Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated June 2024
Rooftop solar is one of the most easily accessible forms of renewable energy for Altus homes. Switching to solar energy can reduce your monthly energy expenses and decrease your carbon output. Before you get started, you want to make sure you find a trustworthy installer. Luckily, we've done the research and assembled a guide to the best and most reputable solar installation providers in Altus.
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Services Offered
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on solar companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
Going solar can be a great way to save money on electricity costs and help the planet by reducing your carbon footprint using renewable energy. Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating if a solar installer is trustworthy.
Make sure you hire a licensed solar installer. This helps ensure that the work is done correctly using current best installation practices. Anyone with a electrician's license from the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board may perform solar energy work. The state doesn't treat solar projects as different from any other electrical job.
Check review sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, and Google Reviews to see feedback from past customers on local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you assess a company's reliability and customer service. Use caution with companies that have barely any reviews or mostly negative ones.
Call three to five solar companies for free, itemized quotes. These quotes should explain all costs and list the solar equipment included. Reviewing multiple quotes helps identify the most cost-effective option for your budget.
Quality solar installations should have strong workmanship and performance warranties. A workmanship guarantee addresses any installation defects (such as poor wiring, poor alignment, or cracks in the panels), while a performance warranty ensures a certain level of energy production. Strong warranties demonstrate a company's confidence in its work.
Solar is great for helping you lower electricity bills over time. Be sure to consider these aspects when considering the final cost and value of solar panels.
The average Altus homeowner will spend around $17,485 on a home solar system after federal tax refunds. Solar arrays in Altus cost roughly $3,130 per kilowatt, with the average residential solar system being 8.0 kilowatts. An estimate from a local solar provider will include costs for labor, preliminary work, and permit fees, and will account for your system's capacity, size, and panel type. Some homeowners prefer to lease solar panels to reduce upfront costs.
Incentive Amount:
LED Light Bulbs: up to $2/bulb
Advanced Power Strips: $10-$13
Programmable Wi-Fi Thermostat: $110
Energy Star Heat Pump Water Heater: $500
Energy Star Electric Clothes Dryer: $50
Energy Star Refrigerators: $50
Energy Star Clothes Washer: $50
Energy Star Bathroom Ventilation Fan: $25
Energy Star Room A/C: $25
Energy Star Water Cooler: $25
Energy Star Air Purifiers: $20-$50
Door Sweeps: $3
Door Seals: $5
Spray Foam Insulation: $1
Furnace Filters: $1
Pool Pump: $400
Attic/Ceiling Insulation: $400
Knee Wall Insulation, Wall Insulation, Floor/Crawlspace Insulation, Air Infiltration: Multiple Upgrades Only
Air Conditioner/Heat Pump Replacement: $500-$800
Ground Source Heat Pump: $800
Furnace ECM, Duct Replacement, Duct Sealing: Multiple Upgrades Only
Incentive Amount:
Residential Air-Source Heat Pumps: $250/ton
Residential Dual-Fuel Heat Pumps: $250/ton
Residential and Commercial Geothermal Heat Pumps: $800/ton
Commercial Air-Source Heat Pumps: $200/ton
Commercial Dual-Fuel Heat Pumps: $200
Ceiling Insulation (Residential Only): $250-$500
Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) array can be used to power any household system or appliance that uses electricity. In the simplest case, you can use a solar water heater.
With home solar PV, you can save money on your energy bill, lower your home's carbon footprint, and gain additional energy independence.
It depends on where you live and the kind of panels you plan to use. With the winter months in Oklahoma being very mild, you have a lengthy window to install your panels, though they won't hit peak performance until summer arrives.
Absolutely. The grid in Altus already uses a large share of renewable energy sources, and you may be able to sell your excess generated energy to your utility for additional cost savings.
Although solar energy is a great option for many, it might not be ideal for homeowners in wet, dark areas. In these cases, you could consider other forms of renewable energy, such as wind or geothermal power, as a primary source. It is also important to speak to a qualified installer to determine if their solar system is compatible with the climate and environment of your area. Even if you choose a different form of renewable energy altogether, you'll still help the environment and could still qualify for distributed generation or other money-saving programs.
Ultimately, the answer will depend on your specific situation. You'll be eligible for a federal tax credit of up to 30% of the system's cost, as well as state or local incentives depending on where you are. As for insurance, you'll need to notify your insurer about your new solar panels. Your premium may increase due to added property values, but you'll have peace of mind if a covered event happens to the system.
Solar panels are on par with other forms of renewable energy. They have low maintenance costs and today's systems can generate and manage energy under more conditions.
