Solar Panel Cost Guide in Box Elder, SD (2024 Update)
- Box Elder Solar Installation Cost: $21,344
- 25-Year Savings: $31,028
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Box Elder
We break down average solar pricing in Box Elder.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Box Elder, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average Box Elder homeowner needs a 8.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $21,344 with the federal tax credit, or $30,522 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Box Elder can save about $20,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Box Elder
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,709 |
| 3 years | $-16,438 |
| 5 years | $-13,167 |
| 7 years | $-9,897 |
| 9 years | $-6,626 |
| 11 years | $-3,356 |
| 13 years | $-85 |
| 15 years | $3,186 |
| 17 years | $6,456 |
| 19 years | $9,727 |
| 21 years | $12,998 |
| 23 years | $16,268 |
| 25 years | $19,539 |
Top Solar Installers in Box Elder
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Since solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Box Elder
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Box Elder
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Box Elder is $21,344, your actual cost may differ. There are many 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
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Box Elder, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,580 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Box Elder average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Box Elder, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Box Elder homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Box Elder, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $16,259 | 12.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $22,079 | 12.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $28,100 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $34,321 | 11.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $40,743 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $47,366 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $54,189 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $61,212 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though 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 peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar panels, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two 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 past customers.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
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 Box Elder, SD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Box Elder?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Box Elder?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid 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.
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 typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.