Solar Guide
In This Guide
Solar in Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City solar installation is gaining momentum as homeowners seek energy independence in a region blessed with abundant sunshine. With electricity prices increasing 21% from 2020 to 2024, local residents are discovering how home solar panels can provide long-term savings and energy security.
Whether you’re exploring solar panel installation in Oklahoma City for the first time or ready to take the next step, understanding your local options is key. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything Oklahoma City homeowners need to know about solar installation, from costs to permits to choosing the right system for your home.
Key Takeaways
- Oklahoma City receives excellent solar irradiance year-round with 266 sunny days annually, making solar panels highly productive.
- The 30% federal solar tax credit saves Oklahoma homeowners an average of $8,189 on installation costs.
- Solar systems in Oklahoma City typically pay for themselves in 12-13 years while providing 25+ years of energy savings.
Solar Cost Calculator
Our solar cost calculator uses real installation data from Oklahoma City neighborhoods like Edmond, Norman, and Moore. Get accurate pricing based on actual local projects, not estimates from other states.
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Oklahoma City Electricity Prices
Understanding Oklahoma City’s electricity costs helps homeowners make informed decisions about their energy future and potential savings opportunities.
Oklahoma electricity rates have risen from 11.0 cents per kWh in 2021 to 12.2 cents in 2024, representing an 11% increase over three years.
Solar panels allow homeowners to generate their own electricity, reducing dependence on the grid and providing protection against future rate increases.
Over 25 years, solar systems can shield families from decades of utility rate fluctuations while potentially lowering their overall energy expenses.
Price of Energy: Oklahoma vs National Average
Oklahoma City Area Utility Providers
Oklahoma City residents benefit from below-average electricity rates through two main utilities: OG&E at 10.8¢ per kWh and PSO at 13.8¢ per kWh in 2023.
Both utilities charge less than Oklahoma’s 12.10¢ state average and significantly below the 16.0¢ national average, thanks to abundant natural gas resources and coal generation.
Even with competitive rates, solar panels can provide long-term price stability as utility costs gradually increase over time, protecting homeowners from future rate changes.
Oklahoma City Utilities Electricity Rates
Oklahoma Solar Incentives
Oklahoma City homeowners can significantly reduce solar installation costs through available solar incentives in Oklahoma and federal programs.
While Oklahoma doesn’t offer state-level solar tax credits, residents benefit from the federal solar Investment Tax Credit covering 30% of system costs through 2032.
Local utility companies like OG&E and PSO offer net metering programs with varying terms and credit structures for excess energy.
$8,189
Average savings in Oklahoma solar rebates
| Incentive | Type | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Clean Energy Credit | Federal tax credit | A federal tax credit worth 30% the cost of a solar panel system in the year it’s installed | Learn More |
The Residential Clean Energy Credit lets people claim a tax credit worth 30% the cost of a solar panel system in the year it’s installed. The credit can only be used against taxes you owe or have already paid that year, but any excess credit can be rolled over to future years.
The credit is broadly available, though there are a few restrictions — you must own the panels and they must be on a house you live in — so be sure to consult a tax professional about your situation.
OG&E’s Net Energy Billing Option (NEBO) is a monthly net metering program that allows homeowners with solar panels to receive credit for excess electricity they generate and send back to the grid. Under this program, your solar production is netted against your electricity consumption on a 1:1 basis within each time-of-use (TOU) period during your monthly billing cycle. This means that for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of solar energy you export to the grid, you receive a full retail credit that offsets your electricity usage during the same time period.
If your solar system produces more electricity than you consume in a given month, you’ll receive a dollar credit on future bills at OG&E’s avoided energy cost rate. The credit amount varies by time period – summer on-peak hours (2-7pm) receive a higher rate than off-peak periods, while winter months are entirely off-peak. These excess credits are tracked separately by time period and can accumulate over time. However, there’s an important limitation: if your accumulated credits exceed $100 or carry forward for more than 24 consecutive months (whichever comes first), either you or OG&E can request a one-time cash payment for that amount. This program requires customers to switch to a time-of-use rate structure, which means your electricity costs will vary depending on when you use power throughout the day.
