Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides multiple advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power means you're less dependent on fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gasses.
- Lowered energy bills: You can dodge the premium cost of grid-tied power by generating some electricity right where you use it. Plus, many states offer net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to help pay for your energy bill.
- Better energy independence: Solar panel systems can keep your home powered through blackouts and emergencies. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery backup.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Bartlesville Homeowners?
Oklahoma homeowners who decide on solar could qualify for tax credits, special financing, reimbursements and rebates. Here are just a few of the area's incentive programs.
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: vvec.comIncentive Amount:
Room Air Conditioner: $50
Heat Pump Water Heaters: $500
Smart Thermostat: $50
Programmable Timer for Engine Block Heater: $15
Ground-Source Heat Pumps (new): $300/ton
Ground-Source Heat Pumps (replacement): $150/ton
Air-source/Dual Fuel Heat Pumps: $150/ton
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: PowerForwardWithPSO.comIncentive Amount:
LED Light Bulbs: up to $2/bulb
Advanced Power Strips: $10-$13
Programmable Wi-Fi Thermostat: $110
Energy Star Heat Pump Water Heater: $500
Energy Star Electric Clothes Dryer: $50
Energy Star Refrigerators: $50
Energy Star Clothes Washer: $50
Energy Star Bathroom Ventilation Fan: $25
Energy Star Room A/C: $25
Energy Star Water Cooler: $25
Energy Star Air Purifiers: $20-$50
Door Sweeps: $3
Door Seals: $5
Spray Foam Insulation: $1
Furnace Filters: $1
Pool Pump: $400
Attic/Ceiling Insulation: $400
Knee Wall Insulation, Wall Insulation, Floor/Crawlspace Insulation, Air Infiltration: Multiple Upgrades Only
Air Conditioner/Heat Pump Replacement: $500-$800
Ground Source Heat Pump: $800
Furnace ECM, Duct Replacement, Duct Sealing: Multiple Upgrades Only
Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit
Website: ecowatch.comIncentive Amount:
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.
How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Bartlesville
The more comprehensive your company research is, the better your solar system will ultimately operate. Consider all of these aspects in your contractor search.
Licensing and Training
So long as a contractor has an electrician's license from the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board, they may perform solar energy work. Oklahoma doesn't treat solar projects as different from any other electrical job. Solar installers can also obtain accreditations from standards organizations and trade groups. The most prestigious ones in the industry come from the NABCEP. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.
Cost of Solar Panels in Bartlesville
Your solar modules' type will influence how much power you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels generate less, but they're a great traditional option for low budgets. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.
If you'd like to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in dark weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By choosing the right components, you can make your panel array more effective and convenient to use. Not all solar companies offer these add-ons, so look for a company that installs them if it's essential for you.
Most Bartlesville homeowners choose solar systems sized for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run about $15,650 to install, considering both materials and labor. You can find more specific solar cost information in the table.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,060 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $827 |
| Thin-Film | $483 |
| Solar Battery | $678 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,544 |
Financing Solar Energy in Bartlesville
There are many ways to pay for a solar energy system, and the right one will minimize your overhead. A few of the most common options include loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs), cash payments, and leases. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most economical choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the runner-up option. As with a car loan or mortgage, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for valuable solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. We generally don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the panels and cannot use solar incentives. Look for installers that offer several payment plans to find the right fit for your wallet.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Bartlesville.
The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal tax credit for solar panels on the full cost of the solar system, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Local governments and utilities might also offer their own incentives, financing programs, and rebates that could save you more money.
| Solar System Capacity | Estimated Payback period |
|---|---|
| 1 kW | 2.3 years |
| 2 kW | 4.5 years |
| 5 kW | 11.3 years |
| 10 kW | 22.7 years |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Bartlesville
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
Is solar energy readily available in Bartlesville?
Will solar energy systems increase my Bartlesville home worth?
Could I still use solar power if I live in a dark, wooded, or rainy area?
What's a Bartlesville solar panel's average lifespan?
What size should my new Bartlesville solar system be?
How can I maximize my solar system's performance?
- optimize the panels' position with your solar installer
- regularly clean your solar panels
- upgrade to a more efficient inverter trim or cut down trees in the way of your panels
- use energy-efficient appliances
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
