Solar Generation

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

Under the terms of Edmond Electric’s wholesale power supply contract, Edmond can allow a maximum cumulative distributed generation capacity of one percent (1%) of Edmond’s single hour peak load to be installed on its electric distribution system. This capacity is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. If the cumulative generating capacity of solar systems reaches the maximum 1% of Edmond’s single hour peak load, Edmond Electric cannot allow any new systems to be interconnected to our distribution system.
  1. Is Solar Right for You?
  2. Permit Process
  3. Questions for Contractors
  4. Residential Rate
  5. Business Rate

Under the terms of Edmond Electric’s wholesale power supply contract, Edmond can allow a maximum cumulative solar capacity of one percent (1%) of the Edmond’s single hour peak load to be installed on its electric distribution system. This capacity is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. If the cumulative generating capacity of solar systems reaches the maximum 1% of Edmond’s single hour peak load, Edmond Electric cannot not allow any new systems to be interconnected to our distribution system.

The first consideration when contemplating a solar system is the age of your roof. Once the solar panels are installed, replacing your roof will require the removal of the solar panels. This will add costs to your roof replacement. If you need a new roof or have roof damage, the solar panel installation should be delayed until these repairs are made. Generally, you should have at least 10 years of life left on the roofing to commit to a solar installation. If reroofing, you should try to match the expected life of your roof compared to the typical 20-25 year life of the solar panels.

Roofs come in many different shapes and sizes. Before any installation, your roof will need to be evaluated to determine the available space for the solar panels. Vents and other extensions will reduce the available space. Your contractor should assist you with this step and help you determine the size of solar system your roof can accommodate.

Solar panels require specific placement in order to generate the maximum amount of power. Most professionals say that the best placement is to have the panels face south while others say west. Regardless, this information is important for you to determine before the installation starts. Your installer should be able to provide you with a production estimate based upon the orientation and configuration of your roof.

Installing solar panels will increase the weight on the structure of your roof and cause lift when the Oklahoma winds are blowing. To avoid the potential for damage or collapse of your roof, it is required that a professional evaluate your roof to determine if additional support is required to complete the installation. The structural engineer will make sure that your roof can handle the weight of the solar panels and the lift caused by wind based on the desired panel layout and the brand/type of panel chosen. The engineer should also check that the mounting system chosen is adequate for the Edmond area.

Warranties are an important aspect of protecting your solar panels and other related equipment. If anything happens to your solar system, having a warranty helps you to keep the manufacturer and installer accountable. It is important you read and understand the warranties offered with your system. Some common types of warranties include:

  • Solar Panel Warranties
  • A solar panel generally has two warranties: a performance warranty and a product warranty.

    A solar panel’s performance warranty guarantees to output of your panels over their useful life. These typically guarantee around 90% energy production at 10 years and a minimum of 80% at 25 years and may include a guarantee that your system will deliver a predetermined amount of solar energy over a given time period . Make sure you understand your maintenance responsibilities to avoid voiding any performance warranties.

    A solar panel’s product warranty insurance covers the integrity of the panel itself, and protects you against problems such as manufacturing defects, environmental issues, premature wear and tear etc. These can vary from 5 to 25 years depending on the manufacturer and may be dependent on the installation conforming to the manufacturer’s recommendations. As with any warranty, it is important that you understand the length of coverage and the specifics of what is covered.

  • Inverter Warranty
  • Warranties offered on the inverters will also vary from company to company. Typically, standard “string inverters”, which handle power from a “string” of panels, often have a warranty period of 5 to 10 years. Generic “micro-inverters”, which attach to individual panels, have warranties that can last between 20 and 25 years. Inverter warranties generally cover, material or manufacturing defects and flaws. Inverter warranties generally don’t cover improper installations, normal wear and tear caused by extreme conditions, and improper maintenance.

  • Battery Warranty
  • If equipped with a battery backup, a manufacturer warranty for a home battery system typically lasts 5 to 10 years. These may include a guarantee of amp-hour capacity over the expected life of the battery. These guarantees generally assume proper installation, operation and maintenance based upon the type of battery provided.

  • Installation Warranty
  • This warranty covers situations where the solar panels and related equipment have been installed incorrectly. These types of warranties can generally last from 2 – 10 years. Many of these warranties cover things like, the labor and parts related to repair or replacing elements of the system, roof penetrations, shipping, replacing defective parts, and more. Make sure to ask your contractor what kind of installation warranties they provide. Note that installations not conforming to the manufacturer’s recommendations may void any solar panel, inverter and battery warranties.

In addition to warranties, a homeowner will want to verify that their homeowner’s insurance covers not only any problems that may rise during installation, but also the roof and solar system after the installation is complete. It is important to check with your carrier prior to contracting for a solar system to ensure you have the desired coverage on your solar system.

Many neighborhoods in Edmond have Homeowners’ Association and/or neighborhood covenants. These may restrict the location and orientation of the solar panels and other equipment. Your contractor will need to know any restrictions prior to designing your system.

Just like any major purchase, you will want to shop around, compare offers and look into the contractors providing the system. Before signing any agreement with a contractor, make sure that you’ve researched these companies to ensure that they are reputable and their customers are satisfied. Check their business credentials and experience, for example, ask if they have accreditation from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) or other similar accreditations. Choose a contractor that you feel will also be around for the long term. While a solar system usually requires little maintenance, if something stops working, you want your contractor available to fix it under warranty. Once you have shopped around, you can compare quotes, customer reviews, and other information to make the best, informed decision. When you have selected your contractor and have a contract in hand, take time to look it over. A few things you may want to verify are:

  • Financing Expectations
  • Ownership Expectations
  • Performance Expectations
  • Warranties and Responsibilities
  • Entities that might collect data on your electricity production and usage
  • Companies that have access to your electricity production and usage data

If this information is not clearly defined in the contract, you might want to ask the contractor a few clarification questions. Never sign for anything you are not comfortable with!

Proper maintenance is required to keep your solar panels working properly and your roof in good condition. Your contractor should provide you all maintenance procedures prior to installation. Improper maintenance may void any warranties and reduce the life of your system.

Installing a solar system requires your roof be perforated when anchor bolts holding the panel racks are installed. It is important that these perforations be properly sealed to avoid leaks and damage to your home. Another consideration is the panel’s impact on rainwater flow off your roof. Normally, water runs down the roof, into the gutters and out and away from your home. Solar system equipment like racking and wire harnesses can prevent the water from flowing and draining properly and can channel the water into problem areas. This can create leaks and other issues. Make sure your contractor’s installation properly seals the roof and allows for proper water runoff.

Of course, in Oklahoma, the solar system will be exposed to severe weather like lightning storms, high winds, hail, and more. There is a potential for equipment to get damaged during these events. It is important that you understand the warranties on equipment and installation that came with the system as well as what your homeowner’s insurance policy covers to avoid any surprises.