Making Solar Power More Accessible in Central Oklahoma

ACOG is dedicated to promoting the development of solar energy and making it more accessible and attainable for Central Oklahoma communities. Solar energy development supports goals outlined in ACOG plans including our Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), Regional Air Quality Plan, and Climate Action Plans.

ACOG is working to become a designated SolSmart Regional Organization by implementing best practices to make it easier for residents, businesses, and utilities to install and access solar energy.

 

 

 

SolSmart is a national program funded by the U.S. Department of Energy that has helped hundreds of local governments.

The City of Oklahoma City has been a SolSmart designated city since 2017.

Cities and counties in Central Oklahoma interested in SolSmart designation can learn more here.

Oklahoma Solar Development

The state of Oklahoma is ranked 6th in the U.S. for solar potential, yet Oklahoma is in the bottom 10 states for solar development.

Source: EIA 2024

Infographic Sources: SEIA, IREC, EIA 2025

Residential Solar

Oklahoma City– permitting for home or business at Oklahoma City Solar Permits

All permitting, review, and inspections are conducted by Oklahoma City’s Development Center. You can reach Development Center staff from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, by walk-in at 420 W Main Street, 8th floor, or by phone at 405-297-2948.

Midwest City –  permitting for home or business Solar Permit Application PDF

Solar costs and potential savings for solar installations in Midwest City can be found here.

Edmond – Permitting for home or business at Edmond Solar

Edmond residential solar systems are limited in size of 10 kW and 50 kW for small commercial entities. Larger systems can be approved at the discretion of Edmond Electric’s Director.

Residents are encouraged to contact their utility provider for any additional specifications regarding rate, interconnection, or net metering if a system is connected to the grid. Some utility providers offer further information.

Oklahoma Utility Provider Resources:

OG&E – Solar / Renewable Energy Page here.

OEC – Solar / Renewable Energy Page here.

PSO – Solar Energy Page here.

Private Certified Contractors:

NABCEP Professional Directory

Additional Information and Resources for Solar in Oklahoma

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) –  Residential Consumer Guide to Solar Power

U.S. Department of Energy – Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar.  (Youtube video)

Oklahoma State University – Solar Electric Systems for Homeowners

Oklahoma Department of Commerce – Renewable / Clean Energy

Oklahoma Secretary of Energy & Environment – Renewable Energy

Oklahoma Bar Association – Here Comes the Sun: Oklahoma’s Bright Solar Future

Oklahoma Renewable Energy Council – https://okrenewableenergycouncil.org/

Central Oklahoma Solar Initiatives and Campaigns

Solarize OKC

The Solarize OKC campaign launched in the spring of 2023 and came to a close the following spring in 2024. It was a public-private coalition consisting of the Oklahoma Renewable Energy Council (OREC), ACOG, City of Oklahoma City’s Office of Sustainability, Oklahoma Solar Association, Oklahoma Sustainability Network, certified contractors such as EightTwenty, in addition to other community based organizations. All working together to advance regional solar infrastructure and reduce carbon footprints.

Campaign Milestones:

  • 152 contracts signed
  • 2,280,280 kWh of clean energy generated annually
  • $250,800 in annual utility bill savings
  • 75 Million lbs of CO2 avoided annually

 Further information and resources from the campaign can be found here.

Norman Solar Initiative

In March, 2024, Norman announced its 4 month campaign launch with EightTwenty of the Norman Solar Initiative. This program aims to educate the community about solar panels, facilitate faster installation for residents and businesses, and reduce costs through group purchasing. The initiative also seeks to decrease greenhouse gas emissions from the power sector to support environmental sustainability in Norman.

Campaign Milestones:

  • Norman North High School installed a 263.52 kW system that offsets 100% of the school’s energy. Saving roughly $1 Million in utility savings. This project accounted for 13% of the Norman Solar Iniatiative’s goal of converting 2 MW of rooftop solar in the community. Read more about the project here.

The Benefits of Going Solar

Solar energy uses a renewable energy source, the sun, and provides many benefits for Central Oklahoma residents and businesses. It improves environmental quality by reducing emissions, this improves local air quality. The solar industry strengthens Oklahoma’s economy and energy independence.

Visit the Solar Energy Industry Association page for Oklahoma, it highlights the creation of local jobs, saves money on energy costs, and improves electric grid resilience during peak demand and other stresses to the system.

Federal and State Incentives for Solar

Federal Residential Clean Energy Credit – Expires December 31, 2025

The Residential Clean Energy Credit equals 30% of the costs of new, qualified, clean energy property (solar) for your home installed anytime from 2022 through 2032. The credit percentage rate phases down to 26% for installments placed in service in 2033 and 22%  for installments placed in service in 2034.

Further information about the credits can be found on the IRS website

Oklahoma State Incentives – Net Metering

In Oklahoma, residents who generate their own electricity, through solar panels or small wind turbines that are connected to the grid, can participate in net metering. Net metering is the process where energy generating residents can receive financial credits from utilities for excess energy produced and put back into the power grid. This program is available for systems up to 300 kW in size. For further information visit, Oklahoma Corporation Commision.

Consumer Protection Rights

It is strongly encouraged that you speak directly with your utility provider before signing any contracts, whether they come from door-to-door sales, online companies, or email offers.

Find other useful resources on solar rights, consumer protection, and procedures.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood: Encouraging Solar Development through Community Association Policies and Processes – includes details on how communities can encourage solar development through community association policies and processes.

Contact the Air Quality Staff

Association of Central Oklahoma Governments

(405) 234-2264

Office Address

4205 N. Lincoln Blvd.
Oklahoma City, OK 73105

8:30 AM – 5:00 PM | M-F

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