Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dakota Dunes, SD (2023 Update)
- Dakota Dunes Solar Installation Cost: $14,739
- 25-Year Savings: $21,009
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dakota Dunes
We go over average solar pricing in Dakota Dunes.
The average cost of solar panels in Dakota Dunes is 2.39 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Dakota Dunes is around 8.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,739 for a solar installation, or $21,077 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Dakota Dunes can save around $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dakota Dunes
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,309 |
| 3 years | $-10,449 |
| 5 years | $-7,589 |
| 7 years | $-4,730 |
| 9 years | $-1,870 |
| 11 years | $990 |
| 13 years | $3,850 |
| 15 years | $6,710 |
| 17 years | $9,570 |
| 19 years | $12,430 |
| 21 years | $15,290 |
| 23 years | $18,149 |
| 25 years | $21,009 |
Top Solar Installers in Dakota Dunes
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar company since handling can be a time-consuming project. Because solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Dakota Dunes
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dakota Dunes
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Dakota Dunes is $14,739, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Dakota Dunes, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,390 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Dakota Dunes to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. When trying to figure out 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
The solar company you select will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes 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 | $13,911 | 10.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.44 | $13,652 | $18,815 | 10.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.39 | $16,730 | $23,854 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.34 | $19,674 | $29,026 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.29 | $22,485 | $34,332 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.25 | $25,162 | $39,772 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.20 | $27,705 | $45,345 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.15 | $30,114 | $51,053 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it's crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
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 Dakota Dunes, SD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dakota Dunes?
The average cost of solar panels in Dakota Dunes is about $11,950 for a 5-kW system and $23,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Dakota Dunes?
Solar panels aren't free in Dakota Dunes, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Dakota Dunes, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.