Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brandon, SD (2024 Update)
- Brandon Solar Installation Cost: $22,145
- 25-Year Savings: $23,889
- Payback Period: 14.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brandon
We break down average solar pricing in Brandon.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Brandon, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Brandon is around 8.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $22,145 for a solar installation, or $31,667 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Brandon homeowners see about $17,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Brandon that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Brandon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-20,687 |
| 3 years | $-17,770 |
| 5 years | $-14,853 |
| 7 years | $-11,936 |
| 9 years | $-9,019 |
| 11 years | $-6,102 |
| 13 years | $-3,185 |
| 15 years | $-268 |
| 17 years | $2,649 |
| 19 years | $5,566 |
| 21 years | $8,483 |
| 23 years | $11,400 |
| 25 years | $14,317 |
Top Solar Installers in Brandon
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. The payback period on a solar system will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but going with a solar installer can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Brandon, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Brandon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brandon
There are several factors that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Brandon, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Brandon to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with 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 | $10,620 | 14.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $14,561 | 14.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $18,703 | 14.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $23,045 | 14.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $27,587 | 13.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $32,330 | 13.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $37,273 | 13.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $42,417 | 12.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good 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 satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire 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 Brandon, SD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Brandon?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Brandon?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 incentives 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 how much your home is worth?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Brandon is currently $366,556, which means you can look forward to a value of about $15,029 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Brandon is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Brandon?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.