Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers multiple perks. Here are some highlights.
- Lowered energy bills: You can skip the added cost of grid-tied power by creating some electricity right where you use it. Plus, many states offer net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back for credits on your bill.
- Better energy independence: Adding a solar battery storage system lets you have trustworthy energy during storms and grid outages.
- Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is a highly abundant clean energy source, meaning you can minimize or conquer your home's dependence on "traditional" sources.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Lawton Homeowners?
Governments and power companies often incentivize homeowners for going solar. Here are some of the tax credits, rebates, or other programs you could qualify for.
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 Lawton
Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and valuable solar energy system. Consider each of these criteria in your contractor search.
Licensing and Training
Anyone with an electrician's license from the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board may perform solar energy work. The state doesn't treat solar panel installations as different from any other electrical job. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private certifications. Two of the most respected are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, backed by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.
Cost of Solar Panels in Lawton
Your solar modules' model will influence how much power you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations.
You can also add electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can maximize your solar system's performance. Not every solar company offers these add-ons, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's a priority for you.
You can plan to spend about $15,650 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Lawton. Check the table in this section to get an idea of how much Lawton solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.
| 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 Lawton
There are many ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will minimize your overhead. A few of the most common options include leases, loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and cash payments. We advise making a cash payment or securing a solar loan for the best return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also have full ownership of your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to cut your total costs. Solar loans are another solid option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in monthly installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) permits you to pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, as with an electric bill. We generally don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Look for contractors that offer two or more payment plans to find the right fit for your budget.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Lawton.
A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new residential solar equipment purchased through 2032. Extra incentives may be available through local governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.
| 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 Lawton
How much money could I save by going solar in Lawton?
Is solar energy widely available in Lawton?
Should I expect a boost in my property value after installing solar panels?
What if I live in a dark or heavily-wooded
How long will a standard solar system last?
What size should my new Lawton solar system be?
How can I boost my solar panels' 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
How are traditional solar loans and PPAs different?
You might consider a PPA if you don’t want to be responsible for maintenance 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 payment options above.
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