Solar panels Oklahoma

Despite the state’s abundance of sunshine, solar power still faces strong competition from other renewable energy sources in Oklahoma. According to the Solar Energy Industry Association, the state has just 36.85 MW of solar power capacity. However, residents can still benefit from the various resources available in the state.

Solar panels for sale in Oklahoma

Solar panels in Oklahoma are reliable and cost-efficient energy generators for your home, business, RV or a boat. They work as long as there is daylight, aren’t afraid of winds, hail, snow or rain, and last for over 25 years.

The average size of a home PV installation in the US is 5-6 kW. A system of this capacity covers 80-100% energy needs of a medium house. Its cost may vary from $5,000 to $10,000, depending on the panels’ brand and incentives available. Since a solar system powers your appliances during the day, your energy bills reduce greatly. Overall, a PV installation brings in around $100 each month on average and thus pays for itself in 6-7 years. 

Solar energy is a great solution for boondockers and sailors as well. Since panels work everywhere, don’t need fuel, don’t smell and are silent, they start to replace gas generators, which traditionally were used to charge house batteries. Sometimes even one panel is enough for everything you have on your boat or RV. Generally, panels go on a trailer roof, and when it comes to marine installation, modules are fixed on a stern rail, deck or canvas. 

---

---

---

---

Solar inverters for sale in Oklahoma

Inverter is another necessary component of a solar panel system. The panels by nature produce direct current which can’t be used by most house appliances. That’s why an inverter converts DC to AC and sends it either into the grid or to your appliances.

Another functions that inverter perform include:

• Interaction with the grid;
• Arc fault prevention and protection;
• Optimization of the solar array production;
• System monitoring. 

Inverters can be grid-tied, off-grid or hybrid. While the names of the first two are self-explanatory, a hybrid inverter can be used both as a grid-tie or an off-grid one. In other words, you can pair it with a battery, and if a blackout happens, the inverter switches your house to battery support instead of shutting down.

Inverter is the most complicated part of a solar installation and it requires proper maintenance. For Oklahoma residents, it is recommended to put an inverter in a cold dry place out of direct sunlight — the garage is the best option. To prolong its lifespan, wipe the dust off of it, clean air intake filters and check the screen for errors. 

---

OutBack Inverter 50A GS8048A-01

---

SMA Sunny Boy Inverter 5kw SB-5.0-1SP-US-41

---

SolarEdge Inverter 5Kw SE5000H-US

---

Oklahoma solar incentives or rebates

Getting solar panels on your home can help lower your upfront investment. Through the federal government’s Investment Tax Credit, homeowners can take advantage of a 26% tax credit for the first year and a 22% tax credit for the second year. The credit is set to expire in 2024, so it’s important to schedule a solar installation soon.

Although Oklahoma does not offer incentives for solar, you can still earn money from the excess power that you generate through net metering. This method allows you to sell the electricity that you generate back to the grid.

Should I buy or lease my solar panels?

You have the option of leasing or buying solar panels. In the long run, buying solar panels will allow you to lower your energy costs and get a federal tax credit. It also allows you to sell excess energy to your utility providers.

If you are not interested in buying a system upfront, leasing solar panels is a good alternative. However, the federal tax credit for solar leases does not apply to both PPAs and solar leases.

If you are not interested in buying a system, a community solar program is also available. This type of program allows you to pool your resources and share the energy produced by a solar system.