FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about going solar in Oklahoma. Can't find your answer? Contact us.
Solar Basics
How Solar Works
How do solar panels work?
Sunlight hits the panels and gets converted into electricity. An inverter turns that into the type of power your home uses. Any extra energy goes back to the grid and you get a credit on your bill. It's pretty straightforward once it's installed.
How do solar panels work in Oklahoma's climate?
Really well, actually. Oklahoma gets over 230 sunny days a year. Panels still produce on cloudy days, and they actually perform better in cooler temperatures. It's one of the better states for solar.
What about cloudy days?
Solar panels still produce electricity on cloudy days, just at reduced output (typically 10-25% of full capacity). Your system is designed based on annual production, not daily peaks. The credits you build during sunny months offset lower production periods. Oklahoma averages 235 sunny days per year.
Will hail damage my panels?
Modern solar panels are tested to withstand 1-inch hail at 50+ mph. We install Tier 1 panels with hail ratings designed for severe weather states like Oklahoma. Your homeowner's insurance covers solar panels as part of your roof, and many homeowners see no increase in premiums.
Do solar panels work during power outages?
Without a battery, no. The system shuts off during outages to protect utility workers on the lines. But if you have a battery like a Tesla Powerwall, your home keeps running on stored solar energy while everyone else is in the dark.
How long do solar panels last?
Solar panels are warrantied for 25 years and typically produce electricity well beyond that. Most panels degrade less than 0.5% per year, meaning after 25 years they're still producing around 87% of their original output. The inverter may need replacement once during that period (typically around year 12-15).
Do I still have an electric bill with solar?
You'll still have a small connection fee from your utility (typically $10-15/month for OG&E or PSO). But your actual electricity charges can drop to near zero. Most solar homeowners see their total bill drop by 70-90% depending on system size and energy usage.
How does net metering work with OG&E and PSO?
Both OG&E and PSO offer net metering in Oklahoma. When your panels produce more electricity than your home uses (typically midday), the excess flows to the grid and you earn credits on your bill. At night or on cloudy days, you draw from the grid and use those credits. Most solar homeowners build up credits in summer to offset higher winter usage.
Costs & Savings
The Money Side
How much does solar cost in Oklahoma?
A typical residential system runs $2.50-$3.00 per watt installed. For an average Oklahoma home, that's roughly $20,000-$30,000 for an 8-10 kW system. The exact cost depends on your roof layout, system size and equipment choices. We provide exact pricing during your free consultation.
How much can you save with solar panels in Oklahoma?
Most of our customers see their bill drop 60-90%. If you pay cash, the system typically pays for itself in 8 to 12 years. Financing takes longer since you're spreading it out, but your monthly payment usually comes in under what you were paying the utility. Either way, once it's paid off, that power is basically free for decades.
What happens to my solar savings when rates go up?
Your savings increase. Solar locks in your energy cost at today's price. Every time OG&E or PSO raises rates, the gap between what you would have paid and what you actually pay gets wider. A system that saves you $120/month today could save $200+/month in five years if rates continue climbing at current trends.
Do you offer financing options?
Absolutely. We work with lenders who specialize in solar, so the rates are competitive. Most homeowners go $0 down and end up with a monthly payment that's right around what they were paying the utility anyway. We walk you through the options and handle the paperwork.
Do solar panels increase home value?
Solar adds value. Studies show homes with solar sell for 4-6% more because buyers love the idea of lower bills. If you financed, the loan either transfers to the new owner or gets paid off at closing. The system stays with the house and keeps producing.
What if I sell my house?
Homes with solar sell for more. Studies consistently show solar adds value to a home, and solar homes sell faster than comparable homes without panels. The system transfers to the new owner along with remaining warranty coverage.
Installation
Getting Solar on Your Roof
How many panels does my home need?
Depends on your usage, roof size and shading. The average Oklahoma home uses about 1,100 kWh/month, which is 25% above the national average. That typically means 20-30 panels. We size it exactly during your free consultation using satellite imagery and your actual utility data.
Is my home a good fit for solar panels?
