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 — which can make justifying the cost of solar panels hard to justify in some situations. 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.”
If you’re looking to be a pioneer and strike out on the clean energy journey in Oklahoma, first you need to know the best solar panel installation companies operating within the state.
Best national solar panel companies in Oklahoma
SunPower Solar
Best solar panels
If you’re looking for top-of-the-line solar panels, SunPower is your best choice. But don’t write it off if you’re looking for a less flashy installation that will get the job done. This year it started installing Qcells panels, which should make an installation from the longest-tenured company on our list available to more people.
Tesla Solar
Most affordable
Tesla’s solar branch seems to be the least loved of Elon Musk’s ventures. Even Tesla’s Solar Roof seems to get more love.
If price is the thing you won’t budge on, consider Tesla. By all accounts, Tesla installs quality panels and makes the closest thing there is to a household name in solar storage: the Powerwall.
Where you might miss out is customer service. Discussion online seems to suggest Tesla’s service is a bit of a gamble.
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.
Read more: Want something smaller than a whole-home solar system? See our picks for the best portable solar panels and solar generators.
Cost of solar panels in Oklahoma
Here’s a look at the average cash price for a typical solar panel system in Oklahoma before factoring in tax credits incentives, according to data from FindEnergy.com. It’s important to note that your system might become more expensive if you choose to include solar batteries or additional equipment in your purchase.
Average cost of solar panels in Oklahoma
The map below displays the average total cash price, cost per watt and system size for a typical solar panel system in your state, according to data from FindEnergy.com. These prices don’t account for rebates from tax credits or state incentives. Certain states don’t have any FindEnergy solar data and are grayed out on the map.
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
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.
