Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sturgis, SD (2023 Update)
- Sturgis Solar Installation Cost: $14,285
- 25-Year Savings: $31,137
- Payback Period: 7.9 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sturgis
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Sturgis.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Sturgis, the average cost of solar panels is 2.39 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Sturgis is around 8.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,287 for a solar installation, or $20,430 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Sturgis based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Despite the high initial cost, the average Sturgis homeowner can save about $20,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sturgis
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,650 |
| 3 years | $-9,379 |
| 5 years | $-6,109 |
| 7 years | $-2,838 |
| 9 years | $433 |
| 11 years | $3,703 |
| 13 years | $6,974 |
| 15 years | $10,245 |
| 17 years | $13,515 |
| 19 years | $16,786 |
| 21 years | $20,056 |
| 23 years | $23,327 |
| 25 years | $26,598 |
Top Solar Installers in Sturgis
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be hard. Another upside of using a solar company is that they can help you optimize your ROI by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're looking for a solar company in Sturgis, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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
While the average cost of a solar system in Sturgis is $14,287, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,390. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Sturgis average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Sturgis offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs 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 significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Sturgis, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger 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 | $21,478 | 8.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.44 | $13,652 | $28,905 | 8.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.39 | $16,730 | $36,466 | 7.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.34 | $19,674 | $44,161 | 7.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.29 | $22,485 | $51,989 | 7.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.25 | $25,162 | $59,952 | 7.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.20 | $27,705 | $68,048 | 7.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.15 | $30,114 | $76,278 | 7.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the durability of your solar panel system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before making your decision.
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?
The average cost of solar panels in Sturgis 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 certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Sturgis?
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 financial benefits from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Sturgis?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.