Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Sioux City, SD (2023 Update)
- North Sioux City Solar Installation Cost: $14,739
- 25-Year Savings: $21,009
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Sioux City
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in North Sioux City.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in North Sioux City it's 2.39 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in North Sioux City, most homeowners require a 8.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $14,739, or $21,077 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in North Sioux City
| 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 North Sioux City
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 North Sioux City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Sioux City
For many North Sioux City homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in North Sioux City, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy 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 pay about $2,390 per kilowatt in North Sioux City. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like North Sioux City, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many North Sioux City homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in North Sioux City, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits within your budget.
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
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
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 North Sioux City, SD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in North Sioux City?
The average cost of solar panels in North Sioux City is about $11,950 for a 5-kW system and $23,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in North Sioux City?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in North Sioux City?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.