Norman, OK Solar Panels
Solar Power in Norman
Solar panel installation in Norman, OK is growing — and it’s easy to see why. Oklahoma electricity prices have risen 21% from 2020 to 2024, pushing more homeowners to look for ways to stabilize their energy costs long term.
This guide covers everything you need to know about home solar panels in Norman — how the installation process works, what to expect, and what it could mean for your energy bill. Let’s break it down simply.
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Norman, OK?
Based on real installations across Norman, Moore, Midwest City, and surrounding communities, this calculator uses Palmetto’s firsthand Oklahoma data to give you an accurate estimate of what solar installation would actually cost for your home.
System
- No upfront investment
- Palmetto handles all maintenance
- 90% Production Guarantee
- Comprehensive protection program included
Key Takeaways
- Norman gets 5.4 peak sun hours per day, making it a strong candidate for solar — and homeowners can save an average of ~$47,000 over 25 years.
- Oklahoma electricity prices have risen 21% since 2020. Solar can help Norman homeowners lock in more predictable energy costs for the long term.
- Oklahoma offers a 100% property tax exemption on solar plus net metering bill credits — meaning your taxes won’t go up and extra energy earns you credit.
Norman Electricity Prices
Electricity costs in Norman, Oklahoma have been climbing — and understanding that trend can help you make smarter energy decisions.
Oklahoma’s residential electricity rate rose from 11.0 cents per kWh in 2021 to 12.2 cents per kWh in 2024 — roughly an 11% increase. Nationally, rates climbed even faster, jumping from 13.7 to 16.5 cents per kWh over the same period.
Solar panels can help Norman homeowners reduce their dependence on the grid. By generating your own electricity, you’re less exposed to rate increases that are largely outside your control.
Over a 25-year panel lifespan, even modest rate increases compound significantly. Homeowners who go solar early tend to lock in more predictable energy costs — a long-term financial benefit worth understanding.
Price of Energy: Oklahoma vs National Average
Norman Area Utility Providers
Norman, OK homeowners are primarily served by OG&E (Oklahoma Gas & Electric). Based on 2023 data — the most recent available — OG&E’s residential electricity rate was 10.8¢ per kWh.
OG&E’s 2023 rate of 10.8¢ per kWh sits below both Oklahoma’s state average of 12.1¢ and the national average of 16.0¢, largely due to Oklahoma’s abundant natural gas resources and a diverse regional energy mix.
Even with relatively low rates today, electricity prices can rise over time. Norman homeowners who go solar can lock in a more predictable energy cost, reducing their exposure to future rate increases.
Norman Utilities Electricity Rates
Oklahoma Solar Incentives
Norman homeowners have access to several solar incentives in Oklahoma that can help offset the cost of solar panel installation in Norman, OK — from property tax protections to bill credits.
Oklahoma offers a 100% property tax exemption on added home value from solar, indefinitely rolling net metering bill credits, and the option to generate and sell Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) — potentially earning $300–$1,000 annually on a 10 kW system.
State and local incentives still apply in Oklahoma. Those who lease solar through Palmetto’s LightReach program benefit from lower monthly payments, as Palmetto manages the commercial tax credit directly.
| Incentive | Type | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma Property Tax Exemption for Solar Energy Systems | Property Tax Exemption | Oklahoma provides a 100% property tax exemption on the added home value from a solar energy system installation, ensuring your property tax bill does not increase. | Learn More |
| Oklahoma Net Metering / Net Billing Program | Net Metering | Oklahoma requires investor-owned utilities to offer net metering for solar systems up to 300 kW, crediting customers for excess electricity sent to the grid with bill credits that roll over indefinitely. | Learn More |
| Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) — North American Renewables Registry | SREC | Oklahoma solar system owners may generate and sell Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) through the North American Renewables Registry, potentially earning $300–$1,000 annually for a 10 kW system. | Learn More |
Oklahoma law provides a 100% property tax exemption for the value added to a home by a solar energy system. Because solar panels can meaningfully increase your home’s assessed value, this exemption ensures that your annual property tax bill will not rise as a result of your installation — a benefit that compounds over the 25+ year lifespan of a typical solar system.
This exemption applies to residential homeowners in Norman who install a qualifying solar energy system on their property. The financial benefit can be significant: in Oklahoma, where the average home value increase from solar is estimated at several thousand dollars, the annual property tax savings can reach hundreds of dollars per year depending on your county’s mill levy rate.
