Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pierre, SD (2024 Update)
- Pierre Solar Installation Cost: $21,612
- 25-Year Savings: $25,328
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pierre
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Pierre.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Pierre it’s 4 per watt.The average Pierre homeowner needs a 8.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $21,612 with the federal tax credit, or $30,905 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $18,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Pierre find installing solar panels can pay off big.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Pierre
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-20,390 |
| 3 years | $-17,946 |
| 5 years | $-15,502 |
| 7 years | $-13,059 |
| 9 years | $-10,615 |
| 11 years | $-8,171 |
| 13 years | $-5,727 |
| 15 years | $-3,284 |
| 17 years | $-840 |
| 19 years | $1,604 |
| 21 years | $4,048 |
| 23 years | $6,492 |
| 25 years | $8,935 |
Top Solar Installers in Pierre
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, going with a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Pierre:
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 Pierre
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pierre
Though the average cost of a solar system in Pierre is $21,612, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,580. 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 often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Pierre offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can impact your pricing. Pierre’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $12,022 | 14.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $16,430 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $21,039 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $25,848 | 13.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $30,857 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $36,068 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $41,478 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $47,089 | 12.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
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 Pierre, SD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Pierre?
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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Pierre?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Does Pierre have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility 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?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.