledgeable Solar Energy Specialists can assess how well solar panels will work on your roof in the event that optimal sunlight isn’t available. Other factors, like the efficiency of your solar panels, will impact just how much solar energy can be captured on days when there isn’t a ton of direct sunlight.

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2. Rising electricity bills

In Oklahoma, the electricity rate is about 14.36 cents per kWh (kilowatt-hour). (3) While it’s still under the U.S. average of 15.98 cents per kW, electricity rates in Oklahoma have risen over 19% since 2021. And your monthly utility bill is tagging along for the ride.

Dirty energy might just be the culprit. The U.S. generates most of our electricity from fossil fuels. (4) This process of using nonrenewable sources for energy harms the environment and it’s also more expensive to facilitate. Studies show that the cost of wholesale natural gas is steadily climbing. (5) More and more, it’s becoming clear that alternative sources of power, like solar energy, can be useful.

Learn more by checking out our blog on the rising cost of electricity for more information.

3. Solar incentives

Let’s talk dollars and cents, as in the many solar incentives that are available when you choose to go solar. Solar incentives make adding solar panels to your home more attractive and budget-friendly. They can be a wonderful way to eliminate the unpleasant surprise from your monthly utility bills. Here are a few reasons solar in Oklahoma might be totally worth it:

Oklahoma net metering
A good way to get the most out of your solar panels in Oklahoma is through net metering. Net metering allows you to receive credits on your bill for unused electricity.* In this way, solar panels can put the power back in your hands! You can monitor your energy consumption and take the guesswork out of your electric bill.

Federal tax incentive
Also known as the federal solar tax credit, the investment tax credit (ITC) gives qualified homeowners with solar panels a credit on their federal taxes. If your system is eligible, you’ll get to claim a tax credit for 30% of the cost of a solar energy system towards your federal taxes.**

Learn more about this incentive and others by speaking with one of our Solar Energy Specialists.

4. Lower carbon footprint

As the days get hotter and the winters colder, it seems climate change is on everyone’s mind. It’s important for everyone to do their part to impact the greater picture. Solar panels could lower the carbon footprint of your home by generating clean energy and taking some of the pressure off of the power grid. While it isn’t the ultimate solution to pollution, reducing the amount of traditional electricity you use helps you do your part to make the planet a little bit greener.

Single family home 

Are solar panels worth it in Oklahoma?

We certainly think so! Solar panels could be worth it in Oklahoma because there are more than half a year of sunny days to draw solar energy from. Also, there’s a pocketful of potential savings on your electric bill and the cost of solar panels. Solar comes with many advantages, including offering a nice solution to unpredictable utility bills, solar incentives for eligible homeowners and a great leap towards home energy independence.

One of our Solar Energy Specialists can provide you with the necessary information during a free solar consultation. Find out where your home stands and all of the benefits solar could bring your way. What are you waiting for? Contact us today!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to go solar in Oklahoma?

The cost of going solar depends greatly on the specific factors that govern a home’s unique energy usage. However, prices have fallen 53% over the last 10 years. Eligible homeowners can also claim the 30% federal solar tax credit. Contact a Solar Energy Specialist to find out about other incentives available in your area.

Do solar panels add value to your house in Oklahoma?

Solar panels can increase your home’s value as much as 6% if the solar systems are purchased by the homeowner. The amount of increased value will depend on the location of your home and the value of similar homes that also have solar panel systems. You can find out more information from our blog on home value and solar panels.

Does Oklahoma have a tax credit for solar panels?

While Oklahoma doesn’t offer a solar tax credit, some solar energy systems qualify for the 30% federal solar tax credit. This incentive could allow eligible residences to claim a tax credit for 30% of the cost of a solar energy system toward their federal taxes.

Sources
  1. https://www.seia.org/state-solar-policy/oklahoma-solar
  2. https://www.abetterlifeokc.com/climate/sunshine-central/?back=key_facts_and_figures
  3. https://www.eia.gov/electricity/monthly/epm_table_grapher.php?t=epmt_5_6_a
  4. https://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.php?id=427&t=3
  5. https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=50798