Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sturgis, SD (2024 Update)
- Sturgis Solar Installation Cost: $21,398
- 25-Year Savings: $31,137
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sturgis
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Sturgis.
In Sturgis, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Since a 8.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Sturgis, the average price of going solar will be about $21,398 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Sturgis homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Sturgis homeowner can save around $20,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in Sturgis for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Sturgis
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,762 |
| 3 years | $-16,492 |
| 5 years | $-13,221 |
| 7 years | $-9,951 |
| 9 years | $-6,680 |
| 11 years | $-3,409 |
| 13 years | $-139 |
| 15 years | $3,132 |
| 17 years | $6,403 |
| 19 years | $9,673 |
| 21 years | $12,944 |
| 23 years | $16,214 |
| 25 years | $19,485 |
Top Solar Installers in Sturgis
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra energy and handiness. That's why most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Another great thing about using a top solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Sturgis
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sturgis
For many Sturgis homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Sturgis, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,580. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Sturgis average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Sturgis to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of 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
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining your pricing. Sturgis’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Sturgis are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, 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 | $16,280 | 12.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $22,108 | 12.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $28,136 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $34,365 | 11.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $40,794 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $47,423 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $54,253 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $61,284 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types 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 consider, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer with regard to 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.
- 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 such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
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 Sturgis, SD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sturgis?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Sturgis?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
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 usually 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.