Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy has multiple advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Lowered energy bills: Solar panels allow you to generate your own energy to power your home, lowering your monthly electricity costs. You can eliminate your bills completely if you go off-grid.
- Better energy independence: Solar panels can keep your home functioning through blackouts and emergencies. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery backup.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power means you're less dependent on fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gasses.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Broken Arrow Homeowners?
Governments and utilities often incentivize homeowners for adopting solar. Here are some of the tax credits, rebates, or other programs you could qualify for.
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 Broken Arrow
The more informed your company investigation is, the better your photovoltaic system will ultimately work. Consider all of these aspects in your business search.
The type of solar panels you select dictates how much energy you can produce. Monocrystalline panels cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.
If you want to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in cloudy weather, you'll usually pay extra for accessories. By choosing the right ones, you can make your panel array more effective and convenient to use. Not every solar contractor includes these extras, so look for a contractor that has them if it's a priority for you.
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 panel installations as different from any other electrical job. Solar companies can also obtain accreditations from standards organizations and trade groups. The most respected ones in the industry come from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.
Financing Options
Choosing the best financing solution will influence your overall solar system cost and expected savings. A few of the most common options include power purchase agreements (PPAs), leases, loans, and cash payments. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they save you from paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Like a home or car loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly fee to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a fluctuating rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in particular circumstances. We recommend working with a contractor that offers multiple financing options. Speak with each salesperson about what's available, and get more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your spending limits.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Broken Arrow
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
How prevalent is solar energy in Broken Arrow?
Will solar energy systems boost my Broken Arrow home price?
What is a Broken Arrow solar panel's average lifespan?
Is solar panel installation a fast job?
What's the average solar system size in Broken Arrow?
How can I enhance my solar array's performance?
- regularly clean your solar panels ,
- optimize the panels' position with your solar installer ,
- upgrade to a more efficient inverter trim or cut down trees in the way of your panels ,
- use energy-efficient appliances
What's the difference between a PPA and traditional financing?
You might think about a PPA if you don’t want to be responsible for maintaining your panels and don’t want to invest in a system, but keep in mind you won’t be paying toward ownership or be able to access any solar financial incentives. Many solar experts don’t recommend PPAs. Our guide covers other financing options above.
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