Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dakota Dunes, SD (2025 Update)
- Dakota Dunes Solar Installation Cost: $22,074
- 25-Year Savings: $21,012
- Payback Period: 15.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dakota Dunes
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Dakota Dunes.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Dakota Dunes typically cost about 4.The average Dakota Dunes homeowner needs a 8.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $22,074 with the federal tax credit, or $31,566 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.With average savings of about $15,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Dakota Dunes find investing in solar can pay off big.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in Dakota Dunes, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dakota Dunes
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-21,085 |
| 3 years | $-19,107 |
| 5 years | $-17,129 |
| 7 years | $-15,151 |
| 9 years | $-13,173 |
| 11 years | $-11,195 |
| 13 years | $-9,217 |
| 15 years | $-7,239 |
| 17 years | $-5,260 |
| 19 years | $-3,282 |
| 21 years | $-1,304 |
| 23 years | $674 |
| 25 years | $2,652 |
Top Solar Installers in Dakota Dunes
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
See all of the solar companies in Dakota Dunes
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dakota Dunes
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Dakota Dunes: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,580 per kilowatt in Dakota Dunes.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Dakota Dunes, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Dakota Dunes is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Dakota Dunes have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $8,713 | 16.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $12,018 | 15.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $15,524 | 15.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $19,230 | 15.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $23,136 | 14.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $27,243 | 14.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $31,551 | 14.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $36,059 | 13.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Dakota Dunes, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: When reading through 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 like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
EcoWatch's Dakota Dunes, SD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Dakota Dunes?
The average cost of solar panels in Dakota Dunes is about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Dakota Dunes have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy 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 how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.