Most homes are. South-facing roofs with minimal shade are ideal, but east and west-facing roofs work well too. Your roof should be in decent shape, ideally less than 15 years old. We do a free assessment and tell you straight up if it makes sense or not.
Will solar panels damage my roof?
Not when it's done right. Panels actually protect the shingles underneath from sun and weather. We handle roofing too, so your roof and solar are installed by the same team. That's why we warranty our workmanship for 10 years when most solar companies only offer 1 or 2.
How long does installation take?
From start to finish, about 4 to 8 weeks. The actual install is usually 1 to 3 days on the roof. Most of the wait is permitting and getting the utility to sign off on the interconnection. We handle all of that so you don't have to deal with it.
What permits are required for solar installation in Oklahoma?
Building and electrical permits from your local jurisdiction. But you don't need to worry about any of that. We handle all the permitting and paperwork as part of the process.
Battery Storage
Home Batteries & Backup Power
Do I need a battery with my solar system?
Solar on its own does the job for most people. A battery adds backup during outages and stores extra energy for nighttime. It does add to the cost, so a lot of homeowners start with panels and add a battery later. We set every system up to be battery-ready from day one.
Do I need solar panels to get a battery?
No. A battery can be installed standalone and charged from the grid. But a battery paired with solar gives you the most value because you're storing free energy from your panels instead of buying electricity to charge it. Most customers pair solar and battery together.
What's the difference between whole-home and essential backup?
Whole-home backs up everything: AC, dryer, oven, all outlets. It requires more battery capacity (often 2+ units) and costs more. Essential backup covers the circuits you care about most: refrigerator, medical equipment, lights, internet. It stretches a single battery much further. We walk you through the trade-offs during your consultation.
How long can a battery power my home?
Depends on what you're powering. A single 13.5 kWh battery running essential loads (fridge, lights, internet, phone chargers) can last 12-24 hours. Add solar panels and the battery recharges during the day, extending backup indefinitely as long as the sun shines. Whole-home backup draws more power and drains faster, which is why we help you choose the right configuration.
Which battery brand should I choose?
It depends on your priorities. EG4 is our most affordable option with the highest capacity per dollar. Tesla Powerwall 3 is the best all-in-one package with weather alerts and the Tesla app. FranklinWH has the longest warranty (15 years) and the most advanced energy management. We install all three and recommend based on your situation, not brand preference.
Can I add a battery to my existing solar system?
Yes. If your solar system uses a hybrid inverter, a battery plugs right in with minimal work. If you have microinverters, we may need to add a battery-compatible inverter or use an AC-coupled battery like the Tesla Powerwall 3 (which has its own inverter built in). We assess your current setup during the consultation.
How much does a home battery cost?
A single battery system (installed) typically runs $10,000-$20,000 depending on the brand and configuration. EG4 is at the lower end, FranklinWH at the higher end, with Tesla in the middle. Whole-home backup with multiple batteries costs more. We provide exact pricing during your free consultation.
SPAN Smart Panel
Smart Electrical Panels
What is SPAN and how is it different from a regular panel?
A regular breaker panel is just a box of switches. SPAN replaces it with a smart panel that monitors energy usage per circuit, lets you control circuits from your phone and intelligently manages your home's power. Five models cover 16 to 48 circuits, so there's a fit for any home. It's UL 3141 certified and fits in the same footprint as your existing panel.
Does SPAN work with my existing solar system?
Yes. SPAN is compatible with any grid-tied solar inverter. If you already have solar, SPAN adds circuit-level control and monitoring on top of your existing system. If you're adding solar and SPAN together, we install both in a coordinated project.
Which batteries does SPAN support?
SPAN works with Tesla Powerwall, FranklinWH and EG4 battery systems. When paired with a battery, SPAN manages which circuits draw backup power during outages, extending your backup time by up to 40% compared to a traditional panel.
Can I add an EV charger without a service upgrade?
In many cases, yes. SPAN's PowerUp technology dynamically manages your electrical loads so you can add an EV charger, heat pump or induction cooktop without exceeding your panel's capacity. This can save you $5,000+ on a utility service upgrade. We assess your specific situation during the consultation.