PSO’s Net Energy Metering Service (NEMS) is a billing arrangement that allows homeowners with solar panels to receive credit for the excess electricity they generate and send back to the grid. Under this program, your solar energy production and electricity consumption are netted against each other on a monthly basis at a 1:1 ratio, meaning each kilowatt-hour (kWh) of solar energy you produce offsets one kWh of electricity you would otherwise purchase from PSO.
When your solar system produces more electricity than your home uses in a given month, the excess energy is credited to your account at PSO’s avoided cost rate, which is approximately 4 cents per kWh (ranging from 2-6 cents). These credits can accumulate and roll over to future billing periods. However, if your accumulated credits exceed $100 or remain on your account for more than 24 consecutive months, either you or PSO may request a one-time cash payment for that amount. It’s important to note that participation in this program requires you to switch to a time-of-use (TOU) rate structure, which means your electricity rates will vary based on the time of day you use power.
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 QuoteOklahoma City 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.
Oklahoma City’s sunny climate and moderate weather create excellent solar conditions year-round. Despite occasional storms, proper system design maximizes energy production effectively.
Solar Production in Oklahoma City 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 Installations in Oklahoma City
We’ve mapped every solar installation across America to show you something exciting: your Oklahoma City neighbors are embracing clean energy! Explore this interactive map to discover which communities have made the switch to solar power.
Leasing Solar Panels
Oklahoma City homeowners have access to solar leasing options through Palmetto’s LightReach program for select utility companies. In Oklahoma City, leasing is available for customers served by Oklahoma Electric Coop (OEC), Oklahoma Gas & Electric (OG&E), and Public Service of Oklahoma (PSO).
With a solar lease, you pay a fixed monthly amount based on your system’s expected production instead of purchasing panels outright. This eliminates the need for a large upfront investment while still providing immediate energy savings. Palmetto handles all system maintenance and monitoring, so you don’t have to worry about repairs or performance issues.
Solar leasing makes clean energy accessible without the responsibilities of ownership, allowing you to start saving on electricity costs from day one. For more details about buying versus leasing solar panels or to explore LightReach leasing options, our solar experts can help you determine the best approach for your Oklahoma City home.
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 excellent sense in Oklahoma City. The city receives 266 sunny days annually with strong solar irradiance, making panels highly productive year-round.
With electricity rates rising 21% since 2020 and the 30% federal tax credit available through 2032, Oklahoma City homeowners typically see systems pay for themselves in 12-13 years while providing 25+ years of energy savings.
Yes, Oklahoma City has net metering through three major utility companies. OG&E offers Net Energy Billing Option (NEBO) with 1:1 monthly credits and time-of-use rates, while excess production receives avoided cost rates.
PSO provides Net Energy Metering Service (NEMS) with similar 1:1 monthly netting at approximately 4 cents per kWh for excess generation. Oklahoma Electric Coop also offers monthly net metering with 2.3-6.5 cents per kWh credits for surplus energy production.
Yes, solar panels increase home value in Oklahoma City. According to a Zillow study, solar panels increase home value by 4.1% on average nationwide.
For Oklahoma City’s median home price of approximately $180,000, this translates to roughly $7,380 in added value. Solar panels also help homes sell faster and appeal to environmentally conscious buyers seeking energy-efficient properties.
Solar installation costs in Oklahoma City range from $14,179 to $25,057 after the federal tax credit, depending on your home size and energy needs.
For a typical medium-sized home (2,000-3,000 sq ft), expect to pay around $19,107 after incentives for a 9.72 kW system. This includes the 30% federal tax credit savings of approximately $8,189, making solar more affordable for Oklahoma City homeowners.
Yes, solar is financially worth it in Oklahoma City. With 266 sunny days annually and rising electricity rates, solar systems typically pay for themselves in 12-13 years through energy savings.
The 30% federal tax credit saves homeowners an average of $8,189 upfront, while systems provide 25+ years of savings totaling $33,000-$62,000 over their lifetime, making solar a smart long-term investment.
As a national solar company with local focus, we bring proven expertise to Oklahoma City installations. Our comprehensive approach includes some of the industry’s best financing options and an extensive network of certified installers.
We handle everything from initial consultation through system design, permitting, installation, and ongoing support, ensuring Oklahoma City homeowners receive quality solar solutions backed by our established track record serving customers nationwide.