Are solar panels beneficial on rental properties in okc?

[Christopher Fickess]

Are solar panels beneficial on rental properties in oklahoma. We have a 26% tax rebate on the value of the panels. Do renters care about solar benefits, and can you charge more rent to offset the cost of the panels?

[Nathan Gesner]

Quote from @Christopher Fickess:

Are solar panels beneficial on rental properties in oklahoma. We have a 26% tax rebate on the value of the panels. Do renters care about solar benefits, and can you charge more rent to offset the cost of the panels?

The tenant saves on their electric bill, but how do you pay for the cost? You would have to charge higher rent, which offsets the Tenant's savings on electricity. Even for a cheap $15,000 system, you could charge $100 more a month and spend 12.5 years just to break even (assuming no additional costs are incurred, like maintenance). Even on your personal home, you can expect 10 - 20 years before a solar system pays for itself. 

You can find different opinions, but I've argued against solar on rentals for a decade or more. There are users on BP that are adamant supporters, but only 1-2 have shown numbers that appear to demonstrate a return on investment.