Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brookings, SD (2024 Update)
- Brookings Solar Installation Cost: $22,402
- 25-Year Savings: $20,780
- Payback Period: 15.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brookings
We break down average solar pricing in Brookings.
In Brookings, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Brookings homeowner needs a 8.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $22,402 with the federal tax credit, or $32,035 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Brookings homeowners see about $16,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Brookings
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-21,133 |
| 3 years | $-18,593 |
| 5 years | $-16,054 |
| 7 years | $-13,514 |
| 9 years | $-10,975 |
| 11 years | $-8,435 |
| 13 years | $-5,896 |
| 15 years | $-3,356 |
| 17 years | $-816 |
| 19 years | $1,723 |
| 21 years | $4,263 |
| 23 years | $6,802 |
| 25 years | $9,342 |
Top Solar Installers in Brookings
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. Solar companies provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Brookings
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brookings
The cost of installing a solar system in Brookings can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,580. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Brookings average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Brookings homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down 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 adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more resources and better 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 down 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 | $3.72 | $15,637 | $8,348 | 16.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $11,531 | 16.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $14,915 | 15.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $18,499 | 15.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $22,284 | 15.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $26,270 | 14.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $30,455 | 14.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $34,842 | 14.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, such as:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you’d like to get plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Brookings, SD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Brookings?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Brookings?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it often 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Does Brookings have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.