It’s spring, and the sunny weather may have you thinking about taking advantage of the sun’s rays by installing solar at your home. Residential solar arrays can be a great investment, but often solar companies make claims that are too good to be true. If you are considering installing solar at your home, we ask you to call Central first. A conversation with our Energy Advisor can help you better understand your home’s energy use and how much you will benefit from solar. 

We can help you become a more informed consumer, which is essential when dealing with companies who want you to sign a long-term contract or financing agreement. 

Before installing solar at your home, Central encourages members to reduce your energy use by making your home more energy efficient. There are many energy efficiency measures that have a faster return on investment and lower initial investment than that of a solar array. We even have rebates that can make those investments more economical. 

If you have made your home as energy efficient as possible and still want to install solar, be sure to contact Central in the planning stages. Central offers net metering for members installing residential solar arrays less than 25kW, but the system first must be inspected and an interconnection agreement must be signed. 

For the safety of our members and employees, it is crucial that Central be involved in the process from the very beginning. Whatever your energy needs are, Central supports and encourages you to research your options. We have expert staff available to assist you with your energy needs. Here are some additional considerations to think about:

• Oklahoma ranks 8th in the nation for highest number of sunny days. However, site specific characteristics can be a big determining factor on the efficiency of a residential solar array. 

• In comparison to other states, Oklahoma has low rates for retail electricity. A lower electric rate makes the return on investment length longer than a higher rate. When running a return on investment, use Central’s average residential rate of 9.55 cents per kilowatt hour.

• Solar energy systems may qualify for a federal tax credit. Federal incentives are subject to change, so talk with a tax professional before factoring incentives into your return on investment.

• The cost of solar is decreasing, but the average installed cost of a residential solar array can still run around $30,000 for a 10-kilowatt system. Solar companies can make that investment affordable by offering long-term financing agreements. In addition to the cost of the solar array, consumers should check into how the solar array will affect liability, homeowners’ insurance and property taxes.

ASK THE EXPERT

Central’s Energy Advisor, Ray Chambers, is available to help answer questions of members who might be considering investing in a residential solar application. Chambers is a Certified Energy Manager, Certified Energy Procurement Professional and Certified Energy Auditor. Chambers has more than 25 years energy efficiency experience in residential, commercial and industrial applications. He is a member of the Association of Energy Engineers, Oklahoma Chapter of the Association of Energy Engineers, International Ground Source Heat Pump Association and is on the board of the Oklahoma Renewable Energy Council.

Call 405-372-2884 and ask for Ray Chambers or e-mail rchambers@mycentral.coop to visit about residential solar.