Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brandon, SD (2025 Update)
- Brandon Solar Installation Cost: $22,145
- 25-Year Savings: $23,889
- Payback Period: 14.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brandon
We break down average solar pricing in Brandon.
In Brandon, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Brandon is around 8.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $22,145 for a solar installation, or $31,667 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $17,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Brandon find going solar can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Brandon for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Brandon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-20,687 |
| 3 years | $-17,770 |
| 5 years | $-14,853 |
| 7 years | $-11,936 |
| 9 years | $-9,019 |
| 11 years | $-6,102 |
| 13 years | $-3,185 |
| 15 years | $-268 |
| 17 years | $2,649 |
| 19 years | $5,566 |
| 21 years | $8,483 |
| 23 years | $11,400 |
| 25 years | $14,317 |
Top Solar Installers in Brandon
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Brandon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brandon
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Brandon: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Brandon to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Brandon homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.72 | $15,637 | $10,620 | 14.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $14,561 | 14.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $18,703 | 14.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $23,045 | 14.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $27,587 | 13.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $32,330 | 13.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $37,273 | 13.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $42,417 | 12.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
EcoWatch's Brandon, SD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Brandon?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Brandon?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.