How long does SPAN installation take?
Most SPAN installations are completed in one day. Our electricians replace your existing panel, migrate every circuit, test each one and set up the app before they leave. Total project timeline from consultation to completion is typically 2-4 weeks, depending on permitting.
What's the SPAN warranty?
SPAN comes with a 10-year product warranty when installed by an authorized installer. We add our own 10-year workmanship warranty on top of that, covering the installation itself. Both warranties require installation by an authorized dealer, which we are.
Do I need internet for SPAN to work?
SPAN requires Wi-Fi for remote monitoring, app control and software updates. If your internet goes down, SPAN continues to function as a normal electrical panel and maintains any backup priority settings you've configured. You just lose remote access until the connection is restored.
Electrical Services
Panel Upgrades & EV Charging
Do I need a panel upgrade for solar?
Usually, yes. Most solar installations require at least 200A service. If your panel is 100A or 150A, we'll need to upgrade it before installing solar. We assess this during your initial consultation and include it in the project quote so there are no surprises.
How much does a 200A panel upgrade cost?
It depends on the home. A straightforward 100A to 200A upgrade in a home with an accessible panel location is different from a home that needs a new meter base, a relocated panel or extensive rewiring. We provide a clear, itemized quote after the assessment. No ballpark numbers over the phone.
Can you install an EV charger without upgrading my panel?
Sometimes. If your panel has enough capacity and available breaker slots for a 40-50A circuit, we can install the charger without touching the panel. We check this during the assessment. If you have a SPAN smart panel, it can manage loads dynamically so you may be able to add an EV charger even on a tighter panel.
What's the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 EV charging?
Level 1 uses a standard 120V outlet (the plug that comes with your car). It adds about 4-5 miles of range per hour. Level 2 uses a dedicated 240V circuit and adds 25-30 miles per hour. For most people, Level 2 is the right choice. You plug in when you get home and wake up with a full charge.
How long does a panel upgrade take?
Most panel upgrades are completed in one day. Your power will be off for a portion of the day while we swap the panel and make connections. We coordinate with the utility for the disconnect and reconnect. Complex jobs (meter base replacement, panel relocation) may take two days.
Can I combine electrical work with a solar install?
Absolutely. This is one of our biggest advantages. The same licensed crew that upgrades your panel also installs your solar and battery. One permit, one timeline, one warranty. Combining the work often saves time and money compared to hiring separate contractors.
New Construction
Building a Home with Solar
Can I add solar if my builder hasn't started framing yet?
Yes, and that's the ideal time. If you're still in the plans or pre-construction phase, we can influence the roof design for maximum solar production. Even if framing has started, we can usually work with your electrician to run conduit before drywall goes up. The key milestone is: before the walls close.
Will solar slow down my construction timeline?
No. The pre-wire happens during normal framing and electrical rough-in. Your electrician does it as part of their scope. The panel installation happens after the roof is complete and takes 1-2 days. We schedule around the build timeline, not the other way around.
How does rolling solar into the mortgage work?
The solar system cost gets included in your total home purchase price. Your lender finances it as part of the mortgage. Instead of a separate solar loan at higher interest, the cost spreads across 30 years at your mortgage rate. A $25,000 system at 6% adds roughly $150/month. That can offset most or all of your electricity usage, though you'll still have a small utility service fee.
What if I want to add a battery later?
Mention it during the design phase. We'll pre-run battery wiring inside the walls and install a hybrid inverter instead of microinverters. This costs a few hundred dollars more during construction but saves thousands in rewiring later. Your solar savings stay the same either way. The battery plugs right in when you're ready.
Does my builder need to do anything special?
Not much. We provide a scope document that specifies conduit runs, junction box locations and electrical panel requirements. Your builder's electrician handles the pre-wire during their normal rough-in. We handle everything else: design, permitting, panel installation and utility coordination. We've worked with builders who've never done a solar project before. It's straightforward.
What size system does a new build typically need?
