Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tea, SD (2024 Update)

  • Tea Solar Installation Cost: $22,128
  • 25-Year Savings: $23,673
  • Payback Period: 14.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated January 24, 2025

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Tea

We break down average solar pricing in Tea.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Tea it’s 4 per watt.The average Tea homeowner needs a 8.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $22,128 with the federal tax credit, or $31,643 before the 0 tax credit 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 equipment you want, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $17,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Tea

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-20,669
3 years$-17,752
5 years$-14,835
7 years$-11,918
9 years$-9,001
11 years$-6,084
13 years$-3,167
15 years$-250
17 years$2,667
19 years$5,584
21 years$8,501
23 years$11,418
25 years$14,335

Top Solar Installers in Tea

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.

You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Tea:

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See all of the solar companies in Tea

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tea

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Tea: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,580.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can affect your pricing. Tea’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Tea have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.72$15,637$10,48715.0 years
8 kW$3.65$20,449$14,38314.7 years
10 kW$3.58$25,060$18,48014.4 years
12 kW$3.51$29,471$22,77814.1 years
14 kW$3.44$33,681$27,27613.8 years
16 kW$3.37$37,690$31,97413.5 years
18 kW$3.29$41,499$36,87313.2 years
20 kW$3.22$45,108$41,97313.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar panel company you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, including:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you hire.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
  • Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
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EcoWatch's Tea, SD Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Tea?

The average cost of solar panels in Tea is about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 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 consume.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Tea?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically 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 way to go if you want to maximize your savings.

Do solar panels increase the value of your home?

Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Tea is currently $356,390, so you could be looking at a value of about $14,612 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Tea is a worthwhile investment.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.