Why Solar
Why Oklahoma Homeowners Are Going Solar
Not a sales pitch. Real numbers from Oklahoma Corporation Commission filings, EIA data and legislative records. Read the data, then decide.
The Rate Problem
$246 Million in Approved Rate Increases
OG&E: $126.6 Million Increase
Approved November 27, 2024 by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission in a 2-1 vote. OG&E originally requested $332.5 million.
The result: approximately $13 more per month for the average residential customer. A 6.6% residential rate increase across roughly 900,000 customers.
Rate-case status can change after an order or appeal. Review the current rate-case timeline.
PSO: $119.5 Million Increase
Approved January 15, 2025. PSO originally requested $218 million. The typical residential customer using 1,100 kWh pays approximately $12 more per month.
PSO serves roughly 580,000 customers across eastern Oklahoma.
PSO rate cases can change between filing, settlement and final order.
Source: Oklahoma Corporation Commission official rulings. Both increases are under appeal at the Oklahoma Supreme Court.
Large-Load Planning
How Data Centers Affect Grid Planning
Large-load projects can require new generation, transmission and substations. The household effect depends on the tariffs and cost-allocation rules the Oklahoma Corporation Commission approves.
Project counts, construction status and legislation change. Use the statewide tracker for the current inventory and source dates.
Approved rate increases (OG&E + PSO combined)
Year-over-year rate increase (EIA, May 2024 to May 2025)
The Fix
How Solar Changes the Equation
Reduce Purchased Electricity
Solar can reduce the electricity you buy from a utility. It does not eliminate fixed charges, maintenance, financing costs or future rate changes.
Net Metering Credits
Both OG&E and PSO offer net metering. When your panels produce more than you use during the day, excess energy flows to the grid and you earn credits. Use those credits at night.
Rising Savings
Every rate increase makes your solar system more valuable. The gap between what you would have paid and what you actually pay gets wider every year.
The Math
An Illustrative 25-Year Utility Cost Scenario
The average Oklahoma household pays around $150/month for electricity. At just 5% annual growth (below the current 12.4% trend), here's what that becomes:
Assumes $150/month starting cost with 5% annual growth. Formula: Year N = $150 x 12 x (1.05)^(N-1). Oklahoma-specific estimate.
Solar Payback
Cash Purchase
Payback depends on project cost, recent bills, modeled production, current utility rules and the rate assumptions used. Review the property-specific estimate and do not treat it as a guarantee.
Financed
Compare the cash price, interest rate, lender fees, term, total amount paid and monthly payment. A lower monthly payment does not by itself establish savings.
Current Oklahoma Rate
Approximately 12 cents/kWh (Feb 2026). The national average is 18.05 cents/kWh. Oklahoma rates are still 36% below the national average, but they're catching up fast.
Oklahoma Weather
What About Hail, Wind and Clouds?
Model-Specific Hail Testing
Hail test results vary by panel model. Review the proposed module's current test report and mounting requirements. Confirm coverage, deductible, exclusions, notification requirements and any premium change with your insurer.
More Sun Than Germany
Oklahoma has strong solar resource, which is why rooftop solar can still work well here through the year even when the weather is not perfect every day.
Cloudy Day Production
Solar panels still produce 10-25% of full output on overcast days. Your system is designed around annual production averages, not daily peaks. Net metering credits from sunny days offset lower production periods.
Sources
- Oklahoma Corporation Commission - OG&E and PSO rate case rulings (2024-2025)
- U.S. Energy Information Administration - Oklahoma electricity rate data (May 2024 to May 2025)
- NREL PVWatts - solar resource and production estimates for Oklahoma roofs
- PSO - rate agreement final order announcement ($119.5M)
- KGOU - Oklahoma utility regulators decline to reconsider OG&E's CWIP case
See What Your Home Could Save
Every month you pay utility rates is a month you're not building equity in your own energy. Get a free analysis based on your actual usage and roof.
Ask About SolarCommon Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is solar actually worth it in Oklahoma?
Solar can make sense when recent usage, roof and shade conditions, utility rules, modeled production, project cost and financing terms support it. A property-specific proposal should show its assumptions instead of promising a fixed payback.
What happens to my solar savings when rates go up?
Future savings are not known. If utility rates rise, electricity you avoid buying may become more valuable, but the result depends on your usage, system production, utility rules and the rate assumptions in your proposal.
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.
Will hail damage my panels?
Panel hail test results vary by manufacturer and model. Ask for the proposed module's current test report and mounting requirements. Confirm coverage, deductible, exclusions, notification requirements and any premium change with your insurer before installation.
What if I sell my house?
Resale results depend on system ownership, financing terms, system condition and the local market. Before listing, confirm loan payoff or transfer requirements and the current warranty transfer terms.
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?
Your bill depends on recent usage, modeled production, utility charges and export credits. A proposal should show those inputs and assumptions. You will still receive a utility bill and may owe fixed charges and electricity drawn from the grid.
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.