The average Oklahoma home uses about 1,100 kWh/month. That typically requires a 7-10 kW system (16-24 panels). But new construction homes built to modern code are more efficient. We size the system based on your expected usage, which we estimate from the home's square footage, HVAC system and insulation specs.
Can I design the roof layout around solar production?
Absolutely. That's one of the biggest advantages of new construction solar. We can recommend south-facing roof planes, optimal pitch angles and strategic placement of vents and dormers to avoid shading. Even small changes during design can increase production 10-15%. This is something retrofit installs can never do.
Maintenance & Warranty
After Installation
What maintenance do solar panels require?
Basically nothing. Rain keeps them clean. If it's been dry for a while, you can hose them off. There are no moving parts, so there's nothing to break. We recommend a quick check once a year, but most people just watch their production app and forget about it.
What warranties do you offer?
The panels come with 25 to 30 year production warranties from the manufacturer. Inverters are typically 10 to 25 years depending on the model. And we back our installation with a 10-year workmanship warranty, which is 5 to 10 times what most solar companies offer.
What does the workmanship guarantee cover?
Our 10-year workmanship guarantee covers any issues resulting from our installation work. This includes electrical connections, mounting hardware installation, wiring and system configuration. If something we installed fails, we'll repair or replace it at no cost.
What about roof leaks?
Every roof penetration (where mounting hardware attaches to your roof) is guaranteed leak-free for 10 years. We use industry-best practices for flashing and sealing. If any roof penetration we made develops a leak, we'll repair it and any resulting damage.
Are warranties transferable if I sell my home?
Yes. Our workmanship guarantee and all manufacturer warranties transfer to the new homeowner. This adds value to your home and gives buyers confidence in the solar system.
What if something goes wrong with my system?
Your system is monitored, so we usually know about an issue before you do. If something comes up, our local team handles it. We're not going anywhere. This is our community and we stand behind our work.
How do I file a warranty claim?
Simply call us. We don't use call centers or ticket systems. You'll speak directly with our team, and we'll schedule a service visit if needed. For manufacturer warranty claims, we handle all the paperwork for you.
Still have questions?
Our team is here to help. Get a free consultation and personalized quote for your home.
Contact UsData Centers & Your Rates
Oklahoma's Grid & Rising Costs
Are data centers causing my electric rates to go up?
Not directly yet, but the infrastructure to serve them is. OG&E and PSO need to build new generation capacity and upgrade transmission lines to handle massive data center loads. Those costs are recovered through rate increases on all customers. OG&E has already proposed a 55 cents/month surcharge starting 2026, escalating to $4.41/month by 2031.
How much power does a data center use?
A single large data center can consume 100 to over 1,000 megawatts of continuous power. For context, PSO's previous largest customer contract was 130 MW. They recently signed a single data center customer for over 1,000 MW, with 11 additional contracts each over 50 MW.
What is the Behind the Meter law?
Signed in May 2025 and effective July 1, 2025, this Oklahoma law allows data centers to build their own on-site power generation rather than relying entirely on the public grid. While this could reduce some grid pressure, existing data centers and those already contracted with utilities will continue drawing from the shared grid.
Will Oklahoma legislators protect ratepayers from data center costs?
Several bills are in progress. HB 2992 (the "Data Center Consumer Ratepayer Protection Act of 2026") passed the House Utilities Committee 7-0 and would shift infrastructure costs to data centers. SB 1488 proposes a moratorium on new data centers over 100 MW until November 2029. Neither is law yet.
How does solar protect me from data center-driven rate increases?
Solar panels produce electricity at a fixed cost once installed. Regardless of how much utilities raise rates to pay for data center infrastructure, your solar production cost stays the same. Every rate increase makes your solar system more valuable because the gap between utility rates and your locked-in solar cost gets wider.
What are the Winter Storm Uri bonds?
After Winter Storm Uri in 2021, OG&E and PSO securitized approximately $1.4 billion in combined storm costs through bonds that ratepayers are repaying over time. These bonds are being challenged by Oklahoma legislators at the Supreme Court as of February 2026. This is a separate cost layered on top of the rate increases and data center infrastructure charges.