At SWEPCO, we support investments in renewable energy and recently have made our own investments in wind and solar.

If you’re interested in adding solar panels to your home, or you simply wondered how it works, here are a few things to consider. 

Things to know.

• SWEPCO does not sell or partner with companies that sell residential solar panels.
• Going solar doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t have an electric bill.
• Most solar panels shut off during power outages for safety reasons.
• Staying connected to the electric grid is necessary to be compensated for the excess energy your solar panels generate that your home doesn’t immediately use.
• You can be compensated for excess kilowatt hours you send back to SWEPCO; the rate of return is different in each state.
• Our ROI Calculator, powered by WattPlan®, uses information about your location and estimates available sunlight year-round to approximate a return on your investment. Visit SWEPCO.com/SolarCalculator to start your estimate today.

Things to consider.

• Solar panels can cost more than $20,000, depending on the system.
• Leases or solar loans, given with a fixed interest rate, can run 7-20 years depending on the system.
• When there’s limited to no sunlight, you’ll need to be connected to the electric grid to power your home.
• If you sell your home, solar panels could be a positive or a negative to potential buyers.
• When you purchase and own solar panels, you are responsible for maintenance and repairs.

Things to ask.

• Ask a professional to look at your roof to assess its condition and ensure it is sound.
• Ask your insurance agent about your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if it covers possible damage related to solar panels and if having solar panels will change your premium.
• If you decide to lease your solar panels, ask how the lease requirements might impact you if you decide to sell your home prior to the lease being paid off.