Advice

Are Solar Panels Worth It in Oklahoma? The Real Costs, Risks & Resale Impact

March 8, 2025

Solar panels are often sold as a no-brainer investment, promising lower energy bills, increased home value, and long-term savings. But is it really that simple? If you’re a homeowner in Central Oklahoma considering solar, you need to look beyond the sales pitch and understand the real financial impact, hidden risks, and how solar affects your ability to sell your home before making a decision.

The Reality of Solar Savings

📺 Watch: The Truth About Solar Sales Promises & Savings

 

You’ve likely seen ads claiming you can eliminate your electric bill with solar panels. While it’s true that solar can reduce your reliance on the grid, a true zero-dollar electric bill is rare. Most homeowners still pay basic utility connection fees, and if you finance your system, your loan payment can wipe out any potential savings.

Then there’s the federal tax credit, which covers 30% of installation costs. But here’s what the sales reps might not emphasize: you must own the system to qualify—leasing or signing a power purchase agreement means the solar company, not you, gets the credit. And Oklahoma? Unlike some states, it doesn’t offer additional solar incentives, meaning the financial benefit is much lower here than elsewhere.

The Hidden Costs & Risks

📺 Watch: The Hidden Risks of Solar Panels

Beyond the initial price tag, solar panels come with financial and logistical complications. One of the biggest surprises for homeowners is insurance coverage. Many policies require additional riders to cover solar panels, and some won’t cover damage from hail or wind—big concerns in Oklahoma. If your roof needs replacing, even from a claim on a section of the roof that doesn’t have panels, you’ll likely have to pay out of pocket to remove and reinstall your entire system.

And what about resale? Homeowners often assume solar will increase their property value, but that’s not always the case. In the Oklahoma City metro, appraisers typically don’t assign extra value to solar panels due to a lack of comparable sales. In fact, solar can make selling harder, since many buyers aren’t interested in taking over a solar loan. Some lenders even require panels to be removed before approving financing, creating unexpected hurdles at closing.

HOAs may also play a role. Unlike in some states, Oklahoma doesn’t have strong solar access laws preventing HOAs from restricting solar panel installations. That means your neighborhood’s rules might limit where (or if) you can install them.

Is Solar Worth It in Oklahoma?

📺 Watch: Solar Panels in Oklahoma: Is It Worth It?

So, should you invest in solar? It depends.

✅ Solar may be a good investment if:

  • You pay cash or secure a low-interest loan
  • You plan to stay in your home for 15+ years to see a return on investment
  • You understand the insurance, roof maintenance, and HOA restrictions

⚠️ It may not be worth it if:

  • You need to finance with a high-interest loan
  • You plan to sell your home in the foreseeable future
  • You live in an HOA that restricts solar panels

Solar panels can be a smart investment, but only if the numbers make sense for your situation. Before making a decision, run the math, check your insurance policy, and consider long-term resale challenges.

Need Expert Guidance?

If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in Central Oklahoma and solar is part of the equation, I can provide unbiased guidance to help you make an informed decision. I don’t sell solar, and I have no stake in whether you install panels or not—my goal is to ensure you understand how it affects your home’s value, resale potential, and financing options. Let’s talk!

📩 Email me at Hello@SoldonShawnee.com or 📞 call/text 405-585-6580

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