Homeowners should confirm the exemption with their local county assessor’s office at the time of installation to ensure it is properly applied to their property record. For regulatory guidance, contact the Oklahoma Corporation Commission at the link above.
Oklahoma’s net metering rules, governed by 17 O.S. § 156 and OAC 165:40:9 and updated by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission in May 2019, allow residential solar customers with systems up to 300 kW to receive bill credits for excess electricity their panels send to the grid. During any billing period, solar production is netted against your consumption at the full retail energy rate — meaning you only pay for the net electricity you draw from the grid. Participating investor-owned utilities include Oklahoma Gas & Electric (OG&E) and Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO), as well as cooperatives such as Oklahoma Electric Cooperative (OEC) and Northeast Oklahoma Electric Cooperative.
If your solar system produces more electricity than you consume in a given billing period, the surplus is compensated at the utility’s avoided cost rate — which is lower than the retail rate, typically ranging from approximately $0.02 to $0.08 per kWh depending on your utility. These dollar-based bill credits roll forward indefinitely and can be applied to any future charges on your electric bill, including fixed service availability fees and any grid electricity you purchase when your panels are not producing enough.
Important limitations apply: your installed generating capacity must not exceed 300 kW, and systems that equal or exceed 125% of your recorded peak demand at the service location may not qualify. Additionally, utilities may apply to the Oklahoma Corporation Commission for approval to charge a fixed enrollment fee to net metering customers. Homeowners in Norman should contact their specific utility to confirm program availability, current compensation rates, and any applicable fees before installation.
Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) are tradeable certificates issued for every megawatt-hour (MWh) of clean electricity generated by a qualifying solar system. Unlike net metering, RECs are earned based on generation alone — you do not need to sell electricity back to the grid to accumulate them. Oklahoma solar owners can register their systems and track their RECs through the North American Renewables Registry (NAR).
The value of RECs fluctuates similarly to market commodities. Based on available data, a 10 kW residential solar system in Oklahoma could generate approximately $300 to $1,000 in annual REC revenue, though actual earnings depend on current market prices and buyer demand. It is important to note that Oklahoma does not have an active Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC) market or a strong Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), which limits local demand and may reduce the value of credits compared to states with mandatory RPS requirements.
To participate, homeowners in Norman should first contact the Oklahoma Corporation Commission for guidance on applicable regulations, then create an account with the North American Renewables Registry to begin tracking and selling credits. Because REC markets can be volatile and Oklahoma’s market is limited, homeowners should research current market conditions carefully before relying on REC income as a significant part of their solar financial projections.
Ready to start saving with solar?
Speak with a Palmetto solar expert to find out exactly how much you can save with Oklahoma incentives.
Get a Free QuoteNorman Solar Irradiance
Solar panel production varies throughout the year based on daylight hours, weather patterns, and sun intensity. Understanding how seasons affect your solar system helps set realistic expectations for your investment.
Norman, OK enjoys over 230 sunny days annually, but seasonal storms and cloud cover affect output. The good news? Even on cloudy days, solar panels still generate meaningful energy.
Solar Production in Norman by Month
What Can Your Solar System Power?
Summer Production (July)
In July, your 10 kW system could power:
- 3.6 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Run central AC for 18 hours AND power all other appliances
- or Fully charge 5.4 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Winter Production (December)
In December, your 10 kW system could power:
- 2 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Keep your home heating system running for 15 hours
- or Fully charge 3 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Annual Production
Over a year, your 10 kW system could:
- Offset 10 tons of carbon dioxide emissions
- or Equal the environmental benefit of planting 175 trees
- or Save approximately $4,234 in electricity costs
Want to know exactly how much solar can power your home?
Get a personalized solar analysis based on your actual home, energy usage, and roof characteristics.
Get My Custom EstimateSolar Panel Systems in Norman
We’ve mapped thousands of solar installations across the U.S. — including right here in Norman, OK. Explore the heatmap below to see which neighborhoods and communities have made the switch to solar. Click any hexagon to see how many of your neighbors are already generating their own clean energy!
Leasing Solar Panels
If you’d rather not pay the full cost of a solar system upfront, Palmetto offers a solar lease through its LightReach program — available to Norman homeowners served by Oklahoma Electric Cooperative (OEC), Oklahoma Gas & Electric (OG&E), and Public Service of Oklahoma (PSO). With a lease, you pay a fixed monthly amount — for example, around $111/month for a medium-sized home — while Palmetto owns and maintains the system.
