Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brandon, SD (2023 Update)
- Brandon Solar Installation Cost: $14,789
- 25-Year Savings: $23,883
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brandon
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Brandon.
The average cost of a solar system in Brandon is 2.39 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 8.8-kW system would cost about $14,789 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Brandon based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Brandon can save about $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Brandon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,242 |
| 3 years | $-10,149 |
| 5 years | $-7,055 |
| 7 years | $-3,961 |
| 9 years | $-867 |
| 11 years | $2,227 |
| 13 years | $5,320 |
| 15 years | $8,414 |
| 17 years | $11,508 |
| 19 years | $14,602 |
| 21 years | $17,696 |
| 23 years | $20,789 |
| 25 years | $23,883 |
Top Solar Installers in Brandon
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to go with a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Brandon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brandon
The cost of installing a solar system in Brandon can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,390 per kilowatt in Brandon. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Brandon offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can affect your pricing. Brandon's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.49 | $10,440 | $15,818 | 9.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.44 | $13,652 | $21,358 | 9.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.39 | $16,730 | $27,033 | 9.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.34 | $19,674 | $32,841 | 9.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.29 | $22,485 | $38,783 | 9.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.25 | $25,162 | $44,858 | 9.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.20 | $27,705 | $51,068 | 8.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.15 | $30,114 | $57,411 | 8.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Brandon, SD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Brandon?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $11,950 for a 5-kW system and $23,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.