Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tulsa, OK (2024 Update)
- Tulsa Solar Installation Cost: $19,046
- 25-Year Savings: $21,709
- Payback Period: 12.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Tulsa
We go over average solar pricing in Tulsa.
The average cost of a solar system in Tulsa is 3 per watt.Since a 8.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Tulsa, the average price of going solar will be about $19,046 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Tulsa homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $16,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Tulsa find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Tulsa
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,809 |
| 3 years | $-15,337 |
| 5 years | $-12,865 |
| 7 years | $-10,393 |
| 9 years | $-7,921 |
| 11 years | $-5,449 |
| 13 years | $-2,977 |
| 15 years | $-505 |
| 17 years | $1,967 |
| 19 years | $4,439 |
| 21 years | $6,911 |
| 23 years | $9,383 |
| 25 years | $11,855 |
Top Solar Installers in Tulsa
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since installing solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. The expertise that solar companies offer can be valuable as well, especially if you don’t quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Tulsa
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tulsa
The cost of installing a solar system in Tulsa can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,130 per kilowatt in Tulsa.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Tulsa average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Tulsa to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Tulsa homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can play a part in determining how much it costs. Tulsa’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.26 | $13,672 | $12,317 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.19 | $17,879 | $16,773 | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.13 | $21,910 | $21,404 | 12.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.07 | $25,766 | $26,211 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.00 | $29,447 | $31,193 | 12.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.94 | $32,953 | $36,350 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.88 | $36,283 | $41,682 | 11.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.82 | $39,438 | $47,190 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Tulsa, OK Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Tulsa?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $15,650 for a 5-kW system and $31,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Tulsa?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Tulsa, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Tulsa?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.