Compared to a cash purchase, a lease means no large upfront investment and no maintenance responsibilities. If a panel underperforms or equipment needs attention, Palmetto handles it. You simply pay your monthly lease and enjoy the bill savings. This is different from a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), where you’d pay per kilowatt-hour generated rather than a flat monthly rate — but in Oklahoma, the lease option is what’s currently available through Palmetto.
Over the course of a year, the financial benefit of a lease is comparable to what you’d see with a PPA — the savings tend to even out. The key advantage over paying cash is straightforward: you avoid the upfront cost, skip the maintenance burden, and start saving from day one. To learn more about how leasing compares to buying, visit palmetto.com/solar-buy-or-lease.
Go solar without the investment
With LightReach, there are no investment costs to recoup, loan payments to manage, or maintenance needs to take on. As soon as your panels are active, your solar savings are too!
Learn MoreFrequently Asked Questions
Yes, solar makes sense for many Norman homeowners. Norman averages 5.4 peak sun hours per day, and Oklahoma electricity prices have risen 21% since 2020 — making solar a practical way to stabilize long-term energy costs. Homeowners can save an average of ~$47,000 over 25 years, plus benefit from Oklahoma’s 100% property tax exemption on solar and net metering bill credits.
Upfront cost is often the biggest concern, but Palmetto’s LightReach lease program removes that barrier entirely — Norman homeowners can go solar with no money down and start saving from day one.
Yes, Norman homeowners have access to net metering through their local utility providers. Oklahoma Gas & Electric (OG&E) and Public Service of Oklahoma (PSO) both offer monthly net metering, crediting excess solar production on a 1:1 basis against consumption. Surplus credits are compensated at the utility’s avoided cost rate. Oklahoma Electric Cooperative (OEC) also offers monthly net metering at an avoided cost rate averaging around 3.6¢/kWh.
It’s worth noting that excess credits can roll forward, though OG&E and PSO may issue a one-time payment if accumulated credits exceed $100 or carry forward longer than 24 consecutive months. Check with your specific utility for current rates and program details.
Yes, solar panels can increase home value in Norman. According to a Zillow study, homes with solar panels sell for approximately 4.1% more than comparable homes without them. For a $250,000 home in Norman, that could mean roughly $10,000 in added value.
Oklahoma also offers a 100% property tax exemption on the added home value from solar — so Norman homeowners benefit from the increased resale value without a higher property tax bill.
The most affordable way to go solar in Norman is through Palmetto’s LightReach lease — with no upfront cost and a low fixed monthly payment starting around $79–$148/month depending on home size. Palmetto owns and maintains the system, and passes along savings from the commercial tax credit.
For a cash purchase, a typical Norman home requires a 9.72 kW system costing around $27,296. Note that the federal 30% residential tax credit is no longer available following the Big Beautiful Bill. Use the calculator above for a personalized estimate.
For many Norman homeowners, solar can be financially worthwhile — especially with a lease. With Palmetto’s LightReach program, there’s no upfront cost, and your fixed monthly payment is typically lower than your current electricity bill. That means savings start on day one.
With Oklahoma electricity rates rising 21% since 2020, locking in a predictable monthly solar payment makes long-term financial sense. Cash buyers can expect ~$47,000 in savings over 25 years, but leasing offers immediate savings without any investment.
Palmetto is a top choice for solar installation in Norman, OK. As a national company with a local focus, we’ve served 20,000+ customers across 31 states and bring that experience directly to Norman homeowners. We work with a trusted network of local installers and offer some of the most competitive financing options in the industry.
Our LightReach lease program lets Norman residents go solar with no money down, a fixed monthly payment, and zero maintenance responsibilities — we handle it all. Whether you’re looking to lease or purchase, we make the process straightforward from start to finish.
With Palmetto’s LightReach lease, Norman homeowners pay one simple monthly fee that covers the solar system, installation, monitoring, maintenance, and a 90% Production Guarantee — with no upfront cost. For a typical 9.72 kW system, the estimated monthly payment is approximately $111/month.
Because Palmetto owns the system, it claims the commercial Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and passes those savings to you through lower monthly payments — a key advantage over cash purchases. Most Norman homeowners start saving from day one.