Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dell Rapids, SD (2024 Update)
- Dell Rapids Solar Installation Cost: $22,145
- 25-Year Savings: $22,063
- Payback Period: 15.0 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dell Rapids
We break down average solar pricing in Dell Rapids.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Dell Rapids, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Dell Rapids, most homeowners require a 8.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $22,145, or $31,667 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.Despite the significant initial cost, the average Dell Rapids homeowner can save around $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dell Rapids
| 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 Dell Rapids
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your location and energy use, but working with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Dell Rapids, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Dell Rapids
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dell Rapids
For many Dell Rapids homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Dell Rapids, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Dell Rapids, 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 gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,580 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Dell Rapids, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with 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 Dell Rapids is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $9,381 | 15.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $12,909 | 15.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $16,637 | 15.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $20,566 | 14.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $24,695 | 14.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $29,025 | 14.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $33,556 | 13.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $38,286 | 13.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Dell Rapids, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to install plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
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 Dell Rapids, SD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dell Rapids?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, 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. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Dell Rapids?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Dell Rapids is currently $348,832, so you can look forward to a value of about $14,302 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Dell Rapids is a rewarding investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels 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 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.
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.