Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy has multiple advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Lower utility costs: Producing some or all of your own energy will spend less on electricity long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that enable you to sell your extra energy back to the grid, generating additional credits toward your energy bill.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using solar is a surefire way to lower your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
- Better energy independence: Solar energy can keep your home functioning through blackouts and emergencies. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery backup.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Tulsa Homeowners?
The state of Oklahoma offers a number of solar incentives to help reduce your solar system costs. Below is a breakdown of relevant solar programs where you live.
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: Rebate Program
Website: ecoec.comIncentive Amount:
Replacement ground source heat pump - $150 per ton
Complete system (unit and ground loop) - $750 per ton
Marathon Electric water heater - $150
ENERGY STAR heat pump water heater: up to $500
ENERGY STAR Room AC - $50
ENERGY STAR Advanced programmable thermostat: up to $50
Weatherization: 50% of cost
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 Tulsa
Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and valuable solar energy system. Consider all of these factors in your contractor search.
Licensing and Training
Anyone with an electrician's license from the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board may perform solar energy work. Oklahoma doesn't treat solar panel installations as different from any other electrical job. Check a company's website for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar industry's most trusted trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.
Cost of Solar Panels in Tulsa
The style of solar panels you purchase decides how much electricity you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but they're worth it if you want a traditional panel style without the high cost. Thin-film panels aren't recommended for large residential installations, but they are ideal for small projects like converting RVs and sheds.
You can also add electric car (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can maximize your solar system's efficiency. Not every solar provider includes these add-ons, so look for a provider that installs them if it's important for you.
If you're a resident of Tulsa and are considering getting a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could expect to pay about $15,650 for parts and installation. Find more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,025 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $800 |
Thin-Film | $467 |
Solar Battery | $656 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,460 |
Financing Solar Energy in Tulsa
Choosing the right financing plan will influence your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include power purchase agreements, cash payments, loans, and leases. Most solar experts recommend paying cash 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 solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Much like an auto or home 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 specific circumstances. Look for installers that offer several payment plans to find the right fit for your financial needs.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Tulsa.
You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy devices until the year 2032. Municipal and state governments and utility companies might also offer discounts, rebates, and specialized financing options that could save you more.
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 Tulsa
How much money could I save by going solar in Tulsa?
How common is solar energy in Tulsa?
Should I expect a property value increase after installing solar panels?
What can I do to assess my home's solar potential?
What's a Tulsa solar panel's average lifespan?
How long does the solar panel installation process require?
What is "net metering," and how does it work?
What's the difference between a PPA and a solar lease?
If you choose a lease, you'll make fixed payments each month.
With both leases and PPAs, you don't own your panels and lose eligibility for some incentives. Further, you'll have to "buy out" or transfer the contract if you sell your home during the term.
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