Solar Guide
Solar in Tulsa
Tulsa homeowners are discovering solar energy’s potential as Oklahoma electricity prices have increased 21% from 2020 to 2024. With abundant sunshine and rising costs, solar installation offers a practical path toward energy independence.
Our home solar panels guide helps Tulsa residents navigate the basics and make informed solar decisions.
Key Takeaways
- Tulsa receives excellent solar irradiance with peak summer production reaching 51.4 kWh/day from a 10kW system.
- Oklahoma electricity rates increased 21% since 2020 making solar a smart hedge against rising utility costs.
- The 30% federal tax credit expires in 2025 creating urgency for homeowners considering solar installation.
Solar Cost Calculator
Our solar cost calculator uses real installation data from Tulsa neighborhoods like Brookside, Midtown, and Bixby. Get accurate pricing estimates based on actual local projects, not generic estimates from other states.
System
Cost
Savings
Tulsa Electricity Prices
Understanding Tulsa’s electricity costs helps homeowners make informed energy decisions as rates continue climbing across Oklahoma.
Oklahoma electricity rates jumped from 11.0 cents per kWh in 2021 to 12.2 cents in 2024, representing an 11% increase over three years.
Solar installation in Tulsa allows homeowners to generate their own power, reducing dependence on the grid and protecting against future rate increases.
Over 25 years, solar panels can shield families from decades of utility rate hikes while providing predictable, clean energy costs.
Price of Energy: Oklahoma vs National Average
Tulsa Area Utility Providers
Tulsa residents receive electricity from two main utilities: Oklahoma Gas & Electric (OG&E) at 10.8¢/kWh and Public Service Oklahoma (PSO) at 13.8¢/kWh, based on 2023 data.
Both utilities charge below the 2023 national average of 16.0¢/kWh, though PSO exceeds Oklahoma’s state average of 12.10¢/kWh due to infrastructure and fuel costs.
Even with competitive rates, solar panels can reduce monthly electricity bills while providing energy independence as utility costs continue rising over time.
Tulsa Utilities Electricity Rates
Oklahoma Solar Incentives
Tulsa solar installation becomes more affordable with federal tax credits and local utility programs. Explore available solar incentives in Oklahoma below.
The federal solar tax credit covers 30% of installation costs through 2032. Oklahoma utilities OG&E and PSO offer net metering programs with different credit structures for excess energy.
These incentives change regularly and have specific deadlines. Research current programs thoroughly and consider acting promptly to maximize your solar savings.
$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 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 your next bill at OG&E’s avoided energy cost rate. The rate varies by season and time of day – winter months are all considered off-peak, while summer has on-peak pricing from 2-7pm. Any accumulated credits are tracked separately for on-peak and off-peak periods. An important consideration is that if your credit balance exceeds $100 or carries 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 based 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 production and electricity usage are netted against each other on a 1:1 basis each month, meaning every kilowatt-hour (kWh) your solar system produces offsets one kWh of electricity you would otherwise purchase from PSO at the full retail rate.
When your solar system produces more electricity than you use 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 month to month. However, if your accumulated credits exceed $100 or carry forward for longer than 24 consecutive months, either you or PSO may choose to process a one-time payment for that amount. It’s important to note that participating customers must switch to a time-of-use (TOU) rate structure, which means electricity rates vary depending 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 QuoteTulsa 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.
Tulsa’s variable cloud cover and seasonal sun angles affect solar production throughout the year. Despite weather concerns, proper system design maximizes energy generation.
Solar Production in Tulsa 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 Tulsa
We’ve mapped every solar installation across America to help you discover which Tulsa neighborhoods have embraced clean energy. Explore this interactive map to see how many of your neighbors have already made the switch to solar power!
Leasing Solar Panels
In Tulsa, Palmetto offers solar leasing options through all major utility providers: Oklahoma Gas & Electric (OG&E), Public Service Oklahoma (PSO), and Oklahoma Electric Coop (OEC). With a solar lease, homeowners pay a fixed monthly amount instead of purchasing the system outright.
A solar lease eliminates the upfront investment costs while providing immediate savings on electricity bills. Palmetto handles all maintenance, repairs, and monitoring, giving homeowners peace of mind without the responsibility of system upkeep or performance concerns.
Compared to cash purchases, leasing offers predictable monthly costs and professional maintenance support. Learn more about solar leasing versus buying or explore our LightReach program for flexible solar solutions.
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 in Tulsa due to excellent solar irradiance and rising electricity costs. Oklahoma rates increased 21% since 2020, making solar a smart financial hedge.
With the 30% federal tax credit available through 2025, Tulsa homeowners can achieve significant savings. Peak summer production reaches 51.4 kWh/day from a 10kW system, providing substantial energy generation potential.
Yes, Tulsa has net metering through three major utilities. Oklahoma Gas & Electric (OG&E) offers Net Energy Billing Option (NEBO) with 1:1 monthly credits and time-of-use rates. Public Service Oklahoma (PSO) provides similar monthly net metering with approximately 4 cents/kWh for excess production.
Oklahoma Electric Coop (OEC) also offers monthly net metering with 1:1 billing and excess credits at avoided cost rates of 2.3-6.5 cents/kWh. All programs require switching to time-of-use rate structures for solar customers.
Yes, solar panels increase home value in Tulsa, OK. Research shows that solar installations add significant value to properties across Oklahoma markets.
A Zillow study found that solar panels increase home value by 4.1% on average. For Tulsa’s median home price of approximately $150,000, this represents about $6,150 in added value, making solar a smart investment for homeowners.
Solar installation costs in Tulsa range from $14,179 to $25,057 after the 30% federal tax credit, depending on your home size and energy needs.
A typical 10kW system costs approximately $19,107 after incentives, with monthly savings averaging $103. Most Tulsa homeowners see payback periods of 12-13 years and total 25-year savings exceeding $45,000.
Yes, solar is financially worth it in Tulsa. With Oklahoma electricity rates rising 21% since 2020 and the 30% federal tax credit available through 2025, homeowners can achieve substantial long-term savings.
A typical Tulsa solar system pays for itself in 12-13 years while providing 25+ years of clean energy. Most homeowners save $45,000+ over the system’s lifetime, making solar a smart financial investment.
We’re Palmetto Solar, a national company with local expertise in Tulsa. We’ve served over 20,000 customers nationwide with an 85%+ approval rating, bringing proven solar solutions to Oklahoma homeowners.
Our comprehensive approach includes competitive financing options, professional installation through our certified network, and ongoing support throughout your solar journey. We handle everything from permits to interconnection, making solar simple for Tulsa families.